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THIRD PART
THE ATTITUDE OF ISLAM TOWARDS
SOME ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
1. Air Pollution
Using the technological devices and tools that he invents
each year and which serve to extract and transform raw
materials such as iron, copper and oil, man has affected the
natural environmental system using his economic system,
which is essentially based on industry, he set up thousands
of factories to improve the living standards of the
population thereby changing the structure of the Social
fabric. On a political level, he sought to conclude
commercial agreements in order to import raw materials and
find markets for selling manufactured goods. Many gases such
as carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, oxide nitrogen, sulfur
compounds, molecules and smoke have become abundant as a
result of industrialization. These substances interact with
each other and cause the pollution of the atmosphere, and,
consequently, air pollution.
Scientists define air pollution as the existence of solid,
liquid or gaseous substances in the air in amounts capable
of inflicting physiological, or economic damages or both on
human beings, animals, plants, equipment, and tools; or of
affecting the natural physical and chemical structure of
things.
The Attitude of Islam Towards Air Pollution :
Islam considers pollution as a sort of mischief, damage and
alteration. The protection of air from pollutants is an
individual religious duty of every Muslim. In one of its
verses, the Qur’an regarded mischief as a crime and calls
attention to the retribution awaiting those who do it : «And
do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order»
(Araf: 56); «And make your own hands contribute to your
destruction»(Baqara : 195); «But if any one, after God’s
favor Has come to him, substitutes(something else) God is
strict in punishment» (Baqara : 211). Muslim scholars
considered all types of smoke to be hazardous. It is
referred to in the Qur’an as «a grievous penalty». Allah
said «Then watch thou for the Day that the sky will Bring
forth a kind of smoke (or mist) plainly visible, Enveloping
the people : This will be a Penalty grievous.» (Dukhan :
11)
2. Water Pollution and Paucity :
Through all the systems that he has devised as part of the
civilization system (the cultural system, the social system,
the economic system, the technological system, the political
system and the vital system), man has interacted with the
natural environment (earth system + water system). This
interaction is not without its consequences. Indeed man has
dumped his human, plant, animal, mineral, industrial and
chemical residues (acids, alkalines, dyestuff, minerals,
fat, plastic, lubricating oil, insecticides, lead,
hydrocarbon compounds, blood, sewage, mercury, cadmium,
etc…) into water, causing a great amount of water pollution.
Worse still, man has also polluted rain water. When rain
falls from the sky, it gathers pollutants dispersed in the
air such as nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide, and soil grains.
It is incontestable that rain water comes pure from its
source. Allah said: «And we send down pure water from the
sky» (Furqan : 47). The gaseous pollutants melt in water
only during rainfall. Moreover, man’s indiscriminate
activities pollute groundwater as a result of the different
chemical substances and sewage water that seep into it. He
also disposes of waste in a careless manner. Thus, it leaks
into the geological layers that carry groundwater and
pollutes them.
The Attitude of Islam Towards Water Pollution :
Water preservation lies at the heart of preserving life in
all its aspects. Allah prohibited polluting water : «So eat
and drink of the sustenance provided by God, and do no evil
nor mischief on the (face of ) the earth» (Baqara : 60). The
Prophet (PBUH) said : «Cover cups and closely tighten the
mouth of kraters (from which you drink) because there is a
night in the year on which pests infect any uncovered cup or
krater».(narrated by Muslim) (Kitab Al-Ashriba)(56).
The Prophet called for tightening the mouth of kraters (from
which we drink) in order to guard against pollutants which
may be transmitted to it through the air or against insects
that transmit viruses and parasites, such as crickets, mice,
ants and gnats. Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him,
reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said : «None of you should
urinate in stagnant water and wash from it» (narrated by
Muslim)(57). The Prophet also prohibited
urinating in running water, as narrated by Tabarani on the
good authority. The Prophet also said : «Beware of cursed
things : defecating in water, in shades (where people rest)
and in the path that people take». Defecating in water leads
to polluting it because of the parasites and the unpleasant
smells as well as the reduction in the rate of oxygen found
in it. This affects greatly the organisms living in water
such as fish and the like. It also transmits diseases such
as cholera. In this respect, all that leads to a prohibited
thing is necessarily a prohibited thing, prevention is
better than cure and staving off mischief has precedence
over procuring interests.
