Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, passed by Sa’d while he was performing ablution. The Prophet said, “What is this extravagance?” Sa’d said, “Is there extravagance with water in ablution?” The Prophet said, “Yes, even if you were on the banks of a flowing river.” [Source: Musnad Aḥmad 7065; Grade: Sahih]

When we talk about Muslim achievements, why is it that we only speak about the past? Do we not have the responsibility to benefit the world as a whole with the teachings of Islam and the practices of our beloved Prophets? Muslims need to stand firm by their beliefs, rethink their practices, and reform the world. With so much to do, it is difficult to know where to start such an aspiring movement. Perhaps this revolution will have to begin in the same manner as with many of our books of Fiqh; with tahara (purity).

If we take a look at the water usage of the average Muslim versus the average non-Muslim, chances are that the Muslim uses a lot more water. The Muslim is always making wudhu approximately five times a day, making ghusl, washing his clothes three times, and using water for istinjaa. If we look at the water consumption  of the average Muslim, one would presume that Islam was established in an area with an abundance of water. A quick look at the liters of water flowing down the drains of our wudhu khanas, would leave one to assume that Islam was designed to be practiced along the riverside. However, as we all know, this is simply not the case.

Islam was established in a desert. Muslims of that time lived a life of purity and cleanliness, without wasting water. This is because they had a prophet who told them not to waste water, even if they were by a flowing river. Islam showed the world that one does not need to be extravagant in order to be pure. It showed us that we have to adopt purity in our souls, as well as in our external bodies.

However, as the Muslim world progressed, we started adopting the views and ways of the general populace around us. Our ghusls changed into luxurious long showers, while our wudhus filled our drains with liters of water. Is it not time for us as Muslims to turn back to the ways of our beloved Nabi and revive his sunnah? Hence, I pose before you: The Water Challenge.

How the challenge worked:  We decided to test a few of our friends with the amount of water they use while making wudhu. Keep in mind that the sunnah amount for wudhu is just over 750ml. We took six of our friends to a wudhu khana, and measured the amount of water they used for their wudhu. Our findings are listed below.

Try This Out: If you are really interested in finding out how much water you use for your wudhu, give this a go. It is really not as complicated as it may seem. All you really need is a bucket, and a measuring cup or something to measure your water with. This may just be the first step in comprehending the importance of conserving water.

The Water Challenge: The real challenge here is to conserve the amount of water we use. To make wudhu within the limit of 750ml is not difficult at all. Try it out, buy a 1 liter bottle of any soft drink and fill it to an estimated amount of 750ml, and simply make wudhu with it. I implore you to try it out.

Better yet, I challenge you. So will you accept the challenge?

[This article was first published here.]

Related reading:

 – Climate Change And The Water Crisis : A Muslim Responsibility

Climate Change And The Water Crisis : A Muslim Responsibility

– Make your Deen Green: Muslims and their Responsibility to the Environment

Make your Deen Green: Muslims and their Responsibility to the Environment

The post The Prophetic Practice Of Water Conservation appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

Currently, in Glasgow, over 20,0000 attendees from 196 countries –including politicians and state leaders- have convened for COP26 (or the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties) in an attempt to put together an urgent and  viable international response to the climate emergency. Where the Paris Agreement of 2015 failed to limit global heating to within 1.5C of pre-industrial levels, this Glasgow summit hopes to mobilize national policy leaders to individually and collectively work more pressingly towards a net zero goal by 2050 (where the amount of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere=amount of greenhouse gases removed), among other environmental targets required to avert a climate emergency.

We’ve already seen global warming manifest in the form of observable effects on the environment (extreme weather events, rising sea levels, shifting of plant and animal ranges, etc.) and as we’ve been repeatedly forewarned, the worst is yet to come.

In her book This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate, author and social activist Naomi Klein says, “It is a civilizational wake up call. A powerful message – spoken in the language of fires, floods, droughts, and extinctions – telling us that we need an entirely new economic model and a new way of sharing this planet.”

For a human-induced crisis currently at its climax, there has been a disappointing schism in the relationship between the Muslim community and environmental attitudes. What Muslims don’t recognize however, is that The Quran and Prophetic traditions dictate that humans -as the superior species- are both morally and duty-bound to care for the planet. In fact, an ecological framework has already been set, which mandates the protection of this earth, its inhabitants, and natural resources – and it is in Islam.

The Islamic obligation of guardianship

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَكُمْ خَلَـٰٓئِفَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَكُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجَـٰتٍ لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِى مَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌۢ

And it is He who has made you stewards upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful [6:135]

This verse from Surah Al-An’am (The Cattle) is almost always the first and most quoted when it comes to discussions revolving around the Muslim relationship with our planet, and rightfully so. The primary tenet which guides Islamic teaching on environmental sustainability is the concept of khilafah – stewardship. As custodians of nature, we bear the responsibility of caring for what is not truly ours, but has been entrusted to us by our Creator –only for a time.

The UNDP Human Development Report 2020 further cements this principle by arguing that “… to navigate the Anthropocene, humanity can develop the capabilities, agency, and values to act by enhancing equity, fostering innovation, and instilling a sense of stewardship of nature…if these become central to what it means to live a good life, then human flourishing can happen alongside easing planetary pressures.”

As Muslims, the enormity is trust is not to be understated, and is the exclusive privilege endowed on mankind. We will be held accountable for how we have cared for the planet in conformity with Allah’s plan for it; i.e. for all inhabitants of the planet to live harmoniously in balance with each other.

It can be said therefore, that taking action on climate change with regards to our role as guardians of the earth, is very much an Islamic obligation.

Climate change and social inequality in Muslim communities

Although felt globally, many Muslim-majority countries in particular are bearing the brunt of the adverse effects of planetary changes, with developing nations carrying a significant percentage of the Muslim population. While climate colonialism and the disparity between wealthier countries and poorer nation states on the issue of climate change is a whole other conversation to be had in itself, it is widely acknowledged that developing countries as well as poor and marginalized communities are disproportionately more affected by environmental degradation (in lacking the resources, awareness, and financial stability) than their developed counterparts – even though they have contributed least to the problem.

Additionally, sudden or gradual alternations in the natural environment (drought, sea-level rise, desertification, etc.) can lead to land and global food insecurity, have even driven whole communities to be displaced as climate refugees.

It can be derived then, that the climate crisis when viewed systemically, is a moral issue of adl – social justice.

“Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for Allah alone, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives, whether they are rich and poor. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate ˹from justice˺. If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then ˹know that˺ Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do. ” [Surah An-Nisa:135]

Additionally, the Prophet is reported to have said: “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” [Bukhari & Muslim].

