Sustainable Development in the Holy Quran

In the Holy Quran, there are many verses which emphasize the great importance of sustainable development, and the responsibility of human beings towards the environment. The man has the right to use the environment for getting the essential benefits like water, land, air, minerals etc. But there is no right given to man to damage the environment.

Awareness about Sustainable Development

The awareness about the sustainable development among the people is increasing. The people feel the necessity to include religious influence in maintaining the environment. The Holy Quran play a significant role in our lives to fulfill our responsibility as the Khalifah of Allah.

Sustainable development is not a new concept for Muslims. In the Quran, we can find more than 500 verses in which Allah guides us on matters related to the environmental sustainability.

Our Responsibilities

According to Islam, human being is the caretaker or guardian of this environment. The Islamic perspective on sustainable development is that Islam can contribute to increasing human awareness of the environment and its sustainability. The Quran also explains the importance of the environment and explains the relationship of the surroundings with human life.

Thus, as Muslims, it is our responsibility to utilize the earth responsibly. We should maintain and preserve it honestly. The Quran teaches us to use it considerately and moderately. It is very important to pass the maintained environment to future generations. We have to handle our environment in a way that comprehends the worship of Allah.

The Quran is a guiding source for Muslims. Allah says in the Quran:

“It is He who has appointed you vicegerent on the earth…” 

Every person can share earth’s resources. Allah has also set a scale on all the resources. Our negative actions will produce the side-effects and cause ecological imbalance on Earth.

The Quran tells us

“The servants of the Lord of Mercy are those who walk gently upon the earth…”

Land Reclamation in Quran

According to the Quran, Allah rewards a person who brings a dead land to life. Land reclamation is highly encouraged in Islam. Preserving the land is very important because not only human beings but also animals, birds, and other creatures benefits from it. Allah regards this act as a charity in Islam. Allah says that He offers rewards for planting every sapling.

Protection of Nature

Nature protection is emphasized in our religion. Industrial development is not allowed in any such area. Allah says that all the things that He created on the earth have certain purposes. We should appreciate the wildlife and contribute to the protection of nature.

Water Rights

In the Holy Quran, Allah mentions the word ‘water’ 66 times. Water is very important for us because it has life-giving properties. There is a Quranic verse about water:

“And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those who listen”

Monopolization of water is not allowed in Islam. Sustainability of water is very important. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) teaches us to use the water properly without wasting it. Quran not only encourages the protection of water but also forbids polluting it.

Environment Protection

We can only benefit from the environment if we contribute to its maintenance or conservation. People are ignorant in this regard so this ignorance has resulted in the environmental degradation. There is a need to raise awareness among the people. People should realize that it is their religious duty to conserve the environment. Allah, the Almighty, does not allow anyone to cause damage to the earth.

Conclusion

The protection and conservation of the environment is the religious duty of all the Muslims. We as Muslims believe in the sustainable development of our cities and our countries. The Muslim community should be responsible to protect the nature. It is our duty to raise awareness among the people on the basis of Quranic teachings. People should also follow the Quranic principles of mutual cooperation.