Drinking Water Paucity
:
The volume of water is estimated at 1360 billion cubic
meter. 97% of this quantity is found in seas and oceans,
whereas drinking water is only 3% which is distributed as
follows : 1% drinking water, about 9% of which is
groundwater, and the rest is surface water found in rivers
and lakes(58).
- Icy water create a very important balance in the
environment. It is essential for human life in the sense
that if it melts (by itself or due to human intervention),
islands and coasts would be submerged.
- Drinking water is constantly renewed thanks to rain. Water
allocation is not consistent with the population
distribution in the world. There is a great disparity in
water distribution in the world. In Brazil there is 18%,
Russia 13%, Canada 9%, United states 8%, whereas the flow of
the Nile, which meets the needs of 10 countries, does not
exceed 0.3%(59). For instance, 15 rivers contain
33% of this amount. Nowadays, many countries are unable to
satisfy their needs in drinking water. The Muslim countries
come at the top of them. This problem is raised in the
Qur’an : «Say : «see ye?- if your stream be some morning
lost (in the underground earth) who would then supply you
with clear-flowing water» (Mulk : 30).
- Reports show that water consumption in the world(60)
has increased from 1360 cubic Kilometer in 1950 to 4310
cubic kilometer in 1990. It is expected that consumption
will reach 5190 cubic kilometer in 2000. Agriculture
consumes 69% (as an international average) of water,
industry 23% and households 8%. Many scientists forecast
that the world is heading toward a problem of water shortage
in the 21st century. To do something about this problem, a
conference on water was held in Paris in March, 1998. The
recommendations called for setting up ad hoc agencies of
water basins protection for the Nile basin and the Euphrates
basin, etc…The task of these agencies is to find diplomatic
and peaceful solutions, root out the causes of conflict over
water, transform them into elements of concord among the
countries of the basin, and unify the efforts with the view
of ensuring fair shares of water and ensuring its protection
from pollution.
The Attitude of Islam Towards the Problem of Drinking Water
Paucity :
The Prophet (PBUH) said : «men share three things : water,
grass (herbage), and fire»(61). Water is the
property of everyone. The Qur’an also prohibited the
over-exploitation of water.
Allah said : «eat and drink but waste not by excess for God
loveth not the wasters» (Araf : 31). Ibn Majja reported a
Hadith from Ibn Umar who said that the Prophet passed near
Saad Ben Abi Wakkas when he was performing his ablutions and
said : «What is this waste? And the latter replied : is
performing ablutions an extravagance? He said: yes, even if
you are (doing them) at a running river»(62) :
3. Earth and Soil Pollution :
The pollutants of air and water pollute also the soil for
the air passes through its grains. Rainwater, irrigation
water and groundwater also seep into the grains of the soil.
Therefore, any disorder in a system will necessary affect
the others. Man, via his systems (cultural, technological,
social, and economic), alters the natural system as
represented in the soil. Thus he throws away his solid waste
and house garbage, buries his excretions, increases the use
of insecticides and pesticides, and abuses of chemical
fertilizers as well as heavy mineral wastes such as lead,
mercury and cadmium. All this engenderes soil pollution
which is in turn transmitted to the human body through food
chains. As a consequence, man suffers from many diseases
such as cancer, kidney failure and nervous diseases. Islam
prohibits all sorts of mischief in the land. Allah said :
«That if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or
for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he
slew the whole people» (Maida :32). Many Islamic experts
pointed out that types of mischief include tree felling and
all types of pollution in view of the fact that they cause
death. The Prophet prohibited causing damage and inflicting
it on others. He said : «No harm and no inflicting harm»,
and «who caused harm Allah shall inflict harm on him.»
Narrated by Ibn Majja and Abu Dawud.
