If you have any questions
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us via live chat or email!
Guardians of the Earth: How Islam Inspires Us to Protect Nature
Caring for nature has become a major concern in today’s world, but for Muslims, this responsibility is not new. Islam has always emphasized taking care of the environment and being kind to all living beings. The Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are full of guidance on how to live in harmony with nature. Neglecting our responsibility has severe consequences for both individuals and societies. When humans harm the environment, they disrupt the balance that Allah has created. This leads to environmental, social, and even spiritual harm. .This article explores Islamic teachings on the environment in simple terms, with examples that show how Islam inspires us to be guardians of the Earth.
Nature is a Gift from Allah
The Earth and everything in it are blessings from Allah. The sun, the trees, the rivers, and even the air we breathe are all provided by Allah for our benefit. In the Qur’an, Allah reminds us that He has created everything for a purpose:
“We placed firm mountains on the earth, so it does not shake with them, and made in it pathways, so they may find their way.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:31)
This verse highlights the stability and guidance that Allah has provided through His creation. Mountains anchor the Earth, pathways allow humans to navigate, and every element of nature is designed to serve a role in sustaining life. These blessings from Allah remind us of the responsibility to protect and preserve the environment, as it is an essential part of His creation entrusted to us.
In another verse, Allah mentioned “He is the One Who smoothed out the earth for you, so walk along its slopes and eat of His provisions. To Him is the resurrection of all.” (Surah Al-Mulk 67:15)
This verse shows that the Earth has been prepared for humans to live on and benefit from, but this privilege comes with responsibility. As Muslims, we must use nature’s blessings wisely, protect them, and avoid waste or harm.
Humans as Stewards of the Earth
Allah has made humans stewards (Khalifah) of the Earth. This means we are caretakers who must protect and maintain the balance of the natural world. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“It is He who has made you successors upon the earth…” (Surah Al-An’am 6:165)
Being a steward is a great honor, but it also comes with responsibility. If we harm the environment, pollute the air, or waste resources, we are failing in our duty as stewards. On the other hand, when we plant trees, conserve water, and protect animals, we are fulfilling our role as caretakers of Allah’s creation.
-“Indeed, We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were apprehensive of it; but man [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:72)
The term Amanah implies accountability. Just as a person entrusted with wealth must manage it carefully, humans must protect the Earth and its ecosystems, ensuring they are not destroyed or degraded. Misusing the Earth’s resources or polluting its environment is seen as a betrayal of this trust.
Balance in Nature
The Qur’an teaches us that Allah has created the world in perfect balance. Everything in nature has a role, and nothing exists without a reason. Allah says:
““He raised the heavens high and set the balance, so do not defy the balance. Maintain the weights with justice and do not fall short in the balance.” (Surah Ar-Rahman 55:7-8
This balance, called Mizan in Arabic, is what keeps the natural world working smoothly. When humans destroy forests, pollute water, or hunt animals to extinction, we disrupt this balance. Islam teaches us to live in a way that respects this balance and avoids harm to the environment.
Examples of Balance in Nature
Allah has designed every part of the natural world to function in harmony, with each component contributing to the overall balance. Some examples include:
- Ecosystems: Forests, rivers, oceans, and deserts each have unique ecosystems that support specific plants, animals, and microorganisms. Disrupting one part of an ecosystem, such as cutting down trees, can harm all the other parts.
- The Water Cycle: The balance of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation ensures that water is available for plants, animals, and humans. Polluting water sources or wasting water disrupts this cycle.
- The Food Chain: Plants, herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers form a natural cycle. Overhunting or removing a species can destabilize the entire food chain.
- Carbon and Oxygen Levels: Plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis, which humans and animals breathe. In turn, we exhale carbon dioxide, which plants use. This balance sustains life on Earth.
The Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings on Nature
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) showed us how to care for nature through his words and actions. His life is full of examples of kindness toward animals, respect for plants, and conservation of resources.
1. Caring for Animals
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) loved animals and treated them with compassion. He taught that being kind to animals is an act of worship and a way to earn Allah’s blessings. One famous story highlights this:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) told the story of a man who saw a thirsty dog near a well, He helped the dog to drink Because of this act of kindness, Allah forgave the man’s sins.
““While a man was walking on a road, he felt extremely thirsty. He found a well, climbed down into it, drank, and came out. Then he saw a dog panting and licking the ground out of thirst. The man said to himself, ‘This dog is suffering from thirst just as I was.’ So he climbed down into the well again, filled his shoe with water, held it in his mouth as he climbed back up, and gave the dog water to drink. Allah appreciated this act and forgave him.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This story teaches us that small acts of kindness toward animals can have great rewards.
One of the prophet’s (PBUH) companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, is there a reward for us in serving animals?”
He replied: “Yes, there is a reward for serving any living being.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
The Prophet also warned against cruelty to animals. He once entered a garden that belonged to a man from the Ansar, and there was a camel. When the camel saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), it began to weep, and its eyes overflowed with tears. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) approached it and wiped its tears. Then he said: “Who is the owner of this camel?”
