Fruitful Living

 Qur’anic Evidence on Environmental Responsibility (Part 2)

 Allah draws our attention to the divine wisdom in creating the earth and subjugating its resources for human benefit:

“It is He Who created for you all that is on the earth.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:29).

“And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heav­ens and on earth. Behold, in that are signs indeed for those who re­flect.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:13).

These verses affirm that the nat­ural world is a divine gift created for human benefit, but not for reckless exploitation.

Advertisement

The trust (Amaanah) placed upon mankind requires careful and sus­tainable use, respecting the rights of future generations and all other creatures.

Islam and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 6 – Clean Water

and Sanitation

Advertisement

Clean water and hygiene are es­sential for life and spiritual purity. Islam obliges ablution (wudu) and cleanliness as part of daily wor­ship.

The preservation of life (Hifz al- Nafs) is one of the five objectives of Shariah, and access to clean water and sanitation plays a key role in achieving it.

SDG 13 – Climate Action

Islam calls for moderation in con­sumption and energy use. Waste­fulness (Israf) is condemned:

Advertisement

“Indeed, the wasteful are broth­ers of the devils, and the devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord.”

(Surah Al-Isra, 17:27).

Climate change, driven by over­use of fossil fuels and deforesta­tion, threatens life on earth.

Muslims are taught to protect air quality, plant trees, and reduce carbon emissions—principles that resonate with SDG 13.

Advertisement

SDG 14 – Life below water

Oceans and marine ecosystems are under threat from pollution and overfishing. The Prophet warned against contaminating water:

“Do not urinate in stagnant water which people use.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 282).

This Hadith underscores early Islamic environmental regulations aimed at preserving clean water and marine life.

Advertisement

SDG 15 – Life on Land

Islamic teachings are rich in di­rec­tives for land preservation. Allah warns: “And the earth we have spread out, and placed therein firm mountains and caused to grow therein all kinds of things in due proportion.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:19).

Tree felling without cause, soil erosion, and habitat destruction are all contrary to Islamic ethics.

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author

Advertisement

Trending

Exit mobile version