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As Muslims, we know that we have been instructed to fulfil the rights that others have upon us, such as our family, friends, neighbours, and the needy. However, we have a tendency to forget that the planet we live on also has rights that need to be fulfilled!
Why should we care about the planet?
The Prophet (ﷺ) always encouraged his companions to take calculated steps towards mitigating against environmental degradation; he (ﷺ) directed them to avoid the wastage of water – even when using a stream, the removal of litter from the path, and to actively maintain hygiene in all places.
Amongst the considerable number of reports within the Islamic discourse that indicate the importance of protecting the planet we live on, is the following:
إِنَّ الدُّنْيَا حُلْوَةٌ خَضِرَةٌ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ مُسْتَخْلِفُكُمْ فِيهَا فَيَنْظُرُ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ
“The world is sweet and green. Verily, Allah will make you successors in it to see how you will behave.” [1]
This report further establishes the whole idea of us being placed upon the Earth as vice-regents and being taken to account for our treatment of this planet.
Action plan
Throughout Ramadan, food and drink is prepared in multiple mosques, centres, and homes throughout the globe for those fasting.
This seemingly rewarding action could become a means for the ruination of the planet, unless we place preventative measures to stop food wastage.
Here are a few simple steps we can take to incorporate the above:
- Have a clearer indication of how many people will attend the Iftar and cook accordingly;
- As opposed to throwing away leftover food, distribute it to neighbours, the homeless, or the needy;
- Dispose of rubbish properly, and refrain from littering streets and canals.
Coming up
While we pay more attention to things that can bring about harm to our planet, let us give some thought to the next topic of this series: fostering and adoption.
Is there anybody you know who has fostered or adopted? Would you consider it yourself?
Intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
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Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] Sahīh Muslim: 2,742
