Islam and the Environment
Qur'an encourages humans to investigate the entire universe
No matter how hard we try we will never fully comprehend the work of the Almighty
Allah blessed us with the universe and creation of all things, but also with knowledge and status of being the masters
The Trust
Allah gave responsibility to humans to care for his creations - know as al amanah
Humans strive to gain power
How you use that power determines strengths and weaknesses
Political people have power but so does everyone else
Our combined actions can have detrimental effects
Our actions in some way effect the universe and the natural environment
Example 1: Eating a hamburger; the grassland that the cow consumed could have been used for larger quantities of food
Example 2: Use of electrical appliances which creates pollution due to hydrocarbon burning
Example 3: Eating imported fruit or rice can support companies that took land from peasant farmers who used the land for survival
We should grow more of our own food, monitor electricity expenditure, or use public transport, walking, and biking as a way to get places
We should use our money and resources to help people who are not as fortunate
Islamic Economics
Used to be that money was exchanged, but so were foods like dates and grains
Natural resources had more power and worth
Money was in forms of copper, gold, and silver that could be melted to make useful items
Rates were fixed, which means profiting was not allowed
Economy was proportioned to the functioning of the earth
Today's society focuses more on making profits
Current economy is comparable to Monopoly where only a small group of people own all of the property
All other people survive off of loans, rent, and mortgages
Wealthy need to focus on helping people who are more needy
Causes people to think and be curious
Allows for reflection
Subtle observations of creations and the way they were meant to function and be used
Allah created everything in balance with each other
Change in natural law/balance leads to a loss of situational control
We only see or think of Allah when we lose control
Disruption in present day environment has led to us appreciating nature more
We have realized how important nature is to our physical and spiritual lives
Human science has led to a multitude environmental destruction
If we can respect Allah and his creation then he will help us in our quest to continuously exist
Allah is in control and understands every aspect of the universe
Even small things can disrupt the balance = butterfly effect
There is ecological balance, balance of justice, and balance of right and wrong
Must follow Allah's instructions to maintain balance
Allah will punish those who disturb the balance
Example: People of Lot
Rise and fall of peoples throughout Islamic history
In order to ensure balance people need to frugally live, which is very rare in western society
Western societal dream/goal: growth and affluence
We want power and wealth
When we have wealth and power we avoid people who are less fortunate
Allah encourage spending your money and wealth as long as it is used for good
Wealth should be shared with all people not just among the rich
People deserve their rights and freedom when they cultivate and conserve the environment, not when they destroy it for wealth
People who hold onto their wealth are condemned
People take advantage of Allah's creations when they destroy the environment - example: cutting down forests
People are forced to do desperate things when they are less fortunate and in debt
Muslims are individually responsible for their action no matter their financial status
Living on unsury is condemned
Working for one's living is condemned
Begging is condemned
Moderation in consumption is recommended
Prophet went without food for sometimes a whole month
Making a profit should be beneficial to the community, if not those actions should be forbidden
Weapon trade should be forbidden
Tobacco and harmful chemicals should be forbidden
Drug and alcohol trade should be forbidden
No person should be ridiculed for trying to conserve and protect the environment
Jobs and wealth should not become before protecting the environment
THE ENVIRONMENT IS JOBS
We need Allah's creations for everything we do and create, no matter how big or small