Environmental stewardship is an act of worship: The Islamic response to climate change, environmental degradation (Part 5)

Waste management and public cleanliness

Closely connected to water conservation is the Islamic emphasis on cleanliness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that “Purity is half of faith” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 223). Although this Hadith primarily refers to personal and spiritual cleanliness, its broader implications extend to the cleanliness of homes, neighbourhoods, markets, roads, and public spaces. A clean environment reflects both personal discipline and collective responsibility.

Unfortunately, indiscriminate disposal of refuse remains a significant challenge in many communities. Plastic waste clogs drainage systems, contributes to flooding during the rainy season, pollutes rivers and beaches, and threatens marine ecosystems. Open burning of waste further degrades air quality and poses serious health risks, particularly for children and the elderly (UNEP, 2024).

Islam calls believers to eliminate harm wherever it exists. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2989; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1009). This teaching encourages Muslims to view environmental cleanliness as an act of service to society. Proper waste disposal, recycling, community clean-up campaigns, and responsible sanitation practices are therefore practical expressions of Islamic charity and civic responsibility. Mosques can play an exemplary role by maintaining clean premises, minimising plastic waste during religious programmes, promoting reusable materials where practical, and educating congregants on environmental sanitation. Such initiatives demonstrate that environmental ethics are inseparable from Islamic values.

Sustainable development and the ethics of moderation

The modern concept of sustainable development seeks to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). Although this terminology is contemporary, its underlying principles have long been embedded in Islamic teachings.

The Qur’an consistently promotes moderation and warns against excess. Allah commands, “Eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess” (Qur’an 7:31, Sahih International). Extravagance, wastefulness, and irresponsible consumption contribute significantly to environmental degradation by accelerating resource depletion, increasing pollution, and generating unnecessary waste. Islam, therefore, encourages a lifestyle characterised
by moderation (wasatiyyah), gratitude, and responsible consumption.

Similarly, the Qur’an describes the universe as having been created in perfect balance and instructs humanity not to disturb that balance (Qur’an 55:7–9). Sustainable development, viewed through an Islamic lens, is not solely about economic growth; it is about ensuring that economic progress, social wellbeing, and environmental protection advance together in harmony. Development that
enriches one generation while impoverishing the next contradicts the ethical principles of justice and stewardship emphasised throughout the Qur’an.

For Ghana, sustainable development requires integrating environmental protection into national planning, mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, and industrialisation. It also demands greater investment in renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, responsible land management, afforestation, and environmental education. These initiatives are consistent not only with international commitments such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (particularly Goals 6, 12, 13, and 15) but also with the Islamic principles of stewardship, justice, moderation, and public welfare.

Ultimately, water conservation, responsible waste management, and sustainable development are not separate environmental agendas; they are practical manifestations of humanity’s role as Khalifah. Every drop of water conserved, every piece of waste properly managed, every tree planted, and every effort to promote sustainable living reflects obedience to Allah and contributes to the preservation of His creation. In this way, ordinary environmental actions become
extraordinary acts of worship, demonstrating that faith is expressed not only through ritual devotion but also through responsible care for the world that Allah has entrusted to humankind.

Aligning Islamic environmental ethics with the sustainable development goals

The environmental values espoused by Islam closely align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating that Islamic principles continue to provide practical guidance for addressing contemporary global challenges. While the SDGs were adopted in 2015 as an international framework for sustainable development, many of their underlying values have been embedded in Islamic teachings for over 14 centuries.

For example, the Islamic emphasis on protecting water resources directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water for all. Likewise, the Qur’anic prohibition against wastefulness and extravagance complements SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging moderation, efficient resource use, and environmental responsibility.

Islam’s call to preserve ecological balance and prevent corruption on earth resonates strongly with SDG 13 (Climate Action), which urges coordinated efforts to combat climate change and build resilience against its impacts. Similarly, the obligation to protect forests, wildlife and biodiversity reflects the aspirations of SDG 15 (Life on Land), which promotes the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

This convergence illustrates that environmental stewardship is both a religious obligation and a global development priority. Muslims therefore have an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national and international sustainability efforts while remaining faithful to the ethical teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Protecting Allah’s creation simultaneously fulfils the objectives of
Islamic law and advances the broader pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development.

The author is Chief Imam of Katamanso Municipal and Certified Counsellor and Governnace Expert.

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