Staying true to the legacy social justice in Islam, the above verses and hadith (among others) make clear that if developing Muslim countries –or even one community alone!-are feeling the effects of climate change, we should be concerned enough to be moved to action.

Unsustainable consumption as a major climate change trigger

It has become inevitable that the things we buy contribute –either directly or indirectly- towards climate change; be it through biodiversity loss, pollution, resource depletion, etc. Countries with the highest rates of consumerism have up to 5.5 times the environmental impact as the world average, and so, the current climate emergency can most certainly also be viewed from the lens of capitalism and as a manifestation of economic growth.

Growth without limits has exceeded the carrying capacity of the Earth, and to disproportionately over-consume goes against the teachings of moderation and mizan -balance in Islam.

And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance. So that you do not defraud the scales. And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance. And the earth He laid [out] for the creatures. [Surah Ar-Rahman:7-10]

Allah clearly states (and we can see for ourselves) that He has created everything to run in precision. Yet we fail to acknowledge that we have disrupted this balance through our own heedlessness. When we refuse to live in harmony with other creations in favor of our own wellbeing, we disrupt natural ecosystems and also fail to protect the living standards for future generations.

The way forward

The numerous buzz phrases being thrown about (‘subsidizing renewable energy industries’, ‘keeping fossil fuels in the ground’, ‘negative emissions’, etc.) can arouse in individuals both cynicism for and personal detachment from the table where these larger discussions are taking place, but as Muslims we can never justify absolution from the topic of environmentalism when faced with the deep ecology of our faith.

In his book Signs on the Earth – Islam, Modernity, and the Climate Crisis, author and founder of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES) stipulates that the Islamic approach to the environment calls from the three-pronged view:

-To approach the Earth as sacred and identify how through abusing it we have desacralized our understanding of it. Hence we can rediscover what it is that we have lost in the process.

-To formulate an ethical understanding of our relationship with the natural world and build a knowledge base that enables us to resolve the immediate crisis and motivates us to lay down a basis for long term behavioral change.

-To look at this through the prism of political economy and discover what it is that an Islamic approach to this subject can do to both improve our understanding of the current malaise and provide answers to how we can create a model of wellbeing without having to subvert our own existence.

Climate action as fard al-ayn (individual obligation)

Every individual and household has a measurable carbon footprint, and it isn’t too difficult to invest in small (yet consistent) greener actions to reduce this footprint.

“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.” [Bukhari]

Don’t drive when you can walk, or even consider carpooling options. Carry a thermos flask for that take away coffee on-the-go. Reduce your energy use in the home or workplace. Go meat-free at least once a week, or choose to consume smaller portions of meat. Create a lifestyle where you can refuse non-biodegradable consumables. Where you can combine your online purchase to reduce the environmental footprint of multiple deliveries, do. Re-think where you can cut consumption and waste generation. Look up carbon offsetting schemes that find sustainable development projects or natural solutions. For people around you, explain your choices positively so that they may potentially follow suit.

As an individual, think about how you can increase your contribution to the circular economy; one that revolves around the regeneration of waste. Admittedly, buying from sustainable brands can be expensive, but consider reduction, reuse, and repair of products where possible.

Climate action as fard al-kifaya (collective obligation)

Every Islamic organization and institution must be involved in environmental protection. With nearly 2bn Muslims the world over, and more than 50 independent Muslim countries worldwide, the lack of awareness and action on the environmental agenda is severely disappointing; despite being deen-bound to take responsibility for our planet.

Pressure your local masjid to speak more about, and incorporate eco-friendly practices among the community. Insist that Muslim organizations and companies make more sustainable changes to their operations.

The economic policies of a country have a major influence on its carbon footprint, and in our current desperate state, what we need most is a deeper structural change from governments. Muslim-majority countries in particular hold the stronger obligation to actively work to influence global policies on climate change.

Yet, individuals hold the power to hold these authorities to account. Demand legislation in favor of a more sustainable future, cast your vote in support of governments willing to make stronger commitments towards climate financing and decarbonization, and call out those that do not.

Humanity has failed to make sufficient progress in solving the environmental challenges we have come face-to-face with today, where Science has always directed action. When it comes to Muslims, we should be directed by our faith that has always compelled us to do so.

The post COP26, The Climate Emergency, And The Muslim Contribution appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

Food Wastage

A significant problem in the west and ironically exacerbated during Ramadan is food wastage. Our eyes become bigger than our stomachs. The sunnah is very different; it asks us for less, not more. 

حَدَّثَنَا سُوَيْدُ بْنُ نَصْرٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ الْمُبَارَكِ، أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ عَيَّاشٍ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو سَلَمَةَ الْحِمْصِيُّ، وَحَبِيبُ بْنُ صَالِحٍ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ جَابِرٍ الطَّائِيِّ، عَنْ مِقْدَامِ بْنِ مَعْدِيكَرِبَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ “‏ مَا مَلأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ بِحَسْبِ ابْنِ آدَمَ أُكُلاَتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ فَإِنْ كَانَ لاَ مَحَالَةَ فَثُلُثٌ لِطَعَامِهِ وَثُلُثٌ لِشَرَابِهِ وَثُلُثٌ لِنَفَسِهِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Miqdam bin Ma’dikarib said:

“I heard the Messenger of Allah saying: ‘The human does not fill any container that is worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat what will support his back. If this is not possible, then a third for food, a third for drink, and third for his breath.”

We eat till we can’t move; this impacts our Taraweeh prayers and standing before Allah . Ramadan is the opposite of this, and it is a time to be humble, not extravagant. Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 7 Surah Aaraaf verse 31:

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ

O children of Adam! Attend to your embellishments at every time of prayer, eat and drink and be not extravagant; surely He does not love the extravagant.

We don’t want to create more than what we could consume; then the leftover is at risk to be thrown out. Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

• It is not permissible to throw them in the dumpster concerning bread, meat, and other kinds of food. Instead, they should be given to those who need them, or they should be put in a visible place where they will not be mistreated, in the hope that someone who needs them for his animals will take them, or some animals or birds will eat them.
• Be more vigilant in what you are cooking and how much of it.
• Always have a plan to deal with the leftovers.

Plastic Pollution

Another problem on a global scale and one we see during Ramadan that is increased is the plastic pollution crisis. Our planet is saturated with plastics, and we governments and corporations are brainstorming ways to curb the harmful increase of plastic pollutants. Since gatherings have been restricted due to the Covid virus’s spread, we have seen fewer iftars with damaging plastic use levels. With the vaccine spreading, it is a matter of time when Masajids and centres start hosting iftars again. Not gathering as much these past two years allows us to develop a plastic alternative plan thoughtfully. Decomposable tableware is becoming a growing trend, and a habit as simple as carrying your utensils can make a difference. 

 حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ سُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ دِينَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ الإِيمَانُ بِضْعٌ وَسَبْعُونَ أَوْ بِضْعٌ وَسِتُّونَ شُعْبَةً فَأَفْضَلُهَا قَوْلُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَدْنَاهَا إِمَاطَةُ الأَذَى عَنِ الطَّرِيقِ وَالْحَيَاءُ شُعْبَةٌ مِنَ الإِيمَانِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) said:

Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the removal of what is harmful from the path: and modesty is the branch of faith.

Simply removing the plastics from our environment prevents harmful harm from other peoples and living organisms path. 

Finally, promoting environmental awareness is an act that can benefit all of us during Ramadan and reminds us of our religious duty as custodians of this planet. the Earth is a creation of Allah. Like any creation, it has its rights. It then becomes an obligation for us as Muslims to ensure that these rights are not violated. This makes us successors of this world and the protectors (خليفة) of its rights. خليفة: a beautiful word with many meanings: Deputy, Guardian, Friend of Earth – but it all comes down to the purpose of Stewardship.

وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَكُمْ خَلَائِفَ الْأَرْضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَكُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجَاتٍ لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِيعُ الْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

“And it is He (God) who has made you successors (khala’ifa) upon the Earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Surah Al-An’am:165]

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِذَا جَاءَ رَمَضَانُ فُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُ الْجَنَّةِ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said,

“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened.” 

Ramadan is the most beautiful month, a month of worship, good deeds, family, and community. The gates of Paradise are opened; take advantage of it.

May Allah allow us to improve ourselves for His sake, to see Ramadan, and leave it Ramadan with His pleasure upon us.

The post Ramadan And A Plan For Our Earth appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

And it is He (God) who has made you successors (khala’ifa) upon the Earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Surah Al-An’am:165]

The number of emerging disease since the 1980s has tripled every decade, two-thirds emerging from animals. The rise of disease goes in hand with the exploitation of resources. The growth of infectious diseases is expected to increase as our population and alteration of the landscapes. Changing the landscape destabilizes populations, usually decreases larger mammal populations like elephants and lions, and increasing smaller animal population like rats and bats. Rats are considered the most populous mammal in the world, and bats make up 1⁄5 of the worlds mammal population. They thrive when landscapes are altered, and larger predators are gone.

“Eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah, and do not go about acting wickedly on
earth, spreading mischief.” (2:60)

The verse from Surat Al- Baqarah is a particular order on what we can and can not do. Yet, we are always caught exploiting land, ocean, and wildlife. As you read this, 20% of mammalian species are facing extinction. This pandemic, clearly a will of Allah , offers a chance for us to reflect on our behaviour. A reflection on what we are not doing to gain His pleasure.

Our Prophet Muhammad said: “There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field for a human, bird, or animal eats from it, but it shall be reckoned as charity from him.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

The amount of destruction we commit to meet the needs of our daily lives is a destructive habit that contradicts what we are taught. Prophet Mohammed gave us clear instructions on how to engage with our surroundings. One of those detailed instructions is: “Do not uproot or burn palms or cut down fruitful trees.” [Al-Muwatta]. When we do that we alter the landscape, we are forcing wildlife to adapt quickly to meet our needs. Some would thrive and some won’t, and a population of any species grows a spillover is expected.

As humans move further into the territories of wildlife to clear forests, raise livestock, and extract resources, we are increasingly exposing ourselves to the pathogens that generally never leave these places we move into. “We’re getting closer and closer to wild animals,” says Yan Xiang, professor of virology at the University of Texas Health Science Center, “and that brings us into contact with these viruses.”

A hundred years ago 2⁄3 of the planets living organisms lived in the tropical rainforest, today it has been halved due to habitat loss. Clearing forests creates a ripple effect invisible to our eyes, and we only see the consequences when it is too late. Prophet Muhammad(صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field for a human, bird, or animal eats from it, but it shall be reckoned as charity from him.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Instead of clearing forests, we should be working to revive them. Impacting their habitat is oneway we create avenues for pathogens to thrive, exploiting animals is another. Wet markets, illegal wildlife trade, and farm factories are ways in which we put wildlife in situations they wouldn’t be if left to their own accord or if we follow the Quran and Sunnah.

We tend to forget that animals have rights.

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) forbade selling the offspring of a pregnant animal (Habal Al-Habalah)(Sunan an-Nasa’i 4623 Grade Sahih)

Harming animals is a sin as it was narrated that ‘Amr bin Sharid said: “I heard Sharid say: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) say: Whoever kills a small bird for no reason, it will beseech Allah on the Day of Resurrection saying: O Lord, so and so killed me for no reason. And he did not kill me for any beneficial purpose.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 4446). We have to be real with ourselves and evaluate what benefit to us and nature is. Is clearing a forest and
endangering millions of wildlife worth the palm oil for our chocolate?

We are part of nature; we’re part of the ecosystem where our health is linked to the health of wildlife, the health of livestock and the health of the environment. We need us to find a better way of living according to the Quran and Sunnah.

The post The Pandemic And Environmental Justice appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

The image above is not an image of city lights at night.

It represents wildfires that happened around the world in July of 2019. The purpose of this article is to clarify misconceptions, provide the facts, and suggest possible solutions. Despite media coverage, forest fires are not typically bad. If you remember back to your Biology class in High School, a forest fire can be part of secondary succession. It plays a role in our environment. Forest fires stimulate new growth, and it opens up the canopy allowing sunlight to hit the forest floor. Forest fires also release nutrients trapped in the forest floor. Currently, we have reached a state of panic and misinformation. High profile social media accounts have been sharing pictures and information that is not accurate in time and location. These only fuels fear and doubt, and like anything on the media, you need to fact check.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The AMAZON Rain FOREST IS ON FIRE THIS IS TERRIBLE IT’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST CARBON SINKS IN THE WORLD, Spread The Word. #theamazonrainforest

A post shared by Jaden Smith (@c.syresmith) on Aug 21, 2019 at 5:35am PDT

While it is true that the Amazon forest is experiencing a more significant number of fires this year than last, the pattern isn’t necessarily abnormal on a global scale. In 2015 we experienced 4.7 million forest fires globally, and that number has been steadily decreasing every year since. To date, we have experienced 2.9 million forest fires in 2019. From 2003 to 2008 we averaged 5 million forest fires annually.

