The question of what it takes for genuine change towards environmental and cultural sustainability in a rapidly evolving, interconnected, and mercurial world is becoming more pressing than ever.
Fortunately, religious communities have much to offer towards positive climate action due to their long-standing traditions, which are based on a harmonious and holistic relationship between humans and the universe.
As such, innumerable individuals, initiatives, and organizations have developed. One such initiative, derived from the Islamic faith tradition, is entitled Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth, which seeks to bridge the divide between religiosity and sustainability, providing guidance on the ways through which Muslims can reignite environmental activism from the Islamic tradition.
This initiative “Islam and Climate Responsibility”, attempts to engage with the following questions:
- How can we balance (mizan) the relationship between humans and nature?
- How can we reduce our ecological footprint and walk “lightly” on the earth?
- How can we move from knowing and doing sustainability to becoming sustainable in our everyday lives and being?
The eloquent and impassioned covenant forms a clear framework on the ethos and ethics of the Islamic religious tradition that relates directly to environmental conservatism in relation to the individual’s obligation to enjoin good and forbid evil. This obligation of a Muslim is prevalent amidst the global environmental crisis, embodying a moral and physical commitment that lies at the heart of Islam: the role of every Muslim to defend their rights - and the rights of others - to faith, life, offspring, and property.
Interested in participating online? Please email Ms. Bayan Nizam Khaled <bakhaled@hbku.edu.qa>
