THE QURAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS: A CALL FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN MODERN TIMES

Abstract

Humanity, along with the Earth, is being seriously threatened by a combination of environmental factors including, but not limited to, climate change, deforestation, pollution and the loss of biodiversity. The Islamic tradition has principles that are profound in value and can be employed to combat the aforementioned issues. This review provides an understanding of how Quranic teachings portray the responsibility of conserving nature, portraying humans as khlifahs (stewards) on Earth who need to live in symbiosis with nature. Moderation, balance, manipulation, and the collective Quranic duty fundamental to the Islamic community will be analyzed to provide solutions to ecological problems that stem from negligence. All of these principles prompt us to avoid wastefulness along with conserving resources and respecting life as a whole. Furthermore, the discourse will analyze issues that contribute largely to the failure to adhere to these principles, such as global consumerism, ignorance or in some cases lack of Islamic environmental anthropology, and poor governance and policies. Quranic moderation and sustainability will flexibly be argued against to show how modern economic frameworks highly reliant on profit and the fanatic culture of overconsumption severely damage the balance of the natural ecological systems. The fostering of ignorance and lack of education, coupled with low exposure to Islamic teachings greatly reduces the role the Muslim world should be playing in solving ecological issues along with neglecting the overwhelmingly fact they are guided by the Quran. Lastly, weak or lack of policy enforcement in many countries serves as an immense barrier towards sustainable practices and thus the policies aimed at improving environmental conditions often go untreated. To address these issues, the article highlights the importance of Islamic scholars in propagating Quranic Environmental ethics through preaching, teaching, and nongovernmental organization activities. Apart from that, it is suggested that the environmentally relevant aspects of Islam should be taught in schools and discussed in public so that people can appreciate and practice it. Furthermore, it calls on governments in Muslim-dominated countries to establish green policies based on Quranic teachings, such as investing in renewable energy, environmental preservation, and efficient waste disposal systems. Together, the personal responsibilities are also important. Waste reduction, resource conservation, and environmental friendly practices are the obligation of all. The Quran provides a modern and comprehensive approach to solving today’s environmental issues. Adopting this approach will provide a way for people to live sustainably without causing harm to the world for those who come after them while accomplishing their duty to take good care of the planet.

Keywords: Environmental Ethics, Sustainability, Quranic Principles, Stewardship, Balance, Conservation, Wastefulness, Collective Responsibility, Islamic Teachings, Ecological Challenges.