Right now, we are at the average number of forest fires we would be experiencing in August, based on 20 years of data. While the media is focusing on Brazil, Brazil ranks number 5 in the number of forest fires in the last year. The Congo has ranked number 1 for several years now in regards to forest fires. The Congo loses about 1% of their forest annually to wildfires, and Brazil about 0.15% of their forest. Either way, these are huge losses. Our brothers and sisters in Indonesia are suffering as well, including some critically endangered species.

What is causing this? Nothing happens without the will of Allah ﷻ. In Surat Yusuf, verse 21 Allah ﷻ says “The Will of God prevails, but most of the people know not”

In a narration, we hear the Prophet reminding us of the above verse.

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: “كُنْت خَلْفَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم يَوْمًا، فَقَالَ: يَا غُلَامِ! إنِّي أُعَلِّمُك كَلِمَاتٍ: احْفَظْ اللَّهَ يَحْفَظْك، احْفَظْ اللَّهَ تَجِدْهُ تُجَاهَك، إذَا سَأَلْت فَاسْأَلْ اللَّهَ، وَإِذَا اسْتَعَنْت فَاسْتَعِنْ بِاَللَّهِ، وَاعْلَمْ أَنَّ الْأُمَّةَ لَوْ اجْتَمَعَتْ عَلَى أَنْ يَنْفَعُوك بِشَيْءٍ لَمْ يَنْفَعُوك إلَّا بِشَيْءٍ قَدْ كَتَبَهُ اللَّهُ لَك، وَإِنْ اجْتَمَعُوا عَلَى أَنْ يَضُرُّوك بِشَيْءٍ لَمْ يَضُرُّوك إلَّا بِشَيْءٍ قَدْ كَتَبَهُ اللَّهُ عَلَيْك؛ رُفِعَتْ الْأَقْلَامُ، وَجَفَّتْ الصُّحُفُ”. رَوَاهُ التِّرْمِذِيُّ

Abu al-‘Abbas ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas   reports:

“One day I was riding (a horse/camel) behind the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when he said, ‘Young man, I will teach you some words. Be mindful of God, and He will take care of you. Be mindful of Him, and you shall find Him at your side. If you ask, ask of God. If you need help, seek it from God. Know that if the whole world were to gather together in order to help you, they would not be able to help you except if God had written so. And if the whole world were to gather together in order to harm you, they would not harm you except if God had written so. The pens have been lifted, and the pages are dry.'” Related by Tirmidhi

There is a sense of freedom through the reliance of Allah ﷻ.

But Allah ﷻ has given us a responsibility, an amanah.

وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَكُمْ خَلَائِفَ الْأَرْضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَكُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجَاتٍ لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِيعُ الْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

“And it is He (God) who has made you successors (Khalifa) upon the Earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Surah Al-An’am:165]

I worry the world is neglecting that responsibility, and taking the Earth for granted. Not only are we neglecting this responsibility, but we are also exploiting what Allah ﷻ gave us.

“Eat and drink from the provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.” (Qur’an, 2:60)

We are in a state of a “climate crisis,” yet we have not taken the proper steps to address it. We worry about the world that our children will inherit, but lack the passion for doing something about it.

A lot of it is at the government level. The Green New Deal failed and living in a plutocracy, and it may not come to fruition. Capitalism that fuels our consumeristic manners only speed up this destruction we are inflicting on ourselves. The solutions are simple and need to come from the community and work outward. We see the forests of the world burning, are we going to sit and watch the world burn, or will we implement the words of the Prophet ? Our Prophet Muhammad said: “There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field for a human, bird, or animal eats from it, but it shall be reckoned as charity from him.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

عَنْ أَنَسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ يَغْرِسُ غَرْسًا أَوْ يَزْرَعُ زَرْعًا فَيَأْكُلُ مِنْهُ إِنْسَانٌ أَوْ طَيْرٌ أَوْ بَهِيمَةٌ إِلاَّ كَانَتْ لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ ‏”

If the Forest Burns, We Plant More Trees

If the forests burn, we plant more trees; this gives us sadaqah jariyah (continous reward), and allows us to fulfill our obligation as stewards of this planet. Countries with much fewer resources are doing it, and so can you. The Great Green Wall is an African-led movement with an epic ambition to grow an 8,000km natural wonder of the world across the entire width of Africa. Its foundation is in the Sahel the southeastern part of the Sahara. That part of the world is on the frontline of climate change, and the people are changing their ways to address it.

As Brazil loses 0.15% of forest due to fires, India has increased its forestry by 1% in two years. There is no doubt that capitalism plays a role, and we play a role in capitalism, and instead of being blind consumers, we can be informed consumers. Your dollar forces companies to make choices that can be better for the planet. It is essential to be cautious of your purchases and the role that the company plays in our delicate ecosystems. Three significant regions are suffering tremendously due to forest fires. The Congo, Brazil, and Indonesia, each has its unique part in our capitalistic lives.

Cells for Congo

Mining to get rare earth metals comes from the Congo; mining requires deforestation to reach the resources needed. These “rare earth” metals are used by anyone that has a cell phone, laptop, computer, etc. One thing we can do not to be part of the problem is to find more ethical companies in regards to technology usage.

Investigate for Indonesia

Next is Indonesia, and it is notorious for having corporations burn its trees down for palm oil. Palm oil is an ingredient found in many processed foods, cosmetics, and toiletries. It’s said that the equivalent of 300 soccer fields of rainforest is cleared every hour for the production of palm oil worldwide. Palm oil can be produced in a responsible manner that respects the environment and the communities where it is commonly grown. Find no palm oil alternatives here. Look for the RSPO label to ensure you purchase products made with certified sustainable palm oil. This label gives you the confidence that the palm oil was produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

Beefless for Brazil

Then there is Brazil the largest exporter of beef in the world. Cows are not small or cheap. They use a lot of water and resources to accommodate a growing demand for meat. One pound of beef uses 1800 gallons of water; this includes the water it drinks and the water used for its food. Add the amount of space needed, and one can’t help but think if beef is worth it.

These three very sought out resources and luxuries increase profits for the corporation for companies like Google, Samsung, Sony, Apple, Nestle, Kelloggs, General Mills, Colgate-Palmolive, and the beef industry supported by the populist Brazilian President. One can’t help but think that some of these fires are not naturally occurring. There is enough by the greed and selfishness by those that can impose their power on other people and our planet to fuel these fires. Use your dollar wisely, and voice your concern to any corporation that exploits the resources that Allah ﷻ bestowed upon us.

I want to conclude with a hadith that should make us respond to the loss of our forests. Planting trees and preserving what we have is so crucial that Anas Ibn Malik is said to have reported: that the Prophet , said, “If the Final Hour comes while you have a palm-cutting in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it.” [Ahmad]

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ‏:‏ إِنْ قَامَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَفِي يَدِ أَحَدِكُمْ فَسِيلَةٌ، فَإِنِ اسْتَطَاعَ أَنْ لاَ تَقُومَ حَتَّى يَغْرِسَهَا فَلْيَغْرِسْهَا‏.

The post Allah’s Will and Our Responsibility: Responding To Forest Fires appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

When we think of climate change, we rarely think of war. On June 12th, 2019, Brown University released a report declaring the Department of Defence to be “the world’s largest institution to use petroleum and correspondingly, the single largest producer of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the world.” Burning jet fuel for transportation of troops and weapons make up 70 percent of the Pentagon’s emissions.  Ironically, earlier this year the Pentagon released a 22-page report to Congress stating the ⅔ of their mission-essential installation in the US are vulnerable to flooding, and ½ are susceptible to wildfires. To no surprise, Trump rejected those findings at the time. The Pentagon is now concerned with the impact climate change has on their “foreign missions.”

With tensions high with Iran, and several thousand troops are expected to be deployed, if war with Iran is to happen, it may lead us to a more damaged planet that may not recover. This makes the Pentagon guilty of killing people and the earth. The Department of Defense has consistently used between 77-80% of the entire US energy consumption. We see spikes during times of massive war (since America is in a constant state of war), like in 1991, 2001, and so on.

Here is a list of the seven significant sources of greenhouse emissions done by the Department of Defense:

1. Overall military emissions for installations and non-war operations.
2. War-related emissions by the US military in overseas contingency operations.
3. Emissions caused by US military industry   — for instance, for production of weapons and ammunition.
4. Emissions caused by the direct targeting of petroleum,   namely the deliberate burning of oil wells and refineries by all parties.
5. Sources of emissions by other belligerents.
6. Energy consumed by reconstruction of damaged and destroyed infrastructure.
7. Emissions from other sources, such as fire suppression and extinguishing chemicals, including   Halon, a greenhouse gas, and from explosions and fires due to the destruction of non-petroleum targets in warzones.

This impact on the climate is just the portion from America, in the Iraq war, 37 countries fought alongside America, and 60 are allied against ISIS. There is a way to calculate those emissions as well.

The Rules of War

Before engaging in battle, the Prophet Muhammad instructed his soldiers:

1. Do not kill any child, any woman, or any elder or sick person. (Sunan Abu Dawud)
2. Do not practice treachery or mutilation. (Al-Muwatta)
3. Do not uproot or burn palms or cut down fruitful trees. (Al-Muwatta)
4. Do not slaughter a sheep or a cow or a camel, except for food. (Al-Muwatta)
5. If one fights his brother, [he must] avoid striking the face, for God created him in the image of Adam. (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
6. Do not kill the monks in monasteries, and do not kill those sitting in places of worship. (Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal)
7. Do not destroy the villages and towns, do not spoil the cultivated fields and gardens, and do not slaughter the cattle. (Sahih Bukhari; Sunan Abu Dawud)
8. Do not wish for an encounter with the enemy; pray to God to grant you security; but when you [are forced to] encounter them, exercise patience. (Sahih Muslim)
9. No one may punish with fire except the Lord of Fire. (Sunan Abu Dawud).
10. Accustom yourselves to do good if people do good, and not to do wrong even if they commit evil. (Al-Tirmidhi)

A verse in the Holy Qur’an

4:75 (Y. Ali) And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: “Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!”

How does this potential war against Iran play into all this?

Our first call to action is to organize an anti-war rally. This type of work is weak in America, and virtually non-existent within the Muslim community.

فَقَالَ أَبُو سَعِيدٍ أَمَّا هَذَا فَقَدْ قَضَى مَا عَلَيْهِ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ “‏ مَنْ رَأَى مُنْكَرًا فَلْيُنْكِرْهُ بِيَدِهِ وَمَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِلِسَانِهِ وَمَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِقَلْبِهِ وَذَلِكَ أَضْعَفُ الإِيمَانِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏

Abu Sa’eed said: ‘As for this, he has fulfilled what is upon him. I heard the Messenger of Allah saying: ‘Whoever among you sees an evil, then let him stop it with his hand. Whoever is not able, then with his tongue, and whoever is not able, then with his heart. That is the weakest of faith.”‘

War with Iran will be a Greater Mistake than War with Iraq

Historically, anti-war sentiment in America has grown over the years. When the Iraq war first started only 23% thought it was a mistake, today it is close to 60% that believe the war is a mistake. Yes, this is in hindsight, but that it is also growth. The reason the anti-war movement is feeble in America is that there is no platform for the campaign to grow. Both parties are guilty of starting wars or taking over the wars from the past administration. Whether we do it alone as an individual or as a group, we should do everything we can as privileged members of this planet to save and protect those that can’t defend themselves.

There is a famous quote of the famed boxer Muhammad Ali when explaining why he wasn’t fighting in the war. He said, “…I am not going ten thousand miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation simply to continue the domination of white slave masters of the darker people the world over. This is the day when such evils must come to an end. I have been warned that to take such a stand would put my prestige in jeopardy and could cause me to lose millions of dollars which should accrue to me as the champion.”

Fighting Earth

With that said, there is a significant interest in the region for more than just fuel and resources. It is truly a problem, our operations in the Gulf is to address our dependency on Persian oil, and the fuel that is used to address our dependence is to protect those resources and access to them. One estimate is that America spends $81 billion annually defending the global oil supply. They do this because the DOD feels its dependency will make it vulnerable on a larger scale.

In 1975 America decided to take away the fear of losing the resources and developed the “Strategic Petroleum Reserve,” and in 1978, they created the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF). Their only purpose was to defend US interest in the Middle East. This, in turn, leads to extractivism of resources and supplies. (Which will be explained in a future article).

This war can be the end of all wars as it can accelerate us to the point of no return in regards to climate change.

A war with Iran is a war with Earth and all who live on it.

The post The Environmental Cost Of War With Iran appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

Chemically, plastic is made up from organic compounds like such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt and, of course, crude oil. When plastics were first introduced, it was a life-changing compound that littered homes (then the world). Billions of pounds of plastic can be found in swirling convergences in the oceans making up about 40 percent of the world’s ocean surfaces. It makes visiting beautiful sites created by Allah, disappointing. What does pollution, specifically plastic, has to do with our role as Muslims? and to what capacity?

Before understanding that, we have to see how plastics impact life on Earth.

