The traditions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ have been reflecting in the G-20 declaration. First, pollution caused by human activity is a big problem for the planet. For example, pesticides are strong chemicals used to kill insects and other small animals that damage crops, but these chemicals seep into rivers and lakes where they kill fish. Humans also destroy natural habitats of many different animals to build on, or to make way for farmland. Some animals cannot cope with sudden, major changes to their natural habitats. In the last 50-60 years, human beings have destroyed half of all forest and woodland for timber, construction, and fuel, or for more space to grow crops.
This deforestation is against the saying of the Prophet of Islam. As a result, most species, including humans, need oxygen from trees to survive, and increase in carbon dioxide resulting from deforestation has contributed to the greenhouse effect.
There are lots of examples of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺfollowers who are environmental activists. They strive to take personal responsibility for the environment, as well as encouraging others to do so to ensure the future of the planet.
Secondly, Muslims believe that God has created the world, which of course makes it sacred. They also believe that God is present everywhere, so doing harm to the world is doing harm to God. This means people must care for the world and take responsibility for its future. Further, Muslims believe that God created the world and this in turn motivates them to care for the planet. According to Islam, caring for the planet and doing one’s best to avoid damaging it is an important duty of the human being.
In view of these, following the traditions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ,Muslims believe that God made human beings stewards of the Earth, in-charge of caring for the created world. This means that while the world belongs to God, people have been entrusted to look after it for making the world a peaceful living place.
Also, Muslims believe that humans have a huge responsibility, and it does not mean that God gives humans the right to treat the planet however they would like. The Qur’ān also tells Muslims that they have the duty of guardianship, which is known as khalifah. Muslims believe that they will be held accountable for their actions affecting the planet on the Day of Judgement.
In Islam, life is sacred and one of the greatest gifts and blessings of God. Every moment of life has great value and is irreversible. Therefore, it must be appreciated and protected from cold wars, fighting one country with another. In this regard, most Islamic intellectuals are of the view that in Islam, the basic goal of development is to create an environment that enables people to enjoy spiritual, moral and socio-economic well-being in this world and success in the Hereafter. In other words, this refers to the well-being of the whole humanity. Many Muslim academics are deeply concerned for the future of the planet.
[The writer is Associate Professor of Financial Economics, College of Business Administration,King Faisal University,Alhasan,Saudi Arabia.]