"Beauty is truth, Truth is beauty."

Without you, an environment can exist, but without an environment, you can’t live.

Every year, 5th June is celebrated as 'World Environment Day' all over the world. But what is the definition of environment? The word environment originates from the French word Environer/ Environner, which means "to surround". That means the environment encompasses everything around us, including both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things that influence our lives. A healthy environment is composed of air, water, land, air, animals, birds, plants, rivers, schools, colleges, hospitals, and so on. But out of these, water, air, land, and trees are essential components for an environment. There is a keen relationship between the life of a human being and these components because only in a healthy environment, a healthy life possible. Despite this, nowadays all these materials are polluted.

So, people have come to realize that only human beings are responsible for the environmental pollution. Therefore, they should take all initiatives to protect it themselves. Even, people have taken several initiatives such as World Environment Day, Earth Day, Ocean Day, Banamahautsav (Forest festival), and so on. Out of these, “World Environment Day" or "Echo Day" is the most popular function which is celebrated every year on 5th June. It was first celebrated on 5th June 1972 in Stockholm, Sweden. This occasion’s theme was "Only One Earth", which was led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). A lot of countries were represented in that ceremony. Even India, too. From then it continues to be celebrated worldwide. This year i.e. 2025, this day is being celebrated as the 52nd World Environment Day in the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” under the leadership of the Republic of Korea. The reason for this theme is that Plastic pollution exacerbates the deadly impacts of the triple planetary crisis: the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature, land, and biodiversity loss, and the crisis of pollution and waste. Globally, an estimated 11 million tons of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year, while microplastics accumulate in the soil from sewage and landfills due to the use of plastics in agricultural products.

One another initiative is the Forest Festival, which was first celebrated in 1950 AD. In favour of official and cooperation, today it has been becoming as a common festival. On this occasion, a variety of tree seedlings have been distributed till nowadays with no cost. Several voluntary institutions also came forward to plant the tree and protect it.

That means, it has understood that various initiatives have been taken and are being taken for the purpose of preserving the environment, but all these things have only started from a few years or a few decades, while fifteen hundred years ago, Islam had given a special guideline regarding the preservation of this environment. Due to Islam is a universal religion. It contains the full path of human life. As in Islam, worship has so much significance, so does the environment. In which environment will be better to dwelling for us that Islam has ensured. As Syed Altawi (R.A.) said, more than five hundred times in the Holy Qur'an, Allah Ta'ala has encouraged us to environmental conservation and de-pollution. Therefore, through observation, this article has highlighted what Islam says about the conservation of the environment and how it is playing an important role in decontamination.

Introduction

Today, it seems as if the world is burning like a fire. Insanity is spawning like crazy. The reasons behind it are global warming, forest degradation, water pollution, air pollution, land pollution, noise pollution, natural wealth decline, climate change, ozone layer reduction, sea acidification, acid rain, industrialisation, urbanisation, endangerment of biodiversity, waste extraction and so on. Therefore, the natural balance is being disrupted. Consequently, a lot of environmental crisis has to be faced.

But who is responsible for all this? We get the answer to this question from the Holy Quran. As Allah says, “Disorder and corruption have prevailed on land and sea owing to the evil (deeds) which people have wrought. so that Allah may cause them to taste ˹the consequences of˺ some of their deeds and perhaps they might return ˹to the Right Path˺.” Indeed, this is true. Nowadays, people cut and demolish trees without any hesitation, only to fulfill their demand. And they are setting up a suicidal civilization. In the field, we utilize excessive chemical fertilizers, pesticides. The factory’s dirty water and waste are thrown into the river. Due to fireworks being set off, noise pollution is increasing. The vehicle emissions include harmful gases like NOx, carbon. Due to the use of fridges, refrigerators, and Air conditioners (AC), Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are excessively increased, which is responsible for harming the Ozone layer. As a result, we suffer from different types of diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma, respiratory diseases, cancer, various skin diseases, influenza, cholera, jaundice, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. Anywhere acid rain occurs, land production decreases, fish and aquatic animals are going to die, the weather changes, many animals and plants are disappearing, and biodiversity is continuously lost.

Even tea shops in villages and towns used earthen cups before. Almost at home, rice or various vegetables were cooked in earthen pots. Banana or lotus leaves were used at weddings. Miniature boughs were used as brushes. Earthen pitchers were used for drinking water. Jute or leather were used as carry bags, and tree leaves were used for hand fans. But where are those environmentally friendly products today? All of us today are consumed by the modern science of the West. Consequently, indigenous industries are on the way to extinction, and the identity of indigenous culture is also disappearing. And indeed it is an unfortunate reality.