A young man from the Ansar came forward and said, “It belongs to me, O Messenger of Allah.”The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Do you not fear Allah with regard to this animal which He has placed in your possession? It has complained to me that you starve it and overwork it. Fear Allah in regard to these mute animals. Ride them when they are in good condition, and feed them properly.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood,
These hadiths showcase the Prophet’s concern for animal welfare, emphasizing that even animals have rights. Islam instructs Muslims to treat animals with compassion, avoid overburdening them, and ensure they are well-fed and cared for. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of mercy toward all creatures.
2. Protecting Plants and Trees
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to plant trees and grow crops, saying:
“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charity for him.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Even planting a single tree is considered an act of worship in Islam. The Prophet also emphasized planting trees for the benefit of future generations. He said:
And when he gave an example of the last act you can do when the Hour (the Day of Judgment) came suddenly he said “If the Hour begins and one of you has a sapling in their hand, let them plant it.” (Musnad Ahmad)” (Musnad Ahmad)
This shows that caring for nature is an ongoing responsibility, even when the end of the world seems near.
3. Avoiding Waste
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was very mindful of wasting resources. He taught his companions to use water sparingly, even when performing ablution (wudu). He said:
“Do not waste water, even if you are performing ablution on the banks of a flowing river.” (Ibn Majah)
And about food, The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught: “The food for two people is enough for three, and the food for three people is enough for four.” (Sahih Muslim)
This simple yet powerful statement reminds us that wasting resources is never acceptable, no matter how abundant they may seem.
This teaching aligns with the order of Allah in the quran “… Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely He does not like the wasteful.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:31)
While Allah allows us to eat, drink, and enjoy life, He forbids wasting or using more than we need. Wasting is a sign of being ungrateful, and it harms everyone by using up resources that others might need. It also upsets the natural balance that Allah has created for the world.
Avoiding Pollution
Islam places great importance on cleanliness, both personal and environmental. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This hadith shows that keeping public spaces clean is an act of worship. It also teaches us that throwing trash on the streets or leaving harmful things in public places is against Islamic teachings.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also forbade polluting water. He said:
“Do not urinate in standing water that does not flow.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This teaching can be applied today to remind us not to dump waste into water sources like rivers, lakes, or oceans, as it can harm others and the environment.
The Qur’an warns us about the consequences of harming the Earth:
“Corruption has spread on land and sea because of what people’s hands have done, so He may cause them to taste some of the consequences of their deeds and perhaps they might return [to the Right Path].” (Surah Ar-Rum 30:41)
Caring for Nature is Worship
In Islam, taking care of nature is more than just a responsibility, it is an act of worship (Ibadah) that shows gratitude to Allah for the blessings He has given us. Allah has created the Earth and everything on it for our benefit, and He has told us to use these blessings wisely.
The Qur’an says: “And He has placed ships at your service, sailing through the sea by His command, and He has placed rivers at your service. And He has placed the sun and the moon in your service, both constantly orbiting, and He has placed the day and the night in your service. And He has given you all that you asked Him for. If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Indeed, humankind is truly unfair, totally ungrateful.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:32-34). Caring for these blessings, such as water, animals, plants, and the land, is a way to thank Allah and avoid being ungrateful.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also showed how looking after nature brings rewards. He once said: “Whoever revives barren land will be rewarded for everything that eats from it—whether it is people, animals, or birds.” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This means that planting trees, protecting the soil, or making the environment more livable for others are acts of kindness that earn Allah’s pleasure.
Every effort we make to care for the Earth, such as saving water, cleaning up litter, or protecting animals, is not only helpful to the environment but also helps us get closer to Allah. By caring for nature, we are fulfilling our duty as stewards of the Earth and honoring the trust Allah has placed in us.
What Islamic scholars say?
In addition to the Qur’an and Hadith, Islamic literature includes classical works, writings of scholars, and principles derived from Islamic law (Shariah), which also address caring for the Earth. Here are some examples:
1. Imam Al-Ghazali on the Importance of Nature
In his famous work Ihya’ Ulum al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), Imam Al-Ghazali reflects on the connection between spirituality and the natural world. He explains that every element of nature—such as plants, animals, and the stars—serves a divine purpose and should be treated with respect. Al-Ghazali emphasizes that gratitude to Allah involves caring for these blessings and avoiding harm to them.
2. Ibn Khaldun’s Observations in Ecology
The great Islamic scholar and historian Ibn Khaldun, in his seminal work Muqaddimah (Introduction to History), highlights the interconnectedness of human societies and the environment. He warns against exploiting natural resources irresponsibly, noting that such behavior leads to societal decline. Ibn Khaldun’s insights lay an early foundation for what we now call environmental sustainability.
3. Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) on Environmental Conservation
Islamic law (Fiqh) includes specific rulings that aim to protect the environment. Examples include:
- (Protected Zones): In early Islamic governance, certain areas of land, forests, or water sources were designated as Hima, or protected zones. These areas were off-limits for overgrazing, hunting, or exploitation to preserve them for future use.
- (Buffer Zones): Harim refers to areas around wells, water sources, or public resources that are protected from harm or pollution. This legal principle ensures the sustainability of these essential resources.
Practical Ways to Care for Nature
Islam’s teachings on nature are timeless and can be applied to modern environmental issues. Here are some simple ways Muslims can care for the environment:
- Plant Trees: Follow the Prophet’s advice and plant trees in your community. This not only benefits people and animals but also improves air quality and reduces pollution.
- Save Water: Avoid wasting water in daily activities like washing dishes, taking showers, or watering plants.
- Reduce Waste: Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers to reduce plastic waste. Recycle materials whenever possible.
- Be Kind to Animals: Treat animals with compassion, provide food and water to stray animals, and support ethical farming practices.
- Avoid Littering: Keep public spaces clean by properly disposing of trash and encouraging others to do the same.
- Support Environmental Projects: Participate in tree-planting drives, clean-up campaigns, and other initiatives that protect the environment.
4. Al-Qarafi on Rights of Non-Human Creatures
The Islamic jurist Al-Qarafi, in his writings, discusses the rights of animals and the environment. He explains that all creatures have intrinsic value and must not be harmed unnecessarily. His work emphasizes that humans are accountable for their treatment of the natural world under Islamic law.
5. Early Islamic Agricultural Texts
Islamic civilizations made significant advancements in agriculture and environmental management. Books like Kitab al-Filaha (The Book of Agriculture) by Ibn Al-Awwam provided detailed guidance on sustainable farming practices, water conservation, and land management. These texts promoted harmony between human activity and the natural environment.
Recent Islamic initiatives to care about nature
Islamic organizations worldwide are actively engaging in environmental conservation, aligning their initiatives with Islamic teachings that emphasize stewardship of the Earth. Here are some notable efforts:
- Ummah for Earth
This alliance unites 22 organizations and 5 individual allies to empower communities in environmental action. They focus on highlighting the connection between Islamic faith and climate action, encouraging Muslims to advocate for the planet’s well-being.
- Green Muslims
Based in the Washington, DC area, Green Muslims is a volunteer-driven organization that connects Muslims with nature and environmental activism. They host educational events, service projects, and outdoor activities, serving as a bridge between the Muslim community and local climate action groups.
- Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES)
IFEES is an international organization dedicated to environmental protection through Islamic teachings. They collaborate globally, offering educational resources and practical projects that translate Islamic environmental ethics into action.
- Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth
Initiated by the United Nations Environment programme’s Faith for Earth, Al-Mizan engages Islamic scholars and institutions to develop sustainable practices. It serves as a framework for addressing environmental challenges through an Islamic lens.
- Green Mosques Initiative
Part of the Ummah for Earth alliance, this initiative empowers Muslim communities, especially those on the front lines of the climate crisis, to lead a green and just transition to sustainability. It encourages mosques to adopt eco-friendly practices, reflecting the Islamic duty to protect the environment.
These initiatives demonstrate a growing commitment within the Muslim community to environmental stewardship, inspired by Islamic principles of balance, justice, and responsibility toward creation.
Conclusion: Protecting Nature is Protecting Our Future
The Qur’an, Sunnah, classical Islamic literature, and scholarly insights all emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship. Islam views the Earth as a divine trust (Amanah) placed in the hands of humanity, urging us to preserve its balance and protect its resources for future generations.
The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) complement these divine commands. His advice to conserve water, even when abundant, and his emphasis on planting trees and protecting animals reflect the practical ways Muslims can contribute to environmental care.
Islamic scholars like Imam Al-Ghazali and Ibn Khaldun have further expanded on the relationship between humans and the natural world.
These timeless lessons are complemented by the agricultural and scientific advancements of early Muslim civilizations, which emphasized sustainability, water management, and the harmony between human activity and the environment.
Modern initiatives by Islamic organizations, build on these rich traditions, encouraging Muslims to adopt eco-friendly practices in daily life. These efforts remind us that environmental care is not only a moral and social obligation but also a form of worship (Ibadah) that brings us closer to Allah.
By acting on these teachings, Muslims worldwide can contribute to solving modern environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. Simple actions like conserving water, planting trees, recycling, and avoiding waste align with Islamic principles and have a significant impact.
Latest Articles
Raising Pets in Muslim Houses: Rules, Etiquettes, and Benefits Islam teaches kindness and responsibility toward all living creatures, including pets...
Sarcasm in Islam: A Comprehensive Understanding Sarcasm, often described as a sharp, mocking, or ironic remark meant to convey disdain or criticism...
Guardians of the Earth: How Islam Inspires Us to Protect Nature Caring for nature has become a major concern in today’s world, but for Muslims, this...