Voice of British Muslim Women

Bareera Ghaffar, Nottingham  

We as humans have been perfectly placed upon Earth; surrounding us are vast lands, deep magnificent oceans, mountains with great peaks, and caves that bring much wonder. The Earth from the beginning has enveloped us in its abundance, be that rooted in its soil or high up in its skies. We have always found what we have needed within the Earth. A Hadith, that is saying of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) states “Allah has not sent down disease except that He has also sent down its cure”. The Earth is not just a place in which we reside; it is one that nurtures us, sustains us and protects us.  

Currently in the UK, we are being graced with the spring season; the trees are adorned with leaves and blossom, colourful flowers are blooming, the air is warmer, the grass seems greener, the birds are chirping – it feels good, Alhamdulillah (all praise belongs to Allah). A beautifully orchestrated canvas, with each thing serving a purpose; the Holy Quran states “Verily, we have created everything induemeasure” (54:50). In moments when a scenery looks so striking, the artistry of it all can leave you speechless, you can’t help but to ponder about who created such splendour. From the small flowers that grow in our garden to the landscape of a mountain in Switzerland, these are signs on Earth about God Almighty, they are whispers from Al Mussawir- The Fashioner, Who has allowed for this to be.  

We see and experience so much of the Earth and the blessings within it – but what do we put back into the Earth? And what role do we play?  

There is an understanding that we are stewards of the Earth, and this makes the Earth a trust from God. It subsequently means we have a duty of care towards it, in how we use its resources, the distribution of said resources and the general cleanliness and purity of Earth. We know from the Holy Quran that this physical world we reside in is not our eternal abode; “Peace be unto you, because you were steadfast; behold how excellent is the reward of the final Abode!” (13:25). Thus, we do not own Earth, but rather are guarding it for our time here, so must do well to take care of it. Another saying of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is ‘The Earth has been made for me a place of purification and prostration’, and this tells us how sacred the Earth is. 

However, the Earth is currently suffering due to climate change, and we are all bearing witness to this. There is plastic in the oceans which is affecting the sea creatures and eco-systems, there is deforestation, flooding and many man-made issues coming together to make this a serious and urgent matter. These changes in turn also cause many disruptions to people’s homes, livelihoods physical health and mental health. Chapter 30 verse 42 of the Holy Quran states “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what men’s hands have wrought, that He may make them tastethe fruitof some of their doings, so that they may turn backfrom evil.” According to WHO (World Health Organisation) “Research shows that 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone”¹. These are significant statistics and ones we must not take lightly. WHO further states “…people whose health is being harmed first and worst by the climate crisis are the people who contribute least to its causes, and who are least able to protect themselves and their families against it: people in low-income and disadvantaged countries and communities.” 

This Earth Day, it’s imperative we reflect on how we interact with the world, and what sustainable changes we can make. As Muslims, we are told to walk the middle path. Excessive consumerism fuels waste; clothes, toys, and more end up in distant landfills. Though we may not see it, someone else does. 

The Holy Qur’an states:  

“Do they not observe the clouds, how they have been created; and the heaven, how it has been raised high; and the mountains, how they are set up; and the earth, how it is spread out? Then continue to admonish, for thou art but an admonisher.” (88:18–22) 

So, I pray we continue to ponder the beauty of this Earth and take sincere steps to preserve it.