The Muslim is an Environmentalist

“If the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, then let him plant it.”⁴⁵
(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Allah (swt) has introduced people to the environment, told them the meaning codes of the universe, and taught them how to develop a relationship with nature since the day their life on earth has begun. There are numerous verses in the Holy Qur’an expressing the functioning of the universe, the balance and order between creatures, the purpose of creation of each and that they are the evidences of the existence, power and wisdom of Allah.

From the smallest to the biggest, every creature in the universe has a spiritual value beyond their physical value. Because everything on the skies and earth glorifies the Almighty Allah. There is no creature from birds to stones, plants to ants, sun to stars without a goal. The meaning Islam put on the environment is based on the principle that every creature has self-value due to the purpose of their creation.

According to the Islamic thought system, the environment is created by Allah; is being controlled and monitored by Him all the time; and entrusted to humans. Because among other creatures, human is the one who can perceive the environment at the highest level, shape and use it, and can link the environment to Allah. Therefore, Allah put nature and everything on the skies and earth into the service of humans. However, this does not mean that humans have the right of limitless use on nature. Human is not the master of universe but the trustee of it. They will answer to Allah in case of harming the environment by acting as they wish, or destroying it to acquire power and benefit.

Allah created the earth not only as the habitat of humans but also of animals and plants. Therefore, the Muslim preserves the animals’ and plants’ right to live, and acts justly, kindly and mercifully towards them. The Prophet Muhammad states that even a sparrow killed with no reason will demand justice by notifying Allah about its state.⁴⁶ Therefore, environmental ethics in Islam refers to an attitude away from selfishness, materialism, greed, and insatiability.

The universe with all its beauty is the blessing of the Almighty Allah to humanity. The environment will stay clean due to its system if humanity does not interfere, poison, cut or burn it with their own hands. The Muslim takes responsibility regarding the environment, protects the natural pattern, and live in compliance with it. Because the environment is the most valuable treasure and future of humans.