4. Noise Pollution :
Voice is very important for the communication of ideas. It
came in the second place after the eyes in the Qur’an. Allah
said : «Have we not made for him a pair of eyes and a tongue
and a pair of lips» (Balad : 9). Scientists(63)
define noise pollution as the constant change in the forms
of the vocal waves, in that the strength of the voice
exceeds the natural average permitted by scientists for the
ear to receive and transmit to the nervous system. Noise
occurs as a result of the interaction of the social system
represented in high population density with the
technological system represented in industrialization, the
high numbers of factories and workshops, and the
concentration of airports near cities. It also occurs as a
result of the interaction of these systems with the economic
system and the predominance of industry over other
activities. The interaction of these systems, (including
their sub-systems) results in noise pollution, a main cause
of headaches, disorder in the blood cycle, high blood
pressure, nervous system diseases, digestion troubles, and
some physiological diseases(64). The most
important of them are change of mood, nervous tension, the
increase of cholesterol in the blood, and accompanying
symptoms such as loss of memory and nervousness. All these
lead to a decrease in the productivity of workers and in
huge sums of money devoted to the medical treatment of the
aforesaid diseases.
The Attitude of Islam Towards Noise :
Islam prohibits causing noise and fuss and raising voices
inside mosques and during the recitation of the Qur’an.
Allah said : «Neither speak thy prayer aloud, nor speak it
in a low tone, but seek a middle course between»(Bani Isreal
: 110)
Loud voices wash away any possible compensation for good
deeds, and whoever speaks in a hushed voice is forgiven and
granted great reward. Allah said :
«Ye who believe! Raise not your voices Above the voice of
the Prophet, Nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak
aloud to one another, lest your deeds become vain and ye
perceive not.» (Hujurat : 3)
The Qur’an pointed out that some noise kills. Allah said : «
The (mighty) blast overtook the wrong –doers, and they lay
(dead) prostrate in their homes before the morning.» (Hud :
67).
The Qura’n satirizes those who speak in loud voices. In the
following verse, the Qur’an makes fun of the unbelievers by
saying : «Their prayer at the House (of God) is nothing but
whistling and clapping of hands» (Anfal : 35). This means
that they had been whistling and clapping their hands in the
house of Allah.
Islam advocates lowering one’s voice when it points out that
there is no noise pollution in Paradise: «Where they shall
hear no (word) of vanity» (Gashiya :11). «No frivolity will
they Hear therein, nor any Taint of ill, - Only the saying ,
‘peace! Peace’» (Waqi’a : 26)
The Prophet (PBUH) was never heard speaking loudly in his
meetings.
The Prophet rejected the use of loudspeakers or drums in
calling for prayer but preferred Bilal because he had a
melodious voice.
The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited noise. Abu Mussa reported: «we
were travelling and men started raising their voices in
exaltation of God, then the Prophet (PBUH) said : ‘O men
lower your voices for you are not addressing a deaf or an
absent being, but you are addressing Allah Who is nearby and
can hear everything»(65)
5. Pollution in the Sea
Using his political system + his economic system + his
technological system (drilling for oil , gigantic oil tanks,
and oil pipelines) man greatly affects with the water system
: the seas and oceans where he drills for oil, or which are
crossed by ships that discharge the content of their
containers in sea waters, or in which oil carriers may drown
or dump the residues of oil or petrochemical industries, or
the starting of wars and the deliberate seeping of oil into
water, or the igniting of fire in the oil fields--all of
these irrational behaviors, of course, have bad effects on
the environment both in the present and in the future
Oil pollution destroys the plant environment of the sea;
when it spills, it constitutes a layer which floats on the
surface of water. This layer prevents oxygen, carbon dioxide
and light from reaching inside the water; consequently, the
operations of photosynthesis, an important element for
plants, come to a halt. Photosynthesis is an essential
operation for providing the sea with oxygen and clearing
away carbon dioxide. Oil stains prevent the sun temperature
from getting into deep waters. This affects coral wealth and
sponge. Oil also contains poisonous compounds which cause
the death of shell, invertebrate, cephalopods, crustaceans
and plankton, the latter being very important for life in
the sea in that most fish and sea animals live on them.
- Oil stains reduce evaporation by 20%. Seas and oceans
ensure 90% of water vapor which is found in the air. The
rise in the temperature of water surface is also due to oil
stains. This affects the oxygen found in water, and
negatively affects the growth of water organisms be they
animals or plants. This results in a disorder of the marine
environment. It also affects sea birds as well as affects
desalination stations, and therefore changes the taste of
distilled water.
