Introduction
Concern for environmental issues has increased today as
skills have developed more quickly than wisdom and
rationalism and as environmental problems have become a
reality endangering human life both in the present and in
the future. The situation could become worse unless human
beings change their behavior to the better.
It goes without saying that if human beings had abided by
the teachings of Islam, complied with its injunctions, and
heeded its warnings, they would have avoided all the
causes at the root of environmental problems. Allah,
Sublime be His Name, the Creator of the human soul, knows
what is good and what is bad for that very soul. Almighty
Allah said in His Holy Book: « Should He not know—He that
created. And He is One that understands the finest
mysteries (and) is well-acquainted (with them) » (Mulk
14).
Islam has tackled all environmental issues in a
comprehensive manner, without going into the finest
details. Allah, Most High, said : « Nothing have we
omitted from the Book » (An’am 38).
In another surah, He said : « Then We put thee on the
(right) way of religion : so follow thou that (way) » (Jathiya
18).
Furthermore, in the Hadith, the Prophet has dealt with all
of the topics that came up in the Qur’an. Allah said: «Nor
does he speak of (his own) Desire. It is only a
Revelation revealed. » (Najm 3-4).
Since the goal of ISESCO is to disseminate Islamic
thought, through deep Islamic studies projects presented
in a simple, easy and accessible style, I was honored to
be charged by the Organization with the preparation of
this study on «Environmental Issues with Reference to the
Quran and the Prophetic Tradition”.
This study is divided into three parts :
- The first part deals from an Islamic viewpoint with the
concept of environment as both a civilizational and
natural reality.
- The second part highlights the signs of the divine
miraculous and inimitable creation of nature.
- The third part addresses environmental issues and their
causes as a result of the interaction of elements from
the natural and cultural systems. It also sheds light on
the opinion of the Qur’an and the Prophet on these
problems. For had human beings abided by their faith and
its regulations, they would have spared themselves all of
these environmental problems.
Allah I beseech to compensate those in charge of the
ISESCO and reward them in this world and in the Hereafter.
May Allah assist them in all that serves the cause of
Islam and Muslims and in their task of disseminating
Islamic culture.
Allah, Sublime be He, I implore to accept this academic
humble work and put it on my balance of merits on the Day
of Judgement.
Dr. Mohamed Assayed Jamil
