ISLAM - environmental ethics

Question 1

What is Khalifa

Answer 1

Stewardship

Question 2

What is Akrah

Answer 2

Personal accountability

Question 3

What is Mizan

Answer 3

Balance and sustainability

Question 4

Explain what Khalifa is 3

Answer 4

• Muslims are inescapably subject to Allah’s laws and hence they are responsible for caring for the earth as it is instructed in the Quran
• Adam was appointed khalifa and by extension every descendent has inherited the power and responsibility in relation to the universe and its life forms
• By fulfilling Allah’s will in caring for the earth, it gives the adherent purpose and meaning as well as strengthens their relationship with Allah of which the by-product is being able to reach El-Jannah (not the reason but a result)

Question 5

Give 3 quotes for Khalifa

Answer 5

‘The world is sweet and verdant, and verily Allah has made you stewards in it, and He sees how you acquit yourselves.’ - Hadith
‘It is Allah who gives life and causes death’ (Quran 3:156)
- ‘Allah made you creation’s khalifa on earth’ (Qur’an 6:165).

Question 6

Explain Akrah 3

Answer 6

• Humans inherently have free will but it doesn’t mean that they are free of consequence, this is jihad in that they have to put Allah’s will ahead of one’s own personal gain
• A Muslim’s intentions and actions are recorded by angels, so by doing the right thing, this will be recognised on the day of judgement where they are held accountable for their unrighteous choices. Poor choices may lead a Muslim to Janahannam (hell) whereas by choosing righteousness they can enter El-Jannah
• Individuals in positions of power and authority have the responsibility to use their influence in ways that don’t harm the environment or their species

Question 7

Give 2 quotes for Akrah

Answer 7

‘And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do’. (Quran 29:45)
‘He will judge between them…those who believe and do good will be in Gardens of bliss…those who disbelieve and reject Our messages, for them is an abasing chastisement.’ (22:56-57)

Question 8

Explain Mizan 3

Answer 8

• Allah created the universe perfect in proportion, measure and balance as a life-supporting system, the ecosystems were perfect and sustained life for all species and it is imbalance that has put ecosystems at risk (anthropogenic)
• Quran refers to taking the ‘middle path’ – no one group has the right to take resources for its own benefit to disadvantage of other creatures, this applies to both global and intergenerational justice
• All elements in the universe are interdependent and connected, they are of value to each other and so Allah created things to serve creation itself, not to serve humans. Creation was designed to function as a whole, each part plays its own self-preserving role, and in doing so supports the rest

Question 9

Give 2 quotes for Mizan

Answer 9

‘Behold, everything have We created in due measure and proportion’ (Qur’an 67:3-4).
‘We have willed you to be a community of the middle path’ (Quran 2:143)

Question 10

Example for Akrah (2)

Answer 10

Shift to living simply during Ramadan –> renounces sensual pleasures and decedent goods, by reducing their consumption and holding themselves accountable they can carry this forth after Ramadan.
Islamic Declaration on Climate Change –>
- Islamic leaders have called on the world’s 2.2 billion Muslims to play an active role in combatting climate change at an International Islamic Climate Change Symposium in Istanbul of which the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change welcomed this
- In excerpt 2.8 it also encourages Muslims to emulate Muhammad’s example in their everyday life e.g. ‘took delight in the created world’ and was ‘a mercy to all beings’ -

Question 11

Example for Mizan

Answer 11

Green Hajj
The mosques in Mecca and Medina currently use recycled water to reduce water waste. By imposing expectations around the use of single-use plastics, travelling via group transport options, and bringing energy efficient appliances, adherents can assist in maintaining the balance.
Hajj will inherently have an environmental footprint because of the travel, but they can try to balance this out through simple actions which they are encouraged to then emulate in their daily lives after Hajj

Question 12

Example for Khalifa 2

Answer 12

Conserving water during Wudu (Islamic procedure for cleansing parts of the body, a type of ritual purification, or ablution). If 1.8 billion Muslims perform 5 prayers daily, it is estimated that up to 45 billion litres of water is used. Modern mosques will use sensor technology on taps to minimise the amount of water wasted during ablution as 30-47% of water used during ablution is wasted when a tap is running.
International Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES)
A Muslim organisation that is heavily involved in research and the dissemination of information on environmental issues. Works to motivate Muslims and encourage them to volunteer to help with their projects and live up to their responsibilities as guardians of the Earth. e.g. Integrating Religion within Conservation: Islamic Beliefs and Sumatran Forest Management helps to restore forests in Indonesia.