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How Should We View & Treat Climate Change?

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Seekersguidance.org

Answered by Sidi Waseem Hussain

Question: How should we view and treat climate-changes?

Answer: Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullah,

It is a religious duty to preserve the earth and not cause damage to it.

The earth is a trust in our hands and Muslims have a religious duty of striving to protect and preserve the environment both as a community and in cooperation with society at large.

The concept of preservation is inherent in Islam, and is explained by the scholars in the five fundamental goals of the shariah:

1.      Preservation of Islam

2.      Preservation of Life

3.      Preservation of Intellect

4.      Preservation of Honor

5.      Preservation of Property

The key in preserving something is to make it last for the future. This can only be realized if we act with concern for our surroundings, environment and planet as a whole and present a sustainable future for upcoming generations.

In this, Allah has given mankind the responsibility of taking care of the earth:

Allah says:

“And when your Lord [Allah] said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to place a viceroy [man] on earth”  [Baqara 2:30]

“He it is Who has placed you as viceroys of the earth and has exalted some of you in rank above others, that He may try you by (the test of) that which He has given you.” [An’aam 6:165]

“We offered the trust unto the heavens and the earth and the hills, but they shrank from bearing it and were afraid of it. And man assumed it. Lo! he hath proved a tyrant and a fool.” [Ahzab 33:72]

Thus the earth is given to us as a trust, making it a responsibility in our hands. And the way to deal with something one has been entrusted is to take due care of it, without ruining or destroying it.

Which Allah makes clear saying:

“Do not mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order” [‘Araf 7:56]

Therefore, treating the earth well, with concern and wisdom, is our responsibility, and we should all have concern for our planet and the climate-changes that are affecting it.

We seek the guidance from the Prophetic example in ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.

The Prophet (may Allahs peace and blessings be upon Him) said:

“Whoever plants trees or grows crops whereupon a bird, human or animal will eats from it, will be rewarded [for planting and growing it]” (Bukhari 2195)

Following the Prophetic advice and taking due steps for a sustainable future would be recommended and rewarded.

[Shah Waliullah, Hujjatullah al-Baligha; Izz ibn Abd al-Salam, Maqasid al-Sharia; Izz ibn Abd al-Salam, al-Qawaid al-Kubra]

And Allah knows best
Waseem Hussain

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani

This answer was collected from Seekersguidance.org. It’s an online learning platform overseen by Sheikh Faraz Rabbani. All courses are free. They also have in-person classes in Canada.

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