Islamic values for a better world:

Islam provides important insights and concepts that can greatly aid worldwide attempts to sustainably manage natural resources because of its extensive ethical framework. Firstly, in this context, Almighty Allah declares in the Qur'an that, "As for the earth, we spread it out and placed upon it firm mountains, and caused everything to grow there in perfect balance. That means, Allah Ta'ala has created plants and mountains to maintain the balance of the environment on earth and to protect the existence of the living world. In another place Allah says, “He is the One Who created everything in the earth for you....”. That’s why Allah warns mankind as if saying, “Spend in the cause of Allah and do not let your own hands throw you into destruction [by withholding]. And do good, for Allah certainly loves the good-doers.” Elsewhere, Allah says, “… And be good ˹to others˺ as Allah has been good to you. Do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for Allah certainly does not like the corruptors.” Allah again says, “And when they leave [you], they strive throughout the land to spread mischief in it and destroy crops and cattle. Allah does not like mischief.” In a nutshell, these verses are saying that this beautiful earth is gifted from Allah for the mankind. So, being a representative of the earth, do not cause any calamity to it but refrain from destroying the environment and preserve it.

A long-lasting guide to environmental policy and action

The importance given by Islam to the conservation of inalienable natural resources, elements, and materials of the environment is mentioned below one by one.

Conservation of Water: The two core elements of the environment are water and trees, without which all the creatures of the earth will sink to the bed of death. But from the beginning, Islam noticed and focused on it carefully. So, Islamic teachings place a strong emphasis on safeguarding water sources from pollution. As a result, a number of verses and hadiths are mentioned in this context. Allah mentions water in sixty places of the holy Quran. Even Allah Ta'ala created everything from the water. As he said, “And We created from water every living thing.” Hence, it is clear that what an important element this water is. Consequently, Allah says to preserve it. As he says, “Eat and drink but do not waste; indeed, he does not like the wasteful.” In another place he says, “Eat of the fruit they bear and pay the dues at harvest, but do not waste. Surely, he does not like the wasteful.” In another place, he says again, “Surely the wasteful are [like] brothers to the devils. And the Devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord.” . Even the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do not waste water, even if performing ablution on the banks of a fast-flowing river." Another hadith expressed that Jabir reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade urinating in stagnant water. Moreover, the saying "Beware of the three acts that cause others to curse: defecating in water sources, on the road, and in the shade" is the Prophet Muhammad's caution against polluting water.

The Tree Conservation: A country should have 25 per cent forest land out of the total area for 25 percent of the trees of the total plant species of the world, and for the protection of environmental balance. Mainly, Trees are our lungs. They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Also, trees give us lots of benefits. Therefore, Islam has given timeless instructions to create public awareness in conserving this natural environment and planting trees. As we learn to plant trees from the hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ), for harmony with the environment. For instance, Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Even if the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, let him plant it.” Even the Prophet (ﷺ) warned about the preservation of trees. As he said, "Whoever cuts a tree unnecessarily, Allah will throw his head into the fire" . Moreover, in another hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) has described a precious talk that when anyone cuts a branch of a tree without any reason, then it feels pain. As. when a human’s hair is pulled then that person gets pain. He further encouraged planting trees. As he said, "There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him."

Animals and Biodiversity Conservation: Also, it has been properly said in the Quran and hadith that no one should ever be harmed or extinct animals, birds of biodiversity as a result of human activities. It should to remembered that they are also one of the parts of our healthy environment. But due to our actions, they are also in danger. They are being brutalized while they also have the right to live on this land. Therefore, so much importance is given to their conservation in Islam. Even a few chapters of the holy Qur'an were revealed in the name of calves, bees, spiders, and ants. Several hadith have also been reported. As the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “May Allah curse the one who disfigures an animal.” Another hadith states that there is no person who kills a small bird or anything larger, for no just reason, but Allah will ask about it. Another hadith expressed that a woman was punished due to a cat she had imprisoned until it died, so she entered hellfire. In Islam, a moral act done to an animal carries the same status as one that is done to a human being. The Prophet (ﷺ) expressed this as: A good deed done to an animal is as good as doing good to a human being; while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being. Once, the prophet was asked if acts of charity even to the animals were rewarded by the Lord. He replied, Yes, there is a reward for acts of charity to every animal alive. That means, no act of kindness, no matter to whom it is done, is ever left unrewarded in Islam. Therefore, all our acts of kindness and charity towards animals will result in great returns in the Hereafter. These hadith imply that you should only sacrifice animals for food and not kill them needlessly or haphazardly or for personal gain.

