Islam On Peaceful Coexistence With Natural Environment

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON WETLANDS AND SUSTAINABILITY 2007

ISLAM ON PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Spahic Omer Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design International Islamic University Malaysia [email protected]

Abstract

This paper discusses the subject of peaceful coexistence with the natural environment as taught by the Islamic message. The focus will be made on the role of both man and the natural environment on earth, on the spiritual dimension of the natural environment, and on the implications of the Islamic view of the natural environment for the creation of built environment. The paper shows that in Islam man is the vicegerent on earth created but to worship his Creator and to submit totally to the universal divine will and plan. The natural environment is part of God's creation too. Its role is two-fold: to worship its Creator (in ways suitable to it) and to be of service to man, so that man can smoothly and undeterred carry out his honorable task of vicegerency. Man's rights over the natural environment are rights of sustainable use based on moderation, balance and conservation. The rights of the environment over man, on the other hand, are that it be safe from every misuse, mistreatment, and destruction. So important is man’s relationship with the natural environment in Islam that the same under certain circumstances is capable of taking priority over other deeds of man placing him then on the highest or dragging him to the lowest tier in the spiritual realm’s hierarchy. While writing the paper, I have tried as much as possible to draw on the original sources which deal with the theme at hand, the most important of which are certainly the Holy Qur’an and the authentic compilations of the Prophet Muhammad’s words and actions.

Keywords: Islam, Muslims, Prophet Muhammad, Natural Environment