On the occasion of World Environment Day, the European Muslims League (EML) draws the attention of Muslim communities and civil society to the importance of protecting the environment, which in Islam is regarded as a moral and spiritual responsibility entrusted by Allah to humankind.
The Holy Qur’an teaches that human beings have been placed on Earth as responsible stewards and caretakers of the resources created by Allah. Allah the Almighty says: “He has made you successors upon the earth” (Qur’an 35:39), reminding us that every generation is entrusted with preserving what it has inherited and passing it on to future generations.
Islam also calls upon believers to avoid all forms of waste and environmental destruction. Allah says: “Eat and drink, but do not waste. Indeed, He does not love the wasteful” (Qur’an 7:31). In another verse, He states: “And do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been set in order” (Qur’an 7:56).
The Prophetic tradition contains numerous teachings concerning the protection of nature. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charity for him” (Sahih al-Bukhari). In another hadith, he said: “If the Final Hour comes while one of you has a seedling in his hand, and he is able to plant it before it arrives, let him do so.”
These teachings demonstrate that environmental care is not separate from the Islamic faith but is an integral part of Muslim ethics. The protection of natural resources, water, trees, and ecosystems is a duty towards Allah, towards fellow human beings, and towards future generations.
The European Muslims League therefore encourages Muslim communities throughout Europe to promote responsible behavior, reduce waste, foster respect for nature, and support initiatives aimed at environmental protection, thereby contributing to the common good and to the building of a more just and sustainable society.
Alfredo Maiolese, President of the European Muslims League (EML), stated: “Islam teaches that the Earth is an amanah, a trust entrusted by Allah to humanity. Protecting the environment is a religious, ethical, and human responsibility. Every act of respect towards creation is an act of gratitude towards the Creator and a concrete contribution to the well-being of future generations.”
And Allah knows best.
World Environment Day: A Responsibility Entrusted by Allah to Humanity
