August 01, 2008
Friday
Rajab 28, 1429
Islamic view of natural world
By Mohammad Niaz
RELIGIOUS principles and guidelines for the conservation of natural resources
play a major role in the scheme of things. Islam perceives the natural world as
a creation of Allah that reveals His glory and that the individual entities and
creatures are reflections of supreme divine work.
As a matter of fact,
the teachings of Islam are based on a moderate concept which means a balance is
maintained in use of resources which are to be to be protected and preserved for
times come. All biotic and abiotic elements in the surroundings make up the
environment which include soil, water, air, forests, animals, birds, rivers,
streams, insects, and other physical components.
None of the things is
useless but meets human needs in this diversified system of the universe. Human
beings and biotic and abiotic entities that Allah has created are
inter-dependent and inter-related. Islam emphasises the need for sharing the
natural resources which not only benefit individuals but the whole
system.
Several references in the Quran and Hadith provide guidelines and
knowledge about rational use of natural resources.
Numerous verses
relating to environment in the Holy book explain vitality of earth, water, seas,
birds, animals, atmosphere and insects that reflect the entire spectrum of life
on the earth called biological diversity. In sura 13, verse 3, importance of
earth, mountains, rivers and fruits has been mentioned. In sura 15, verse 19 to
21, it is stated that “the earth, We spread it out and set there on mountains
standing firm. We caused all kinds of things to grow therein in due balance.
Therein We have provided you and those you do not supply with means of
subsistence and there is not a thing but its stores are with Us. We do not send
it down save in appointed measures.” This clearly reflects the importance of
physical components of the world. Similarly, the earth has been blessed as
productive and fertile entity.
The Holy Quran is replete with references
to importance of water which is an essential element of life on earth, without
which the survival of living beings is not possible. In sura 50, verse 9 to 11,
water is described as celestial bliss benefiting gardens, grains, tall palm
trees, and reviving the land when it is dead. Why one should not be thankful to
Allah for this matchless blessing down on earth. Water brings cleanliness to
human beings.
There are also several passages dealing with the phenomena
that occur in the atmosphere. The Quran maintains in sura 30, verse 41, that
“corruption doth appear on land and sea because of (this evil) which man’s hands
have done”. This refers to the fact that human beings while perusing their needs
and wishes have tilted the level of the balance. Deforestation has largely
influenced the quality of atmosphere and is a threat gaining
momentum.
Resultantly, clean air which is the right of all living beings
to have an access to is contaminated and polluted, due to decrease in area of
trees or forests which are lungs of nature. This has increased dangers of global
warming, climate change, ozone depletion, CFC, C02, S02, use of chemical and
pesticides. Industrialisation and urbanisation have stepped up the scale of
nature’s deterioration.
That’s why the Quran warns in sura 55, verse 9
that “you exceed not the measure”. This is very much true that once the balance
in the system is upset it can result in its destruction and total collapse.
Similarly, it appears in Hadith, Ibni Maja, 2340, “do not harm others nor your
self”. This explains explicitly that inflicting harm on any element of the world
in terms of use and utilisation will, no doubt, disrupt the whole natural
process. Over-use has also been discouraged in the Quran, which is reflected in
sura 7, verse 31. It is forbidden to over-exploit available
resources.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) had declared areas around Medina for
about 20km as protected, where tree-cutting and leaves-plucking was prohibited.
The vegetable kingdom is also referred to in the Quran. In sura 16, verses 10
and 11 it is emphasised that “(Allah) is the one Who sends water down from the
sky. For you this is a drink and out of it (grow) shrubs in which you let
(cattle) graze freely. Therewith for you He makes sown fields, olives, palm
trees, grapes and all kinds of fruit grow”. In order to maintain the balance,
Allah created things in pair as reflected in sura 13, verse 3 “of all fruits
(Allah) placed (on the earth) two of a pair”.
Allah has extended divine
beneficence to man for his living and fulfilment of needs. In sura 16, verses 5
to 8 state that Allah created cattle for you for warmth, services, food and for
bearing loads. It is also stated that “And He createth that which ye know not”.
This shows that man is ignorant of the worth of many things Allah has
created.
There are references to existence of animal communities such as
ants, bees, spiders and birds in the Quran. In sura 16, verse 79 it is mentioned
“do they not look at the birds subjected in the atmosphere of the sky. None can
hold them up except Allah.” Cruelty to animals has been discouraged. The Prophet
states “leave the birds in their nests and dwelling places peacefully.” At other
place, he says “do not target any living being purposelessly.”
The Quran
describes Heaven as a place of plants and greenery as mentioned in sura 85,
verse 11. There are several kinds of trees and plants mentioned in the Quran. In
sura 29, verse 40, it is stated that “it was not for Allah to wrong them but
they wronged themselves,” a reference to human activities. At several places
justice and just use have been emphasised. When the Noah deluge occurred, Allah
ordered Noah to keep living beings in pairs in his Ark. This clearly depicts the
purpose to perpetuate biodiversity thereafter.
ABDUL WAHID OSMAN BELAL
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