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.

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

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:

“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.

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.

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

 Forgiveness is thenhigher way

Paul acknowledges the gravity of Onesimus’ offense. Legally and ethically, Onesimus had done wrong. Under Roman law, Philemon had every right to punish him. Yet Paul calls him to choose a higher path—grace.

“For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever” (v. 15). Paul reframes the pain of separation as a providential oppor­tunity for lasting unity.

As Christians, we’re invited to see beyond the offense and choose the eternal perspective. Forgive­ness isn’t minimising the pain—it’s maximising the grace of God. It’s choosing to imitate Christ, who bore our sin without bitterness.

We are a forgiven people

Years in ministry often reveal a painful pattern: unresolved conflict and an unwillingness to forgive can cripple individuals and entire communities. Families drift. Churches divide. And the gospel is obscured by pride and pain.

Someone said something. Someone got offended. Someone refused to forgive. And so, heal­ing never happened. Every time forgiveness is withheld, the Body of Christ suffers. But when we take steps to reconcile, we bear witness to the redemptive power of the gospel.

Forgiveness is more than an emotional release—it is a spiritual act of obedience. It puts God’s grace on display. It makes visible the invisible love of Christ.

Are you struggling

to forgive ?

Here are five helpful questions to evaluate your heart:

1. Do I feel anger or anxiety when I think about this person?

2. Do I secretly wish for them to suffer as I did?

3. Would I serve or help them if they needed it?

4. Can I sincerely pray for their well-being?

5. Would I be upset if God blessed them?

These questions don’t con­demn us—they guide us. They help us identify areas where grace is still needed, where healing is still possible.

CONCLUSION

Forgiveness is one of the most Christlike things we can do. It doesn’t ignore justice—it entrusts it to God. It doesn’t excuse the offense—it acknowledges the cost and chooses love anyway.

Is there a Philemon in your life? Someone you need to forgive? Or are you more like Onesimus—long­ing to return but unsure if you’ll be received?

Today is a good day to choose grace. For the sake of the gospel, the Church, and your own soul, why not begin the process of for­giveness?

Let’s make this commitment together: By the grace of Christ, I will pursue unity, forgive freely, and live in the freedom that only forgiveness brings.

• By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author