The last part of the past century up to now is replete with concerns about our environment. Issues like global warming, climate change, pollution, and others are issues which are sadly ignored by most people. Many people feel like they do not contribute anything in the destruction of the environment or it is solely the government’s duty to take care of the environment and so they do not feel the necessity to know anything about nature and its preservation.
This is different in Islam as the issue of the preservation of nature is regarded as a form of piety. Muslims are well-rooted to the fact that we are all connected to nature because the Quran often draw parables or lessons from nature in order for Muslims to understand this religion further. One such example is when Allah said in the Quran, “Indeed in the creation of the heavens and the Earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for the people who reflect.” Quran 3:190. The Quran talks much about trees, rivers, seas, mountains and others and how most people are denying these valuable blessings from Allah.
It is also worth noting that even during war times, Muslims are prohibited to destroy trees, kill livestock and other living things except for a purpose such as to be used in building or for food.
HUMANS AS MAINTAINERS OF BALANCE
Allah said in the Quran, “Indeed I will make upon the Earth a successive authority.” Quran 2: 30. This successive authority which means the humans from Adam down to the last human on Earth meant that a succession of human generations shall reside on Earth as an authority in it. It meant that humans shall have the ability to change things on Earth to suit itself to a greater degree than all the other creatures on Earth such as plants and animals. Humans as sentient beings shall be able to build societies, create infrastructures and technology to aid its existence.
Najma Mohamed, a Muslim environmentalist, commented on the above verse that the interpretation of the word successive authority means being a custodian and not master. It meant being trustees and not tyrants to our environment. That if a Muslim understands trusteeship he or she cannot exploit and abuse natural resources otherwise they will fail to realize the concept of successive authority or custodianship of Earth. Mankind needs to carry out this role with compassion, kindness, and sincerity – with justice and goodness. Our relationship with all of creation should reflect these qualities.
Custodianship on Earth meant that Humans are supposed to retain balance and harmony according to what Allah said, “All of the produce of the Earth are duly proportioned.” Quran 15:19. Prophet Muhammad said, “The world is sweet and green and verily Allah is going to install you as vicegerent in it in order to see how you act.” Narrated by Imam Muslim. This meant that humans shall be judged as to how they treat not only fellow humans but the environment as well.
These Islamic teachings are not only timely but also general for the whole of mankind and not only for the Muslims as the current rate of climate change is attributed to the exploitation of nature and the uncontrolled consumerism which leads to the pollution of our air, water, land, and others.
THE MUSLIM MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE
This environmental problem is aggravated by the destruction of our environment through irresponsible mining that flattens our mountains and poisons the rivers and seas with toxic chemicals. Excessive logging has also diminished the forests that provide shelter and clean breathable air for all. We were forced to cut more trees and bore through more mountains in order to produce consumer goods.
If we were to blame humans on our huge impact to the environment, it is due to our insatiable desire to produce, buy and throw away consumer goods that become waste which obviously our environment could not sustain. Non-biodegradable waste, plastic specifically is literally filling our lands and oceans as tons of plastic is thrown irresponsibly daily. Air pollution has gone worse and there are some cities whose air is so polluted you will be sick simply by staying outdoors for extended periods.
Manufacturing all those consumer goods that humans buy, replace and throw away is worsened by the human desire to always have the latest gadget as if their own existence depended upon it. Every year, used mobile phones alone pile up more than what recycling facilities could handle in order for its electronic parts to be used in other applications. All these used mobile phones contain toxic chemicals like lead, arsenic, and others which are dangerous if they are simply thrown into the garbage like a banana peeling.
All these cause us much problem if only humans could learn a valuable virtue – contentment. Prophet Muhammad said, “Wealth is not the abundance of material possessions. Real wealth is the inner wealth.” Narrated by Imam Al Bukhari and Imam Muslim. This Islamic ideal teaches us that consumerism is not the cause of our happiness but we should find happiness in nobler things such as piety, service to our fellow humans, and others.
Islam aims to simplify our lifestyles so that we are not victimized by the rat race of consumerism that makes many of us accumulate things that will only go to waste without adding any value to our lives except for the satisfaction of our ego to keep up with the others in material possessions. Actually, consumerism and materialism is not only an environmental issue because it affects the human psyche most of all. Research has shown that most people who try to keep up with the technological trend who often end up being in debt are more at risk of depression as their happiness is simply built upon fleeting feelings of satisfaction.
A Muslim on the other hand who lives a minimal lifestyle is both healthy psychologically and environmentally. A minimalist does not need a fancy car, house or clothing and changes it every year. He does not need to buy a new laptop or mobile phone every six months. All his purchasing decisions are based on utility and is purpose-driven and not fad-driven. This simple lifestyle helps him keep himself sane and his environment clean due to less garbage he produces.
