Preserving Environment Preservation as Muslim’s Obligation

Devin Halim Wijaya24 April 2025

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The natural world is a gift from Allah ﷻ that needs to be safeguarded. Muslim stewardship of the environment is a religious duty (fardh) derived from Islamic teachings not just a social duty. The significance of protecting the environment and avoiding corruption on Earth are clearly outlined in the Quran and Hadith. This article will go over how Islam places a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and how it is the duty of every Muslim to help save the planet.

Islamic Perspectives on The Environment

According to Islam the environment has both spiritual and practical significance as a component of Allah’ ﷻs creation. What Allah says in the Quran proves that:

“And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” (Quran, Al-A’raf: 56).

This verse highlights that humans must preserve the natural equilibrium and are forbidden from destroying the environment. Furthermore Islam teaches that according to the Quran people are Allahs stewards (khalifah) on earth:

“And when your Lord told the angels ‘I will establish a successive authority on earth.(Qur’an, Al-Baqarah: 30).

Humans are stewards whose duty it is to manage the planet responsibly which includes protecting the environment.

The Duty to Protect The Environment

In Islam protecting the environment is a collective duty known as fardh kifayah rather than a free will act. This implies that the community as a whole will have fulfilled its obligation if a small number of Muslims carry out this duty. The entire Muslim community however is responsible for the sin if nothing is done. It is clear from this that Islam takes environmental issues very seriously. In terms of environmental care Islam also provided exemplary examples. He forbade the destruction of plants and resource waste. The Prophet ﷺ stated the following in a hadith:

If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him. (Sahih Bukhari).

According to this hadith caring for plants and planting trees are honorable deeds and ways to worship.

Also read:Islamic Green Investment: When Islamic Investment Meets Environmental Values

Important Actions for Protecting the Environment in Everyday Life.

We Muslims can take a number of doable actions to preserve the environment. First, use water responsibly. The significance of water conservation was illustrated by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He used only one mud of water (roughly 0. 6 liters) for wudu (ablution) and one sha of water (roughly 3 liters) for bathing (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).This teaches us to make effective use of water even in situations where it is plentiful.

Second, keeping oneself and his environment clean is a component of ones faith. Islamic teachings are expressed in maintaining a clean environment such as by refraining from littering. Muslims should also refrain from practices that harm the environment such as careless trash burning or the use of dangerous chemicals. Muslims also should show their concern for the environment by leading eco-friendly lives. Examples of these practices include reducing food waste, using public transportation and utilizing reusable water bottles.

Also read:How Islamic Securities Crowdfunding (SCF) Contributes to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

Taking Care of the Environment as a Religious Expression

Maintaining the environment is also a way to express ones faith and engage in worship. A Muslim who is environmentally conscious shows that they understand their duty as a steward of the planet. On the other hand because it affects other animals and future generations environmental damage can be regarded as an act of injustice (zulm).

In Conclusion

According to the Quran and Hadith it is the duty of every Muslim to protect the environment. We have a responsibility to protect and preserve nature as stewards of the planet. We carry out our duty as devout Muslims by making minor changes like conserving water planting trees and keeping the area clean. May we all lead the way in protecting the environment and leave a healthy planet for coming generations.

Also read:Responsibility as Professional Ethic for Muslims