Islam and Environmental Ethics

• Signifies the interconnectedness of humans and the earth.
• Muslims are required to act ethically regarding the environment.
• Fulfilling ethical teachings is required.
• Caring for the environment allows Muslims to submit to Allah.
• Ethical teachings within Islam are formed by Tawhid, Ayat, Kalipha, and Akhira.
• Adherents strengthen their relationship with God through the Qur'an and Hadith, which are obligatory (Fard) to follow.

Tawhid

• Teaches the uniqueness, oneness, and unity of Allah the Creator.
• Provides the starting point to discovering the nature of His creation and the need to conserve it.
• Affirms the interconnectedness of the natural order and the creation of One God.
• Muslims must respect all of nature as God's creation.
• Recognizing Tawhid means acknowledging that God created Earth in perfect balance, a concept known as Mizaan.
• "We created in proportion and measure" refers to Earth's balance.

Water conservation

• Recognized as the source of all life.
• Preventing the corruption of natural resources or water pollution is considered ethical and civilized.
• An act of submission to Allah.
• Giving water to another living thing on Earth is a great charitable act in Islam.
• This is rewarded and brings Muslims closer to Allah.

Muslim Aid

• Has a 'safe water' project to provide clean, safe drinking water to those in poverty.
• Shares the resource of water, taking care of all of Allah's creation.
• Providing others with water leads to greater submission to Allah.
• "Allah makes the water flow."

Kalipha

• Means steward or guardian.
• Refers to the understanding that in creating the world, Allah placed creation in human care.
• Kalipha involves using the world's resources in a way that the environment is nurtured and sustained.
• The environment is a responsibility to care for and nurture.
• Muslims are guardians and protectors of Allah's property.
• "It is he who appointed you Khalifs on this Earth."

Tree Planting

• Adherents believe they are "heirs to the Earth."
• Maintaining the earth for future generations (Muhammad planted 500 date palm trees).
• If a tree is chopped down, another should be planted to replace it.
• It is considered charity when another human eats from a tree you planted (zakat).

Hidaya Foundation

• Has the 'one million trees' project with the aim of planting as many trees as possible.
• Implements and coordinates the tree planting.
• Monitors the growth of the trees each month.
• The trees maintain Allah's creation and benefit people in need (farmers, communities, poorer areas).
• "Beatify the land and benefit people in need."

Akhira

• Muslims will be judged by Allah depending on if they have taken on their responsibilities.
• Judgment includes caring for the environment.
• If Muslims preserved the environment, they will be sent to Jannah (heaven)
• "Whoever kills a sparrow... Allah will hold accountable on judgment day."

Treatment of Animals

• Muslims are taught not to hunt recreationally.
• "Whoever shoots a living creature for sport is cursed" (Muhammad).
• Animals should be respected as part of Allah's creation.
• "Whoever is kind to creatures is kind to himself" (Hadith).

Muhammad Campaign

• Aims to improve public understanding of Muslims.
• Area of focus = animal welfare, aims to spread awareness about the importance of caring for animals.
• "Mercy to animals goes hand in hand with faith."

Hajj

• Last of five pillars of Islam
• A major weeklong pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca
• Takes place 2 months and 10 days after Ramadan in the 12th Islamic month
• Considered ‘Fard’ (obligatory)
• Muslims must perform Hajj at least once in their life
• If physically or financially unable, the intention or “niyyah” will suffice
• Surah 3:97 states that to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House for whoever is able to.
• Rituals (Ihram, Tawaf, S'ay, Wuquf, Jamarat) reinforce Muslim beliefs.
• Guiding Muslims to develop Islamic identity and an understanding of what it means to be Muslim.
• Muslims hope to be purified in the world and increase prospects of a reward afterward (akhira and afterlife).
• Allows adherent to be rejuvenated and reborn.

Irham

• The sacred state
• Pilgrims carry out bathing and cleaning rituals (wudhu) to complete Hajj.
• Dress in white robes for purity.
• When entering Irham pilgrims recite prayer at Miqat, “I respond to your call O Allah, I respond to your call, and I am obedient to you and no other.” (Talbiya).
• Confirms belief in Allah and willingness to serve him.
• The oneness of God (Tawhid) as Irham clothing is worn regardless of Sunni/Shi'a divides, race, wealth, and status.
• Is symbolic of Ummah's equality and them being united in submission to Allah.
• Profession of faith towards Allah (shahada)- “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
• State of ihram allows adherents to prepare for week of purification and devotion to Allah, so sins are redeemed.
• Uniting the community around core beliefs creates universal feeling of brotherhood/sisterhood and a state of equality.
• Simulates the Day of Judgment, rebirthing sincere adherents, reminding Muslims of accountability, encouraging positive contributions whilst visually reinforcing equality among individuals.

Tawaf

• Circling of the Ka'ba 7 times in a counter-clockwise direction.
• Adherents try to touch the Ka'ba as they circle it.
• Expresses unity amongst Muslims.
• The stone is the only remaining piece from house of God, built by Abraham and Isma'ili.
• The notion of thousands circling a single object, reinforces monotheism within Islam.
• Ka'ba glorifies one God (Tawhid) "Just as we are circling the one and only Kaʼba...we only obey you the absolute one worthy of worship."
• Circling symbolizes entering a man-made cosmic orbit. “It is he who created the night and the day...each in an orbit floating".
• Circular movement reinforces to adherent that Allah is central power in life, an act of obedience/submission to the will of Allah.
• Muslims confirm God as the centre of their life
• Allows Muslims to feel a renewed sense of obedience and submission to Allah's will.
• Reminds the community how Muhammad established Islam creating an appreciation for their shared Islamic heritage.
• When Islamic pilgrims from all over the world gather to reflect on religious history/heritage during Hajj, Islam's identity as religious system is strengthened.

Wuquf

• Arafat is the pinnacle of Hajj. “Hajj is Arafat,” - Muhammad.
• Pilgrims proceed to mount Arafat where they supplicate, pray linking to salat, repent, reflect + engage in worship until sunset.
• The place where prophet Muhammad gave last sermon on a hill called “Jabal Al Rahmah” (hill of forgiveness).
• Pilgrims perform 'wuquf', meaning “stand before god” as they venture to the mountain of Arafat and remain on feet from sunrise-sunset reflecting on their sins.
• Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of wuquf for adherents to become righteous/faithful as they are brought closer to Abrahamic roots as “whatever good you do; God is fully aware of” (Quran). -Faith is increased and beliefs reinforced
• Develops Islamic identity and deepens Muslim understanding, as for the community, Muslims are reminded of their responsibility to family, community, and humanity through God's guidance.
• Helps them make positive contributions to the world.