The environment is not just a physical space we live in. It is a trust, a gift, and a responsibility given to humanity by Allah. Islam provides clear guidance encouraging respect, preservation, and sustainability of the world around us.
What Is the Environment?
The environment includes everything that surrounds a person: water, air, land, animals, and plants. Islam encourages maintaining the cleanliness and purity of the environment and warns against damaging it. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that harmful actions against the environment lead to sickness, harm, and corruption in society.
For example, the Prophet ﷺ warned against urinating in still water used for washing or drinking. This demonstrates Islam’s early call to prevent contamination and protect public health.
The Human Relationship with the Environment in Islam
1. Environment Protection as a Religious Duty
Protecting the environment is not just a social responsibility — it is a religious obligation.
Allah created the universe with balance and precision. Any disruption to this balance harms both people and nature.
Quran:
﴿وَالْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَاهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ وَأَنبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مَّوْزُونٍ﴾
“And We have spread out the earth and placed firm mountains on it, and caused to grow in it every kind of well-balanced thing.”
(Surah Al-Hijr, 19)
Islam teaches that humans must keep the air, water, and land clean, and avoid anything that leads to harm, pollution, or destruction.
Allah warns:
﴿وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَاحِهَا﴾
“Do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been set in order.”
(Surah Al-A’raf, 85)
2. Human Responsibility in Environmental Damage
The Quran reminds us that human actions are the primary cause of environmental imbalance.
﴿ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ﴾
“Corruption has spread on land and sea because of what people’s hands have earned.”
(Surah Ar-Rum, 41)
As populations grew and industries developed, pollution increased:
- More natural resources were extracted.
- Fire and fuel were used more extensively.
- Forests and wildlife habitats were reduced.
- Air and water quality weakened.
Islam calls us to avoid waste and act responsibly toward nature.
Connecting Our Actions to Our Belief
If you or your children would like to study the Quran in a way that connects faith with daily life values like responsibility, discipline, and respect for nature — our online one-on-one Quran classes can help guide that journey with care, clarity, and patience.
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