BONN: For some years now a global environmental discourse has been underway, one that connects ecological themes with Islamic ethics.But to what extent can Islam really give guidance on ecological sustainability? Qantara.de freelance writer Eren Güvercin seeks answers from expert sociologist Sigrid Nökel.
Common Grounds News Service: It’s rather unusual for Islam and environmental protection to be mentioned in the same breath. What sort of environmental concepts does Islam have to offer?Sigrid Nökel: The type of environmental problems that we are familiar with are the result of industrialization and capitalism, so they are relatively recent developments. Islamic sources, on the other hand, are more than 1,000 years old and originated in a completely different context. So we can only draw on ideas about the relationship between people and their environment that are of a more general nature.There are terms that have come down to us, such as fitra, which refers to creation as an original natural order; tawhid, the unity of creation, which tells us that all things in the world are related to one another and, because they are all equal signs of God, they are equally important, valuable and worthy of preservation; and mizan, balance, which is the state of well-ordered creation and which must be maintained or restored. In addition, there is the concept of khilafa which refers to the role of mankind as the trustee of creation. It is the duty of mankind to maintain the order of creation. The fruits of the earth are to be enjoyed, but its resources must not be wastefully exploited. Also, in the words and deeds of the Prophet Mohamed and the early Muslims, there are examples that suggest we should be sparing and prudent in our use of natural resources and provide well for our animals. These words provide an example for later generations.
Does the Islamic tradition offer any fundamental concepts related to protection of the environment?In the past, there were regulations in Muslim regions that one could describe as instruments for nature and wildlife conservation. Attempts are now being made to try to revive regulations governing the so-called harim and hima zones, which were protective zones around springs and watercourses where no settlements were permitted, for example, to keep the water from becoming polluted.
Muslims have so far not been terribly conspicuous in the debate on environmental protection. Why is that?Most Muslims are unaware of the relationship between religion and environmental conservation, though they are conscious of it in a more general way. The Munich-based foundation Stiftung Interkultur is currently carrying out a small survey in which it has already become evident that Muslims who take religion seriously express the view that religion demands “respect for nature, which then prompts them to act accordingly in their everyday lives, by helping to protect green areas or persuading others to be more economical with water and food, or to think more about what they consume. There are, however, no comprehensive empirical studies on the environmental awareness of Muslims. They have so far not been considered as a relevant group in this context, or they have been seen as beyond the reach of these sorts of issues.
Are there any “eco-Islamic projects or initiatives in Europe?One of the best-known organizations is the British Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES). It is a registered non-governmental organization and a sister organization to the internationally active Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), with which they have worked on coastal protection measures in Africa. These, along with their initiatives in the UK, have been very effective in helping build a successful media image for “eco-Islam. They present an impressive synthesis of Islamic and environmental discourses in their professionally produced ecoIslam newsletter.The newsletter provides a skillfully produced mix of articles covering ecological global issues as well as the everyday and practical. IFEES maintains links with regional British organizations that have started up in the last few years.
What sort of contribution do you think Muslims could make to the currently very hotly debated topic of “environmental protection ?It seems that Muslims still need to understand the relationship between religion and environment more clearly. For many, they are two completely different things that they have so far not managed to bring together.Possibly, a movement such as “eco-Islam could elicit new ideas, and enable people to identify with environmental issues and look at their lifestyle and everyday habits with a fresh perspective. A large number of people could be reached via mosques or through Muslim groups, people who do not normally feel that such issues have anything to do with them. Environmental discourses could take root there. Networking with other environmental groups and organizations could be a possibility.The environmental movement would then take a step forward. This is something that each person has to work on for him or herself. Environmental and climate protection will then become matters of spiritual rather than just trendy significance.
Eren Güvercinis a freelance writer for Qantara.de. Sigrid Nökel is a sociologist and has authored a study on Islam for the Munich-based Stiftung Interkultur as part of a series on migration and sustainability. This abridged article is distributed by the Common Ground News Service (CGNews) with permission from Qantara.de. The full text can be found at www.qantara.de.