The Attitude of Islam Towards the Pollution of Marine
Environment :
The deliberate pollution of the environment amounts to
ungratefulness for Allah’s favors. Allah calls for us to
conserve and protect the environment and not to destroy or
devastate it; he threatens those who do mischief on the
land with punishment. Allah said :
«Mischief has appeared on the land and sea because of (the
meed) that the hands of men have earned» (rum : 41).
«But they ever strive to do mischief on earth. And God
loveth not those who do mischief.»(Maida : 64).
«So see what was the end of those who made mischief». (Araf
: 103).
6. Pollution Caused by Insecticides
Insecticides(66) are chemical compounds falling
under the category of organic compounds which are used to
destroy diseases and insects that affect agricultural plants
or that generally disturb mankind.
By dint of the systems that he devised (the technological
system represented in the insecticides he invented, the
vital system represented in the insects that affect plants,
the economic system and man’s strive to increase production)
man has interacted with the earth system and the other
sub-systems, thus increasing the amount insecticides used to
destroy insects and diseases; by so doing he has polluted
the environment.
Insecticides pollute the soil and lead to side effects that
are harmful to man and animals. They also kill tiny
organisms living in the soil and which produce the
substances that are necessary for the fertility of the soil;
hence their negative impact on productivity. This in turn
leads to the decrease in the number of sea birds and the
devastation of green forests(67) (see what USA
did in Vietnam). Insecticides have also caused many
dangerous diseases such as cancer, skin diseases, and the
disturbance of the liver functions.
The Attitude of Islam Towards Pollution by Insecticides :
The Islamic Shari’a forbids doing mischief or any deed that
may lead to the destruction of crops and cattle. Allah said
: «And do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in
order : that will be best for you, if ye have faith.»(Araaf
: 85). Allah, Sublime be He, also said : «And refrain from
evil and mischief on the earth.»(Aaraf : 74). Modern science
tends to biologically fight some types of insects, which
does not necessarily lead to their complete eradication but
to their reduction to a number the damages of which would
have no economic incidence.
7. Food Pollution :
By food pollution is meant the bacteria that it might
contain and that might cause diseases as well as any
natural, chemical or reactive substances which lead to food
poisoning. The latter means the serious intestine and
gastric diseases caused by eating food polluted by bacteria
or poisons.
The Attitude of Islam Towards Food Pollution :
The adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ is useful in
preventing food pollution. Hygiene and protection from
bacteria and parasites play a major role in this respect.
The deliberate addition of any pollutants to food is
tantamount to doing mischief and damage. Allah, exalted be
He, said : «So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by
God, and do no evil nor mischief on (the face of the)
earth». (Baqara : 60). Allah, Most High, also said : « And
make your own hands contribute to (your) destruction»
(baqara : 195).
The first verse prohibited doing mischief after it ordered
human beings to eat and drink of the sustenance Allah
provided for them. Though the mischief intended by the verse
is injustice and inequity on earth, it comprises food and
drink damage(68), for no injustice equals causing
the death of a person, which is something Allah forbids
except for a just cause. Allah said : «That if any one slew
a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief
in the land- it would be as if he slew the whole
people»(Maida: 32). Surely, prevention, as far as food
pollution is concerned, is better than cure as laid down in
this rule of Islamic jurisprudence :
«staving off mischief takes precedence over procuring
benefits». In a Hadith, narrated by Jabir, he said that he
heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying : «Cover cups and closely
tighten the mouth of kraters ( from which you drink), for
there is a night in the year on which a pest infects any
uncovered cup or krater». (narrated by Muslim)(69)
.
8. Depletion of the Ozone Layer :
The ozone gas in the stratosphere is very important for
life. It shields the earth from the ultra-violet rays sent
by the sun. Should these rays reach the earth they would
kill all organisms and creatures. The ozone gas absorbs
these rays and prevents them from flowing to the earth
surface. Only a small amount reaches the earth in order to
help in the formation of vitamin D in our bodies.
Environmental pollution leads to the increase in the ozone
gas near the earth surface i.e. in the Troposphere, while
reducing it in the Stratosphere. Hence, it appears that
pollution inflicts a huge damage on the ozone and
consequently on life in all its aspects.
Scientific research showed that there is a hole in the Ozone
above the Gulf of Haley in Antarctica and that the density
of the ozone gas has been hugely reduced from what it should
be because of chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) compounds, the
nitrogen oxides emitted from the manufacturing of chemical
azotes, and the smoke of planes flying at a high speed as
well as the emissions of nuclear explosions and space
shuttles.
Scientists hold that the effects from the ozone hole would
be hazardous and harmful. We have discussed these hazards
above.
The Attitude of Islam Towards this Issue :
In His Holy Book God, Most High, said : «Do no mischief on
the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him
with fear and longing (in your hearts) : For the Mercy of
God is (always) near to those who do good».(Araaf : 56). And
Allah, Exalted be He, said :
«And do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in
order : that will be best for you, if ye have faith». (Araaf
: 85) . In the same Surat, Allah also said : «And refrain
from evil and mischief on earth»(Araaf : 74). All of these
verses warn man against doing mischief on earth after
Allah has set it in order for our life and for all the
organisms that live on this planet. Our Lord, Glory to Him,
Who disposes of all things in a perfect order said: «Such is
the artistry of God, Who disposes of all things in perfect
order : for He is well acquainted with all that ye do».(Naml
: 88).
9. Indiscriminate Hunting :
Numerous animals face the threat of extinction due to the
excessive hunting of such animals as deer, unicorn, some
kinds of butterflies, and whales. Man has used many devices
for hunting these animals such as modern arms and the use
of explosives used in the sea. Undoubtedly, these animals
play an important role in maintaining balance in the
environment. Man does not comprehend the consequences of
this now, but surely he will in the future.
The Attitude of Islam Towards Indiscriminate Hunting :
From an Islamic point of view, over-exploitation is proof of
irresponsibility. Allah threatens those who transgress the
limits and sow havoc and destruction : «In the end We
fulfilled to them Our promise, And We saved them and those
whom We pleased, but We destroyed those who transgressed
beyond bounds» (Anbiyaa : 9) . Allah , Most High, also said
: «Eat and drink but waste not by excess for God loveth not
the wasters» (Araaf : 31).The Prophet (PBUH) also called for
economizing: «Good manners, perspicacity, and economizing
are parts of the twenty four elements of prophethood»
narrated by Tarmidhi (who said that it was good albeit
strange; it was narrated by Malik and Abu Dawud as is,
following Ibn Abbas. Both used the number 25 instead of 24)(70).
The Prophet also said : « Those who fill their appetites in
this world are the most hungry in the hereafter»(71).
The Prophet prohibited the killing of animals and birds for
sport. The Prophet said : «A woman punished a cat until
death then Allah sent her to hell. She gave her neither
drink nor food ( she kept her prisoner), nor did she release
her so as to eat the insects of the earth»(72).
The Prophet also prohibited the killing of ants. Abu Huraira
said, the Prophet (PBUH) said : A prophet was resting under
a tree when he was pinched by an ant. Then he ordered all
the ants thrown in fire. Then Allah told him: why did you
not punish only the ant which had pinched you»(73).
Beating animals and marking their faces with tattoos(74) are
also prohibited. The prophet also forbade «taking living
beings as a source of sport»(75). Said Ben Jabir
said that Ibn ‘Umar passed by a group of people who had made
of a chicken a target for their stone-throwing game; when
they saw him, they ran away. Then he asked: who did this? it
is the Prophet who forbade it.»(76) Abu Haurayra
reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said : «A woman prostitute
saw a dog turning around a well on a very hot day; then she
gave him water to drink; she was then forgiven her bad
deeds»(77)
It is inferred from the above that Islam encourages doing
good to animals. Besides, Islam advocates the correct
slaying of animals and taking care of them during sacrifice.
Shaddad Ibn Aws reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said :
«Allah ordered us to be perfect in everything. If you kill
animals, do it in a correct manner; sharpen you knives to
make death easier for animals»(78).
