Climate change represents one of the greatest challenges of our time. Rising temperatures, droughts, wildfires, floods, water scarcity and the progressive deterioration of ecosystems affect all humanity and require shared responsibility.
In Islam, the relationship between human beings and the Earth is not based on unlimited exploitation. Creation belongs to Allah, and humanity has been entrusted with responsibilities, abilities and resources that must be used with balance and justice.
The Qur’an reminds us, in particularly meaningful words, of the consequences of human actions:
“Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people’s hands have done, so that He may let them taste some of the consequences of their deeds, so that perhaps they may return.”
(Qur’an, 30:41)
This verse should not be interpreted as a scientific description of modern climate change. However, it contains a principle of extraordinary relevance today: human actions can disturb the balance of the Earth and produce consequences from which humanity itself suffers.
Waste and excess are also clearly condemned:
“Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not love those who commit excess.”
(Qur’an, 7:31)
The Islamic principle of moderation applies to everyday behaviour and can also guide our relationship with water, food, energy and natural resources. Responsible consumption means recognising that possessing something does not give us the right to waste it.
The Qur’an also reminds us that Allah has placed human beings as successors on Earth:
“It is He Who has made you successors upon the Earth.”
(Qur’an, 6:165)
Being custodians of the Earth therefore means accepting responsibility. We cannot enjoy the benefits of Creation while ignoring our duty to preserve them for those who will come after us.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught a responsible relationship with nature. In an authentic hadith reported by Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ reminds us that the world is “green and pleasant” and that Allah observes how human beings behave within it.
In another well-known teaching, reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ states that whenever a Muslim plants a tree or cultivates land and a person, animal or bird eats from it, it is counted for that person as ṣadaqah — an act of charity.
It is a teaching of profound beauty: even planting something that will continue to provide life and nourishment to others can become an act of worship and solidarity.
The European Muslims League believes that religious communities can make a concrete contribution to environmental protection through education, raising awareness among young people, combating waste, respecting water and natural resources, and promoting responsible behaviour.
Environmental protection should also become an area of dialogue between religions and cultures. Christians, Muslims, Jews, believers of other traditions and people without a religious affiliation share the same common home and face the consequences of the same environmental crises.
The President of the European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, states: “Allah has entrusted us with an Earth to protect, not a property to consume without limits. Protecting water, trees, animals and natural resources means accepting responsibility before God, towards other human beings and towards our children. Faith must also be translated into concrete actions: less waste, greater respect and greater responsibility.”
Climate change therefore reminds us of a simple truth: no people, no religion and no nation possesses an Earth separate from that of others.
We have only one Earth.
Protecting it means safeguarding life, respecting Creation and leaving future generations a world in which they can live in peace and dignity.
Climate Change and Human Responsibility: Protecting the Earth Is a Moral Duty
