Course

Introduction to Environmental Sciences

Submitted to
Mr. Mureed Kazim
Assignment No.1
Importance of Environment

Submitted by
Masomeen Ahmad
240200
Bs Psychology
Semester 1

Date of Submission
20h feb, 2024

Department of Humanities, Education & Psychology

Faculty of Social Sciences
Air University Islamabad
2024
Importance of Environment with respect to
Islam- An Insight form Qur’an and Sunnah
As we know that Qur’an and hadith are primary source of guidance for Muslims all over the
world. In Islam, nature caters to the spiritual and material needs of mankind. In the Qur’anic
perspective, humans are created to serve the Creator which actually means to serve the highest
good for oneself, the community, and the environment. This perspective is part of the foundation
of Islamic environmental ethics.

“[…] And create not disorder in the earth after it has been set in order. This is better for
you, if you are believers.” (Surah al-A’raf)

Traditions of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) also extensively cover various aspects of the
environment, including conservation of natural resource and environmental hygiene. The Holy
Prophet (S.A.W) discouraged overconsumption, luxury and opulence and pursued moderation in
all walks of life.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) clearly forbade destruction of trees and crops, even
during war, despite the fact that they could be advantageous to the enemy. The Holy Prophet
SAW attached great importance to sustainable cultivation of land, minimization of waste and
human treatment of animals.

In Sahih Muslim, we read: “Whoever plants a tree and watches it diligently until it ripens
and bears fruit is rewarded.”

“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats
from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift [sadqah] for him.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Holy Prophet SAW said that seven acts would be beneficial to a person even after death, include
the following: digging a canal, digging a well and planting a tree.

The use of water is very diverse. This includes households, agriculture, industry, recreation and
transport. In the Holy Quran, Allah SWT uses the analogy of life and death for Muslims to
recognize the value of water. More than 60% of the human body consists of water. 71% of the
globe is covered with water, which amounts to over a trillion liters. Out of this, 2.5% is
freshwater, while less than 1% is usable for humans. These figures exhibit how extensive and
fascinating the creation of the Almighty is.

“And Allah has sent down water from the sky, and has quickened therewith the earth after
its death. Surely, in that is a sign for a people who would fear.” (Surah al-Nahl, Ch.16: V.66)

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Even if the Resurrection
were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, let him plant it.”
May Allah enable us to consciously and correctly deal with all of His creation, fulfilling our
responsibility of making the world a livable and sustainable place.