10. Indiscriminate Grazing :
Indiscriminate grazing leads to an increase in animal
population at the expense of the capacity of the grazing
land. This in turn leads to rooting out herbage and to
desertification. People would then benefit from the land
neither in farming nor in grazing. This is indubitably
tantamount to doing mischief on the land and totally
changing its nature and its function which consists of
serving the interests of human beings. Islam advocates
steering a middle course in everything Allah said : «Thus
We have made of you an Ummat justly balanced» (Baqara :
143). Islam has also called for the conservation of the
flora: «and of mankind there is he whose speech may please
you (o Muhammad) in this worldly life and he calls Allah to
witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most
quarrelsome of the opponents» (Baqara : 205)
These two verses(79) were sent down on Akhnass
Ibn Churaik who came to the Prophet and declared his
conversion to Islam, but when he went out he burned crops
and slew donkeys he passed by. That’s why Allah mentioned
him in the Qur’an describing him as an arch enemy of the
Prophet and Islam because of the mischief he did and the
destruction of crops and cattle he carried out.
11. Islam and Natural Reserves :
The Prophet (PBUH) designated some places in Mecca and
Medina as protected areas so as to conserve the fauna and
flora in these areas. Abbas reported that the Prophet (PBUH)
said: «No migration after conquest but there is Jihad and
good intentions ; if you have been alerted you must be on
the alert. » He also said : «This land was protected by
Allah on the day He created heavens and earth ; no one was
allowed to engage in battle in it before me ; and even then,
it was permitted only at a specific time during the day; it
is a protected place till the Day of Judgment ; no cut of
its trees, no hunting, and no defecation ; Abu Al abbas then
said : except for Al-Izkher; it can be used to feed
livestock and sustain households. Then the Prophet said :
except for Al-Izkher»(80). It should be noted
that each protected area in Islam has its specified borders
and dimensions. Thus the borders of Al Haram Al Mekki
(81) are ‘Tan'im’ from the North, Adah from the
South--about 12 Kilometers from Mecca--, ‘Al Jahrana’ from
the East --about 16 Kilometers from Mecca-- and ‘Ouadi
Nakhla’from the North –east, 14 Kilometers from Mecca, and
‘Chmesi’from the West—about 15 Kilometers from Mecca.
Hunting(82) is prohibited in Mecca and Medina.
Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said : «
Ibrahim made Mecca into a sanctuary and I do the same for
Al-Madina ; no hunting and no logging in its surrounding
area ». Ahmed and Abu Dawud reported that the Prophet
(PBUH) said that Al-Madina cannot be used for toilet
purposes, for hunting, for trees picking, (except under
special authorizations), nor for logging, or for camel
grazing.»(83) In a validated Hadith, the Propeht
said «The Medina is a sacred place, between Irr and Tor».
On the same subject Abu Hurayra said : «The Prophet (PBUH)
made Al-Madina (which is located between the two Labahs) and
about 12 miles of its vicinity into a reserve ».(84)
The Labah means black rock and the reference is to the two
rocky mountains surrounding al-Madina from the east and from
the West.
The sacred place was estimated at about 12 miles stretching
from Irr to Tor. Irr is a mountain near Miqat and Tor is a
mountain near UHud located in the North.
Al-Bukhari reported from Anass, May Allah be pleased with
him, who said that the Prophet (PBUH) said : «The Medina is
a sacred place from here to there, its trees ought not to be
cut, and no incident should occur in it ; whoever did
anything in it, shall be cursed by Allah, the angels and
mankind at large”.(85) However, if anyone finds
an already cut tree, he may take it.
Sheikh Sayed Sabik said in his book ‘Fiqh Sunna’ that Saad
Ben Abi Waqass, May Allah be pleased with him, rode to a
place in Aqiq and found a servant felling down trees, upon
which they took away his things. Later when the servant’s
people came to ask for them, he refused to do so on the
ground that the Prophet permitted him to take them. It was
reported by Muslim and was reported also by Abu Dawud and
al-Ha’kim (who established the authenticity of this saying)
that the Prophet said : «Whoever cuts anything from it
should be deprived of enjoying it. »(86)
The sacred place that is unanimously agreed upon is Mecca.
