Fatwa ID: 04692

Answered by: Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

Question:

Has anyone researched or come across the Islamic view or attitude towards this very prominent topic of climate change?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Dear Questioner,

When we survey the Qur’ān and Sunnah, we find numerous evidence that encourages us to look after the earth, it’s inhabitants and the environment. For example, Allāh says:

“For it is He who has brought into being gardens-[both] the cultivated ones and those growing wild -and the date-palm, and fields bearing multiform produce, and the olive tree, and the pomegranate: [all] resembling one another and yet so different! Eat of their fruit when it comes to fruition, and give [unto the poor] their due on harvest day. And do not waste [Allah’s bounties]: verily, He does not love the wasteful!” (Surah An’am: 141)

The Messenger of Allāh (Peace and Blessings of Allāh be upon him):

“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

There are researches and books on climate change and the environment which are available in Arabic and English.

One book I can recommend on this subject is ‘The Environmental Dimensions of Islām’ by Dr Mawil Izzi Dein. (1)

In this book the author views the issue of the environment from a historical, theological, philosophical, legal and ethical perspective, examining such aspects as the Quranic doctrine of Creation, human responsibility and the actions of governments.

(1) Dr Mawil Izzi Dein lectures in Islamic Studies and runs a course on Religion and the Environment at the University of Wales, Lampeter. He is the author of The Market Law of Islam and has contributed numerous articles in the Encyclopaedia of Islam. He is also a teacher of Islamic Law at the European Institute of Human Sciences. In addition to his academic credentials, Dr Izzi Dein has studied with Ulema in Iraq such as the late Shaykh Abdul-Karim Zaydān.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham