Go Green: Wage An Eco-Friendly Jihad

Editorial by Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi

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Prince Charles, son of Queen Elizabeth II, was addressing an enlightened gathering at Oxford University. He said, "From what I know of the Quran, again and again it describes the natural world as the handiwork of a unitary benevolent power. It very explicitly describes Nature as possessing an “intelligibility” and that there is no separation between Man and Nature, precisely because there is no separation between the natural world and God.”

Clearly, there is an inseparable relation between the environment and our soul. To wage an eco-friendly jihad will be a noble effort, to please God and ensure that we experience heavenly bliss in the here and now before we chance upon eternal paradise.  

The holy Quran offers a completely integrated view of the Universe where human souls and the environment are all part of one living, conscious whole. Therefore, it exhorts us to live a balanced, moderate and eco-friendly life without causing any harm to Earth. It says, "And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption." (2:60) and “And do not desire corruption in the land. Indeed, God does not like corruptors." (28:77).

In the Quranic view, corruption on earth is not confined to only political crimes such as frauds, theft, rape, illegal banking or other prevalent malpractices. Deforestation, toxic waste, pesticides, and cutting trees are also part of grave corruption and hence brazen violation of true Islamic universal values. Prophet Muhmmad spent all his life in an eco-friendly jihad, saving humankind, caring for other creations, preserving the earth, planting trees and protecting the environment at large.

When the Prophet was just 12, he travelled to Syria with his uncle and took shelter under a tree. Today, after more than 1400 years, the same tree is alive in the northern deserts of Jordan. This tree, which sheltered the Prophet, is the only living tree in hundreds of square miles of emptiness. It speaks volumes about the Prophet’s utmost care for the preservation of trees. He left behind a living inspiration for all humankind to go green, for his holy shrine is known as “the Green Tomb”. Greatly venerated by Muslims the world over, it is one of the most visited Islamic heritage sites.

Just as the Prophet was keen on planting trees, his companions also keen and they carried on with this virtuous act. The Prophet promised ample rewards and heavenly bliss for those who engage in it in any way: “Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is rewarded” (Musnad).

Like the above hadith, scores of prophetic sayings emphasise the need to go green, preserve the earth and become environment-friendly, reminding us of our humane duty to plant trees. For the Prophet, a tree was not only a resting place, but also an infinite mercy of God that one should take care of.  Ultimately, planting a tree is a Sadaqah Jariya or an ever-lasting charity in Islam. Whenever a human being or even an animal shelters under the shade of a tree or relishes a fruit that it produces, the planter earns infinite rewards, even after his death. For the poor and rich alike, planting a tree is the easiest and surest way to earn Sadaqah Jariya. So, let us all try and plant away. (The author is a classical Islamic scholar).