Al-Madina has also its sacred places according to public
opinion as can be ascertained from the many Hadiths dealing
with it. Muslims did not disagree on a third sacred place,
except Wujaa, a river valley in Taif. In his aforesaid book,
Sayed Sabiq said that some Muslims considered it a sacred
palace (Chafei and Shoukani) while the public did not
consider it a sacred place.
From all what has been mentioned, it is clear that Islam
adopted the principle of natural reserves with specified
borders and limits. Moreover, Islam enacted the adequate
legislation to protect these areas. Thus, Islam was a
pioneer in introducing such advanced measures as environment
protection. Concerning the pilgrim who wore his Sacred rob
(pilgrim’s garb) in Mecca, anyone who is found hunting an
animal or felling a natural tree not grown by man, is
indicted for committing a misdemeanor, as we say in modern
legal parlance. From a religious point of view, he has
committed a sin(87) and has to ask for
forgiveness. He should also be fined and pay the equivalent
of what he has cut or has killed ; the fine should be in
kind (of those animals found in the reserve such as camels
and the like). The man who committed the felony is also
subjected to another punishment; he is confiscated of the
trees he has cut or the animals he has hunted. If the act
was committed by a pilgrim who wore the pilgrim’s garb, he
has then committed a misdemeanor and should be fined for it
and have his things confiscated from him. But if the act was
committed by a person who wore not the pilgrim’s garb, he is
considered to have committed a sin and should ask for
forgiveness.
As regards the protected areas in Al-Madina, whoever cuts
down a tree or kills an animal, is considered to have
committed a sin ; that is to say he has committed a
misdemeanor in legal terms. In this respect Allah, Sublime
be He, said :
«O ye believers! Kill not game while in the sacred precincts
or in pilgrim garb. If any of you doth so intentionally, the
compensation is an offering, brought to the Ka’ba, of a
domestic animal Equivalent to the one he killed, As adjusted
by two just men Among you; or by way of atonement, the
feeding of the indigent; or its Equivalent in fasts : that
he may taste of the penalty of the deed. God forgives what
is past : For repetition God will exact from him the
penalty. For God is Exalted, And Lord of retribution.»
(Maida : 95)
Penalties for those who encroach on the sacred precincts of
Mecca and kill either deliberately or because they forget
the Islamic ban, as it appears from the above verses, are of
many kinds. The first punishment involves offering the
equivalent of what is killed as alms to Mecca. The second is
atonement : feeding the poor. The last involves fasting. In
all cases, there is a punishment for any one who dares to
harm life on the reserved land or kill animals.
This wise and clear legislation ensures the protection of
life on the land. Only in this way, could animals, plants
and birds will prosper. Scientists estimate that the
destruction of vegetation in forests has reached such an
alarming level that what was left of forests in 1950 was
half of what there was at the beginning of the century. The
area of forests that men root out is 140.000 square
kilometer per year. In 1990, only 560 protected forests
existed in the world, covering about 4% of all the forests
in the world(88).
12. Islam and Man’s Innermost Environment :
Islam emphasized the purity of the Muslim’s soul, body,
and clothes. It also called for taking care of food and for
eating good things. However, Islam prohibited drinking or
eating bad things.
The Purity of the Body and Soul :
Islam advocated the purity of the body and the soul and made
impurity and uncleanliness unlawful.
Allah , Most High, said : «For God loves those who turn to
Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure
and clean.»(Baqara : 222) ; «In it are men who love to be
purified; and God loveth those who make themselves clean»
(Tauba : 108) ; «If ye are in a state of ceremonial
impurity, bathe your whole body»(Maida : 6) Doing ablutions
is the best way to keep one’s body pure. Thowban said that
the Prophet (PBUH) said : «Be upright and clean ; the best
of your deeds is prayer ; only strong believers keep their
bodies clean for prayer»(89). Abdallah Ibn Bicher
Al Mazini, May Allah be pleased with him, reported that the
Prophet (PBUH) said : «Cut your nails and bury them and
clean your mouths after eating »(90).
