The imbalance being seen in environment and the way natural resources are being exploited in a gratuitous manner has raised grave concerns the world over so much so that social scientists have started thinking that man will have to face its dangerous consequences and human existence on earth will be rather difficult in the future if ecological imbalance is not contained. The Qur’an says: “Corruption has become rife on land and sea in consequence of what people’s hands have wrought;….” (30:41)
The chaos and anarchy man has created in the universe, especially in human society, just to satisfy his whims and inconsistencies, is very much palpable. Felling trees, destroying forests, cutting the woods on hilltops, digging mountains, excessive use of water, causing blockages in the natural waterways and sources of water are the various manifestations of chaos and anarchy created by man. All human beings hold equal rights to natural resources; but capturing natural resources on the part of some people or governments and depriving others therefrom affects the ecological balance and accelerates chaos. We are seeing its grave consequences with our naked eyes. Water level going too deep, scanty rainfall at some places and heavy rainfall at others, floods and earthquakes frequently hitting us are the various consequences of this chaos.
Water holds primary importance in human life. Continuation of human life, its promotion and prosperity depends thereon. All the Exalted has sent down water in abundance to meet human needs. All human beings have right to these water resources. This is why Allah the Exalted has enjoined man to make good use of it and prohibited from its excessive use: “Eat and drink but do not be wasteful. Surely He does not love the wasteful.”(The Qur’an – 7:31)
Even if there is abundance of water resource, excessive use of it has been prohibited in explicit terms. There is prohibition of unnecessary use of water even while doing ablution (wadhu). A companion was making excessive use of water while doing ablution. Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) said to him: “What is this excess?” He (the companion) asked: “Is there excess with water in ablution?” The Messenger said, “Yes, even if you were on the banks of a flowing river.” (Ibn Majah: 425)
In today’s capitalistic economy, consumerism is being very much projected. The things we do not need at the moment are being presented in such a way as to compel us to purchase them right now. The culture of use-and-throw is being promoted. There might be some benefits and advantages thereof, but the real intent behind it is promotion of marketocracy. This use-and-throw culture is adding to environmental pollution and creating other problems.
Plantation holds great importance in maintaining ecological balance. To ensure it, where it is necessary that forests are retained and green trees are not felled, this is also a must that plantation is undertaken, barren lands are made worth farming and human habitations are kept green. Islam considers all such activities to be Sadqua-e-Jariyah (noble deeds the reward of which continues even after the doer dies) and people have been encouraged to do it.
Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) used to instruct the armed forces, while deploying them to certain areas, not to harm farm lands on the way, and not to fell trees without any pressing need. In a Hadith the Blessed Messenger says: “If the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, then let him plant it.” (Musnad Ahmed:12491)
Cleanliness, hygiene and purity is related to the health of individuals as well as to the cleanliness and protection of environment. Islam lays much importance to it. In a Hadith, Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) said: “Purity is half of faith.” (Muslim: 223)