Plastic constitutes approximately 90 percent of all trash floating on the ocean’s surface, with 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile.

One million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals are killed annually from plastic in our oceans.

44 percent of all seabird species, 22 percent of cetaceans, all sea turtle species and a growing list of fish species have been documented with plastic in or around their bodies.

Plastic chemicals can be absorbed by the body—93 percent of Americans age six or older test positive for BPA (a plastic chemical).

Some of these compounds found in plastic have been found to alter hormones or have other potential human health effects.

These are just a few examples, the list is much longer. Before I go any further, I want to express my opinion first, as an environmental activist. Your individual actions in dealing with pollution are your duty as a Muslim, but the change we need for our survival needs to happen on an international level.

Abu Zarr Al-Ghafari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity (sadaqah).”

This simple hadith resonates with us due to the magnitude of its influence. Moving an obstacle is charity, we associate money with charity and tend to forget that other actions that can count as charity. What does removing an obstacle has to do with plastics? As I mentioned earlier 40% of the ocean’s surface is covered in plastic. That is a disturbance to other living creatures. As we remove the obstacles from the path of many creatures, we can work on ourselves to avoid putting it there, to begin with. This also relates to point number three of how many living creatures are impacted by our negligence. Not just plants and animals, but people as well. You can take a moment to google images of plastic in our world and see that they aren’t just neatly packed in garbage bags or recycling bins.

Imaams al-Bukhari and Muslim reported from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet said: “There is a reward for service to every living creature.”

These are violations we commit and deeds we are prevented from by participating in this plastic culture. More importantly, we are harming ourselves and contaminating useable drinking water. Earlier I wrote an article about water its right upon us.

God’s Messenger expressed this in the following way:

“It is a fact that in the next life you will render their rights to those to whom they are due. The hornless sheep even will receive its right by way of retaliation from a horned sheep that butted it.” Muslim, Birr, 60.

Our actions in this modern era echo around the world. My polluting habits may cause harm elsewhere. My spending habits may entice more harm than good. It may seem extreme, but science proves that we are all connected in a delicate chain or balance, a balance set by the wisdom of Allah . More importantly, it is documented from the words of the Prophet. An-Nu’man ibn Basheer reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5665, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2586

When water gets contaminated it is then rendered useless, depriving millions of basic survival. There are plenty of freshwater reserves completely useless due to toxic pollution from plastic manufacturing.

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ السَّمَّانِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ

عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏”‏ ثَلاَثَةٌ لاَ يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَلاَ يَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهِمْ رَجُلٌ حَلَفَ عَلَى سِلْعَةٍ لَقَدْ أَعْطَى بِهَا أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا أَعْطَى وَهْوَ كَاذِبٌ، وَرَجُلٌ حَلَفَ عَلَى يَمِينٍ كَاذِبَةٍ بَعْدَ الْعَصْرِ لِيَقْتَطِعَ بِهَا مَالَ رَجُلٍ مُسْلِمٍ، وَرَجُلٌ مَنَعَ فَضْلَ مَاءٍ، فَيَقُولُ اللَّهُ الْيَوْمَ أَمْنَعُكَ فَضْلِي، كَمَا مَنَعْتَ فَضْلَ مَا لَمْ تَعْمَلْ يَدَاكَ ‏”‏‏.‏ قَالَ عَلِيٌّ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ غَيْرَ مَرَّةٍ عَنْ عَمْرٍو سَمِعَ أَبَا صَالِحٍ يَبْلُغُ بِهِ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏

As narrated by Abu Huraira:

“The Prophet said, ‘There are three types of people whom Allah will neither talk to nor look at, on the Day of Resurrection. (They are): 1. A man who takes an oath falsely that he has been offered for his goods so much more than what he is given. 2. A man who takes a false oath after the ‘Asr prayer in order to grab a Muslim’s property, and 3. A man who withholds his superfluous water. Allah will say to him, Today I will withhold My Grace from you as you withheld the superfluity of what you had not created.” [Bukhari: 2370]

We do not want to be guilty of withholding water from other directly or indirectly. With the advanced technology and the thousands of websites providing information, there are plenty of ways to determine if your daily habits have an impact on others well being.

We only manage to recycle 5% of the plastic wasted, and 90% of the pollution in the ocean is plastic. Are we asked to recycle? Is it just good practice or a practice is preferred?

Asked about what the Prophet used to do in his house, the Prophet’s wife, `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), said that he used to repair his shoes, sow his clothes and used to do all such household works done by an average person.

Recycling and reusing is a critical part of conserving and protecting what we have. You can start with yourself, but your goal is to expand these actions to other families, communities, countries. If the action is sincere this would bring us closer to Allah . “The world is beautiful and verdant, and verily God, be He exalted, has made you His stewards in it, and He sees how you acquit yourselves.” (Saheeh Muslim)

The post Our Plastic Planet appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

1. Start Ramadan by making the right intentions.

The first thing we do is have the right intentions. What is your intention this Ramadan? Create realistic goals for yourself, and your community!

2. Give up your CO2 contribution by traveling light and smart.

During Ramadan, our visits to the masjid increases, and for some people they can be making multiple visits a day. While driving is unavoidable, try and carpool to reduce emissions that harm our environment and health. Additionally, make it into an act of worship!

“حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ سُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ دِينَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ الإِيمَانُ بِضْعٌ وَسَبْعُونَ أَوْ بِضْعٌ وَسِتُّونَ شُعْبَةً فَأَفْضَلُهَا قَوْلُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَدْنَاهَا إِمَاطَةُ الأَذَى عَنِ الطَّرِيقِ وَالْحَيَاءُ شُعْبَةٌ مِنَ الإِيمَانِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah said:

“Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the, removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is the branch of faith.”

Other options can include walking and biking to the masjid. Walking to the masjid is great as you can increase in zhikr (remembrance) of Allah .

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ دِينَارٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ

عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَأْتِي قُبَاءً مَاشِيًا وَرَاكِبًا‏.‏

Narrated Ibn `Umar:

“The Prophet used to go to the Quba’ mosque, sometimes walking, sometimes riding.”

حَدَّثَنَا الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ الأَسْوَدِ الْعِجْلِيُّ الْبَغْدَادِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ آدَمَ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي بِشْرٍ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، قَالَ تَسْبِيحَةٌ فِي رَمَضَانَ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ أَلْفِ تَسْبِيحَةٍ فِي غَيْرِهِ ‏.‏

Az-Zuhri said:

“A Tasbihah in Ramadan is better than a thousand Tasbihah in other that it.”