Cleanness of Clothes :
Islam favors good looking and clean clothes. Allah , Exalted
be He, said :
«O children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every
time and place of prayer»(Araaf :31). Allah also said :
«And thy garments Keep free from stain» (Muddaththir : 4)
Islam Permitted Good Things and Prohibited Bad Ones :
Allah permitted us to eat all good things. He said : «They
ask thee what is lawful to them (as food). Say : Lawful unto
you are (all) things good and pure» ( Maida : 4). Allah,
Most High, also said : «Say : Who hath forbidden the
beautiful (gifts) of God, which He hath produced for His
servants, And the things, clean and pure, (which He hath
provided) For sustenance? Say : They are in the life of this
world, for those who believe»( Araaf : 32). Beef is one of
the good things that are tolerated. Our Mighty Allah said :
«And cattle He has created For you (men) : from them you
derive warmth, And numerous benefits, And of their (meat) ye
eat.» (Nahl : 5) Milk and sea food are also allowed. Allah
said : «From what is within their bodies, Between excretions
and blood, We produce, for your drink, milk, pure and
agreeable to those who drink it» (Nahl : 66) And «It is He
who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh
That is fresh and tender» ( Nahl : 14).
But Islam Prohibited Eating Impure Things :
Allah, Most High, said : «Forbidden to you (for food) Are :
dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath
been invoked the name of other than God; That which hath
been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a
headlong fall, or by being gored to death; That which hath
been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; Unless you are able To
slaughter it ( in due form); That which is sacrificed on
stone (altars)» ( Maida : 3)
Drinking Impure and unclean things is also prohibited :
Allah, Exalted be He, said :«O ye who believe! Intoxicants
and gambling, (Dedication of) stones, and (divination by
arrows, Are an abomination, - Of Satan’s handiwork : Eschew
such (abomination), That ye may prosper» ( Maida : 90).
Allah also prohibited adultery and all other sorts of
shameful deeds. He said in His Holy Book : «Nor come nigh to
adultery : For it is a shameful (deed) and an evil opening
the road (to other deeds)» (Bani Isreal : 32).
When he became aware of the problems that he had created
through his wrong behavior and of his destruction of the
environment, man has finally taken stock of the dangers
facing him. Hence the numerous conferences held recently to
discuss these problems. Examples of these conferences are :
- The Stockholm Conference in 1972 (Sweden).
- The Tiblisi Conference in the USSR in 1977.
- The World Strategic Document for Safeguarding the
Environment was issued in 1980.
- The United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development in the Rio De Janeiro Summit in Brazil in 1992.
- The Population Conference in Cairo in 1994.
- The Social Development Conference in Copenhagen in 1995.
- In 1997 a conference was held in the United Nations on the
occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Rio conference.
Representatives from different countries took part in the
meetings. Moreover, fifty three heads of states, including
those of the G7, took part in the Conference.
The common feature in the recommendations of these
conferences is « The necessity to change human behavior».
For it is human beings who are responsible for and entrusted
with preserving nature : the reservoir of renewable and
non-renewable resources. An ‘environmental consciousness’
aiming to promote a sound behavior towards the environment
should be developed. Other solutions include the use of
clean technology, the exploitation of resources in such a
way as to achieve the objectives of sustainable development,
as well as the adoption of environmental legislation and
regulations at different levels.
Undoubtedly, education in general and ecological education
in particular have a big role to play in this respect. The
fundamental function of education resides in changing human
behavior to the best. It should prepare human beings for
life. This requires that an Islamic orientation be
incorporated in the curricula of schools, be they public or
private. If this is hard to achieve, at least incorporate
environment concepts in the subjects taught at school and at
all educational levels. More importance should be given to
practical activities which lead to implementing decisions
and to facing environmental problems.
From what has been said, we see that ‘the Islamic approach’
in dealing with environmental issues is based on the
following:
- The education of true and strong believers in body and in
soul
- To promote the image of a man who believes that he is part
of the ecosystem and not one who behaves as the absolute
lord of this system.
- The education of a human being man who builds but does not
destroy.
- The training of a human being who conserves environment
resources and does not waste them.
- The development of human beings who give priority to
wisdom and rationalism
At the same time Islam gives importance to :
- Avoiding the causes of environmental problems
- A better use of environmental resources with a view to :
- Exploiting and not draining them,
- Preserving and not wasting them,
- Protecting and not devastating them.
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