ISLAMIC jurisprudence (Fiqh) is based on the maxim: “La darar wa la dirar” (Do not cause harm or reciprocate harm). (Hadith, Sunan Ibn Majah, 2340)

Harm to the environment is harm to humanity. The Maqasid al-Shariah (Objectives of Islamic Law) include the protection of: Life (Nafs), Wealth (Mal), Lineage (Nasl), Religion (Deen) and Intel­lect (‘Aql).

Environmental degradation un­dermines all of these objectives. Therefore, from an Islamic legal standpoint, damaging water bod­ies, polluting the air, and destroy­ing biodiversity are major sins (kabaa’ir).

Conclusion

Environmental degradation in Ghana poses grave threats across multiple sectors—air, water, land, and biodiversity—with severe con­sequences for human survival and well-being.

In the water sector, illegal small-scale gold mining (galamsey) has led to toxic heavy metal pollution in rivers such as Pra and Ankobra, jeopardising both drinking water safety and aquatic life (Arthur et al.,2025).

These contaminants accumulate in the food chain, causing chronic illnesses and birth

defects in affected communities.

Urban sprawl and deforestation are rapidly diminishing Ghana’s forest cover, particularly in areas like Wa Municipality. This leads to loss of biodiversity, disrupted eco­systems, and climate vulnerability through increased surface tem­peratures and decreased rainfall (Anokye et al., 2025).

Agricultural lands are also be­ing encroached upon, resulting in reduced crop yields, food insecu­rity, and the displacement of rural populations.

Air pollution from vehicle emis­sions, burning waste, and industri­al activities—especially in major cities like Accra—has led to rising cases of respiratory diseases, car­diovascular illnesses, and reduced life expectancy, particularly among children and the elderly (Kazapoe et al., 2025).

Moreover, indiscriminate plastic disposal has overwhelmed waste management systems, leading to flooding during rainy seasons, which spreads waterborne dis­eases like cholera and typhoid (Gonçalves et al., 2025).

Coastal regions such as Winneba and Cape Coast face severe coastal erosion and wetland destruction, threatening fishing livelihoods and increasing vulnerability to sea-lev­el rise (Enock &Isaac, 2025).

Meanwhile, climate change exacerbates all these challenges— affecting rainfall patterns, increas­ing droughts, and undermining national development goals.

In sum, environmental degrada­tion in Ghana is a multi-sectoral cri­sis that endangers public health, livelihoods, ecological stability, and national resilience, demand­ing urgent and coordinated policy action.

Islam provides a rich moral and legal framework for environmental stewardship. The Qur’an and Sun­nah emphasise balance (mīzān), cleanliness (taharah), ansustain­ability (istidāmah).

As Allah’s vicegerents (khalifah) on earth, it is our duty to main­tain the earth’s balance, preserve its beauty, and ensure that future generations inherit a livable plan­et.

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author

 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dis­sipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.” Luke 21:34-35 (NIV)

 WE are pleased to share an old article that continues to speak powerfully to the realities of our present day. May its message bring you comfort and renewed trust in God.

Many of us find ourselves caught on a treadmill, always rushing, al­ways focused on what’s next, and rarely still enough to experience the peace God offers right now.

But Scripture calls us to some­thing different: to quiet confi­dence, to rest, and to trust. In this article, we reflect on the timeless truths of God’s care, explore why worry is both futile and harmful, and consider how the name of the Lord — El Shaddai — becomes our refuge and strength.

The burden of worry

In Luke 21:34–35, Jesus warns us not to let our hearts be weighed down with the “anxieties of life.” He speaks of a time when worry and distraction could consume people so completely that the day of the Lord would come upon them like a trap.

That warning still resonates to­day. Whether it’s global instability, personal uncertainty, or financial strain, we are all susceptible to anxiety. But God’s Word reminds us that the key to overcoming worry is not found in our frantic activity, but in quiet, confident trust in Him.

“Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” — Isaiah 30:15 (NLT)

Resting in the lord

A touching story is told of a London doctor who, though bedridden and paralysed, in­spired everyone with his cour­age and joy. One day, his son told him he wanted to leave home and make a life for him­self. The father responded:

“Son, the thing to do is to hold your own end up, and do it like a gentleman — and please remember that the biggest troubles you have got to face are those that never come.”

That truth reflects the very heart of Jesus’ teaching in Mat­thew 6:25–34, where He gives us seven reasons why we should not worry:

1. God is the giver of life, and He will sustain what He created.

2. Birds do not farm or store food, yet they are fed — we are worth much more.

3. Worrying is pointless — it changes nothing essential.

4. Flowers, though short-lived, are clothed in un­matched beauty — how much more will God care for us?

5. Worry reflects un­belief — something unbecoming of those who know the loving, gra­cious, and generous nature of God.

6. When we seek first the kingdom of God, worry loses its power — God becomes our main focus.

7. We defeat worry by living one day at a time — trusting God with today and leaving tomor­row in His hands.

• By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author