3. Spend meaningful energy, conserve wasteful energy.

Another way to enhance our worship is to be diligent when making wudu. Do not be wasteful and open the taps full on. Water is becoming scarce, and the way we make wudu is not of the Prophet .

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ حَنْبَلٍ، حَدَّثَنَا هُشَيْمٌ، أَخْبَرَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي زِيَادٍ، عَنْ سَالِمِ بْنِ أَبِي الْجَعْدِ، عَنْ جَابِرٍ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَغْتَسِلُ بِالصَّاعِ وَيَتَوَضَّأُ بِالْمُدِّ ‏.‏

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah:

“The Prophet used to take a bath with a sa’ (of water) and perform ablution with a mudd (of water).” [A mudd is roughly two handfuls of water]

Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-`Aas reported that the Prophet passed one day by Sa`d ibn Abi Waqas while he was performing wudu. The Prophet asked Sa`d, “Why is this wastage?” Sa`d replied “Is there wastage in wudu also?” The Prophet said, “Yes, even if you are at a flowing river.”

Consider conserving more water when making wudu. Conserve electricity by shutting off the TV and computer, and opening the Holy book.

4. Have a healthy Ramadan through a proper diet.

Here we talk about our diets and how to implement a more prophetic one. We fast all day and can’t wait to eat. Our eyes become bigger than our stomachs. The sunnah is actually very different. It asks us for less not more.

حَدَّثَنَا سُوَيْدُ بْنُ نَصْرٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ الْمُبَارَكِ، أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ عَيَّاشٍ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو سَلَمَةَ الْحِمْصِيُّ، وَحَبِيبُ بْنُ صَالِحٍ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ جَابِرٍ الطَّائِيِّ، عَنْ مِقْدَامِ بْنِ مَعْدِيكَرِبَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ “‏ مَا مَلأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ بِحَسْبِ ابْنِ آدَمَ أُكُلاَتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ فَإِنْ كَانَ لاَ مَحَالَةَ فَثُلُثٌ لِطَعَامِهِ وَثُلُثٌ لِشَرَابِهِ وَثُلُثٌ لِنَفَسِهِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Miqdam bin Ma’dikarib said:

“I heard the Messenger of Allah saying: ‘The human does not fill any container that is worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat what will support his back. If this is not possible, then a third for food, a third for drink, and third for his breath.”

We eat till we can’t move, and this impacts our tharaweeh prayers and standing before Allah . Ramadan is meant to be the opposite of this; it is a time to be humble, not extravagant. Allah says:

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ

“O children of Adam! Attend to your embellishments at every time of prayer and eat and drink and be not extravagant; surely He does not love the extravagant.” [Surah A’raf; 31]

Ramadan is a time to detox ourselves: mind, body and soul. Add more vegetarian options, do not over-eat, and use locally sourced foods. Avoid fizzy drinks, or anything high in sugar content – as an alternative use honey. Avoid deep-fried foods or enjoy in moderation (like once a week). Start and end your fast with green or herbal tea to cleanse the stomach after a day of fasting in order to help flush the toxins out.

We also don’t want to create more than what we could possibly consume, then the leftovers are at risk of being thrown out.  Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“With regard to bread, meat and other kinds of food, it is not permissible to throw them in the dumpster; rather they should be given to those who need them, or they should be put in a visible place where they will not be mistreated, in the hope that someone who needs them for his animals will take them, or they will be eaten by some animals or birds.”

     5. Commit random acts of kindness

Try smiling at people that pass by, greet the street guards, or just randomly express your gratitude for a friend. Volunteer your time at the local mosque, or in the community for an initiative you are passionate about – or start a new one!

6.Celebrate Ramadan by breaking a bad habit

We all face our own challenges and bad habits. Ramadan is the perfect time to end that sugar or nicotine addiction, watch less TV, walk more, give up bad language, or even fix your sleeping cycle.

     7.Charity is more than giving money to a good cause

For zakat, consider a local organization that is doing good work to protect the under privileged or the environment. Starting an initiative at your school, workplace or local mosque to make a real difference.

     8.Host an eco-Iftar that will be the talk of the town

Show that you care for the environment and host an iftar that produces no waste, recycles, uses biodegradable cutlery and dishware, or invite others to bring their own dishware! Most importantly, serve a healthy, and locally sourced iftar meal.

 9.Green your Eid, celebrate in style

By all means, treat yourself to a nice new outfit. Just try and ensure that you are supporting local industry, and that the dyes used are not polluting the water streams. When giving Eidi to children, highlight the importance of using it responsibly: buying nothing unnecessary or anything that will harm planet, your body or community, and to consider paying it forward to a local charity to earn extra reward.

     10.Reflect on what you’ve achieved this month

By staying focused, observing your behavior, lifestyle and habits, you will have become much more mindful and aware by the end of the month. Make sure you stay consistent!

 

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِذَا جَاءَ رَمَضَانُ فُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُ الْجَنَّةِ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Messenger said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened.”

Ramadan is the most beautiful month, a month of worship, good deeds, family, and community. The gates of Paradise are opened, so take advantage of it. May Allah give us the opportunity to improve ourselves for His sake, to see Ramadan, and leave Ramadan with His pleasure upon us.

The post 10 Steps Towards A Green Ramadan appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

 “And it is He (God) who has made you successors (khala’ifa) upon the Earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Surah Al-An’am:165].

Throughout the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet there are everyday lessons of our duty and responsibility in regards to the environment. These duties bring out our mercy, compassion, righteousness, and piety. These teaching and orders soften our hearts to increase our taqwa towards Allah . Our Prophet Muhammad said:

“There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field for a human, bird, or animal eats from it, but it shall be reckoned as charity from him.” [Bukhari, Muslim].

This encourages us to build a connection with our planet, something we need to re-establish through implementation of the Quran and Sunnah. By doing so you build a stronger bond with Allah and you reach a higher level of harmony in your life.

These role of stewardship bestowed upon us by Allah also shows us his vast mercy upon us. Allah’s Messenger said,

“While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, ‘This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as that of mine. So he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water, caught hold of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?” He replied, “Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate.”