Cleanliness and a healthy environment

Cleanliness is the first feature of a healthy and beautiful environment. First of all, in the view of Islam, the importance of keeping clean is so valuable. As a verse of the holy Quran states, “Surely Allah loves those who always turn to him in repentance and those who purify themselves.” In a hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Cleanliness is part of Iman.” He also said, "Purity is half of Iman". Even protecting the land from pollution is indicated in the many hadiths that encourage people to keep it clean. Another hadith states, among other things, that Allah likes goodness, cleanliness, and generosity. The hadith ends with a request by the Prophet (ﷺ) asking Muslims to clean their courtyards.” The shari'ah aims at protecting the environment, and while the individual is asked to help in this respect, the ultimate responsibility is in the hands of the state. When Abu Musa (RA) was sent to Al-Basrah as the new governor, he addressed the people saying: "I was sent to you by 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab in order to teach you the Book of your Lord [the Qur'an], the Sunnah [of your Prophet], and to clean your streets."

In a nutshell, from the above verses and hadiths, it is clear that we should preserve water, trees, animals, birds, and other natural resources for a healthy environment. They are very essential natural resources and components of the environment. It is also understood that Islam strongly insists on cleanliness to create a healthy environment. Due to like these features, Islam is a universal religion of peace in this world and salvation in the hereafter.

Suggestions for Policies:

The following tactics are advised in order to fully utilize Islamic teachings for global environmental sustainability:

• Integrate Islamic Ethics into Policy: To encourage moral and sustainable behavior, governments and organizations ought to include Islamic values in national and international water policy.
• Bolster Islamic establishments: Encourage Islamic institutions such as madrasas and mosques to take a more proactive approach to water conservation using community campaigns and education.
• Promote Interfaith Collaboration: Encourage cooperation amongst various religious communities in order to exchange best practices and create cohesive strategies for sustainable environment management.

Conclusion:

Islam's ethical framework not only promotes environmental stewardship but also a sense of community duty, both of which are necessary to achieve global sustainability. Islamic philosophy provides a comprehensive and multifaceted framework for resolving the world's environmental dilemma. The adoption of stewardship, moderation, and justice ideals by Islamic groups and organizations can be crucial in bolstering global environmental sustainability endeavors. The promise of Islamic teachings can be fully realized via cooperation, policy advocacy, education, and creative activities, helping to create a more sustainable and just future for everybody. So, again, we need to remember that natural resources are going to be imbalanced due to the bad deeds of humans. Therefore, our basic duty is to propagate the monotheism of Allah while properly preserving his perfectly created this beautiful earth because Allah Ta'ala has sent us to this world as his representatives too.

Finally, we have to remember, there are a lot of galaxies in the universe, including the Milky Way. This galaxy has a number of planets, but the Earth has only one where life exists. But our survival is not the last, we have to make this earth livable for the next generation. Because everyone has the right to live in this world. So, we should be more conscious than before. And take a promise to protect it as much as possible. And we will make the people aware of environmental pollution. We will encourage planting and decrease waste to reduce pollution. As a result, a healthy environment of the 21st century will be created in the new life.

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About Author: Sahadat Alam is an undergraduate student of Darul Huda Islamic University, West Bengal Campus. The author regularly writes in English and Bengali on a range of topics focusing on Islam and current affairs.

Endnotes:

1. Surah ar-rum: 41.
2. Surah al-hijr :19
3. Surah al-Baqarah:29
4. Surah al-Baqara: 195
5. Surah al-Casas: 77
6. Surah Al- Baqara: 205
7. Surah Ambiya: 30
8. Surah A’raf: 31
9. Surah An’am: 141
10. Surah Isra: 27
11. Sunan Ibn Majah: 425
12. Sahih Muslim: 281
13. Sunan Abi Dawood
14. Musnad Aḥmad :12902
15. Abu Dawood: 5241 , Bayhaqi: 6/140
16. Sahih al-Bukhari: 2320
17. Sunan an-Nasa'i, 4442
18. sunanu nasai 4445
19. Sahih al-Bukhari, 3295
20. Mishkaat al-masabih
21. Sahih al-Bukhari 3:322
22. Surah Al-Baqarah: 222
23. Sahih Muslim:223
24. Al-Tirmidhi: 2799
25. Al-Darimi: 560
26. The Potential of Islamic Teachings to Support Global Water Sustainability Initiatives, Volume: 21, No: S11 (2024), pp. 743-752 ISSN: 1741-8984 (Print) ISSN: 1741-8992 (Online)