And abandoning our stewardship role that has been given to us by Allah reveals punishment in a sense. The Prophet said,

“There are three types of people whom Allah will neither talk to, nor look at, on the Day of Resurrection. (They are): 1. A man who takes an oath falsely that he has been offered for his goods so much more than what he is given. 2. A man who takes a false oath after the ‘Asr prayer in order to grab a Muslim’s property, and 3. A man who withholds his superfluous water. Allah will say to him, Today I will withhold My Grace from you as you withheld the superfluity of what you had not created.” [Bukhari;2370]

Getting your masjid and community involved in worthy environmental efforts will increase rewards and reduce the chances of neglecting our obligations to the environment. This can go to the extent of being sadaqah jariya. In NJ we used to plant trees, not just on Earth Day but year round. We would go to the most impoverished cities and neighborhoods in the state and plant trees in their community. This allowed us to provide trees that will provide shade for decades to come. Prophet Muhammad said:

 “There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field for a human, bird, or animal eats from it, but it shall be reckoned as charity from him.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

It was also a form of dawah:

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma’roof (whatever is good) and forbidding Al-Munkar (whatever is evil). And it is they who are successful.” (Qur’an 3:104)  The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The best among you are those who possess the best manners.” (Al-Bukhari/Muslim)

Make your masjid into a Green Masjid, raise funds for solar panels, wudu friendly faucets to conserve water, and proper insulation for the summer and winter seasons. Make small changes from irresponsible use of energy be it lighting, heating or cooling, to reducing use of plastics. Let us show the world how the values of Islam can lead to a healthier and more prosperous planet.

The post Earth Day 2018 appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

I am in no position to judge, as I find myself guilty of this as well. What concerns me is the trajectory of our culture as it relates to its environment. We continue to invest and spend towards things that can threaten our survival. The global economy is doubling down on the fragility of the environment by exploring even dirtier alternatives than fossil fuels, such as deep-water drilling for oil, bitumen from tar sands, coal from detonating mountains, and gas from fracking. The studies we value hit us in the face as we live with this kind of dissonance, simply a part of being alive in this moment in history.

Humans fall into a few categories when it comes to climate change, although most of them have humans looking away from the problem. You have the deniers like Donald Trump and the Tea party followers, where one winter changes their perspective. You have those that deny it, but look back on climate change as a joke. Then there are the hopefuls, those that tell comforting stories to themselves on how clever humans are, and trust that we will use science and technology to solve this. This is another way of looking away. You have the hyper-rational, who think in terms of dollar for dollar, and think it is more efficient to focus on developing the economy than to focus on climate change. There are a few people who are mentally occupied people, too busy to care and too distant to think abstractly. And lastly we have the individualists. They are aware but decide only to focus on themselves making the change. They would recycle, shop locally, bike or walk to work. But it stops there, and they don’t take it to the needed level of making desperate changes to the community. If we continue to not react, if we continue to deny how frightened we actually are, little by little we will reach a place we fear most, a place where we can’t look away, a place we can’t come back from. We would fail ourselves and our children, and break an Amaanah that has been left with us since the dawn of time.

There is a way of preventing such a disastrous future. As humans on Earth, the changes we need to make involve everything around us. We would need to change everything from how we live to how our economies function. For Muslims, it goes even deeper, and we need to re-evaluate our role and responsibilities that were given to us since our creation. The how and why we go about this are already documented for us in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet .

Reviving our roles as individual caliphs (successors) of the earth and its prosperity is critical to achieving the justice that the poor and weak need. Any form of injustice is usually created by the rich and powerful and impacts the weak and poor. Climate change is no different. When a drought happens, like in France for example, the rich or developed parts of countries are primarily unaffected. But take that drought to a third world country and the impacts are catastrophic. We had a drought in the states recently on the West Coast, and most people continued on with their daily live unaffected. The droughts in Ethiopia, however, can ruin families, spread famine, and leave long-lasting effects. The majority of the world is in poverty, and a good portion of people are Muslim. They are the ones suffering from the effects of a problem to which they did not contribute. We are leaders in our households and our communities and that is where change will begin. The profits, employment, and growth are good, hence climate change has never received crisis treatment from our leaders, despite the fact that it carries tremendous risk, far more risk than collapsing banks. Here is an example of how money drives reason more than justice.

This was an interview conducted between an investigative journalist and a climatologist. Hedges, the journalist involved, notes that while Hansen and most other climatologists have been “sounding the alarm for decades,” the “establishment systems of power continue to pursue policies that are suicidal,” and he asks why. “It’s pretty clear why,” Hansen responds. “Because the fossil fuel industry is making a lot of money… and they are able to influence both the legislative branch of government and the executive branch. That’s why we’re trying to use the third branch of government, the judicial branch, to secure the rights of young people.” Oil giant Exxon conducted cutting-edge climate research in the 1970s and then, without disclosing the findings of its scientists, worked to manufacture doubt about the scientific consensus of its own research. This was all for the sake of money.

We need to step away from the role of spectators and truly adopt the responsibility we have that is mentioned in the Quran. World leaders and politicians aren’t the only ones with the power and ability to declare a crisis. Mass movements of regular people can declare one too. Our recent history is full of major changes at the hands of the people. Slavery wasn’t considered a violation of human rights for British and American elites until abolitionism made it known as one. Racial discrimination wasn’t treated as a real threat to the welfare of people until the civil rights movement made it one. Sex discrimination wasn’t acknowledged until feminists rallied for rights. The Apartheid was supported and funded until an anti-Apartheid movement took place. It is not too late and we can work together and revive our roles.

Masajids and institutes can have joint efforts to be greener and be an example for others to follow. No one mentioned the protection of nature and wildlife with as great emphasis and rules as Islam and the Prophet Mohamed . Before Islam and the final messenger, our climate wasn’t thought about as much. Today we are going back to what the Prophet said over 1400 years ago, and trying to get back on track. Subhanallah.

Prophet Muhammad said: “There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field for a human, bird, or animal eats from it, but it shall be reckoned as charity from him.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

The solutions are there! There is an issue of poaching endangered animals. What is the remedy? The Prophet said, “Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, Allah will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgment.” The listeners asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is a just cause?” He replied, “That he will kill it to eat, not simply to chop off its head and then throw it away.” (An–Nasa’i) When it comes to deforestation, the Prophet said, “Do not uproot or burn palms or cut down fruitful trees.” [Al-Muwatta].

Access to clean water is a right. What was prescribed by the Prophet? Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-`Aas reported that the Prophet passed one day by Sa`d ibn Abi Waqas while he was performing wudu’, the ritual cleaning of the body parts in preparation for prayer. The prophet asked Sa`d, “Why is this wastage?” Sa`d replied, “Is there wastage in wudu also?” The Prophet said, “Yes, even if you are at a flowing river.” (Ahmad and authenticated Ahmad Shakir)

Consumerism that impacts our resources and environment is another major concern. The Prophet used to recycle and care for his needs, When asked about what the Prophet used to do in his house, the Prophet’s wife, `A’ishah , said that he used to repair his shoes, sow his clothes and used to do all such household works done by an average person. (Authenticated by Al-Albani)

The post Changing Our Role with Climate Change appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.