It Begins at Home
The world faces environmental challenges requiring collective efforts from individuals, communities, and governments. While international agreements and government policies grapple with this complex crisis, the whispers of change often rise from the most intimate of spaces: the home.
Therefore, parents are responsible for shaping their children’s values and behaviors. The choices you make, the lessons you impart, and the models you provide your children serve as a beacon of guidance, influencing how they think about and behave.
Islamic parenting approach can cultivate a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment. Islam emphasizes equitable distribution and accessibility of natural resources (Quran, Ar-Rahman verse 7-9).
The teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith warn against causing harm to the earth and encourage Muslims to be mindful of their environmental impact. Teaching your children about the inequalities and ecological effects of unsustainable resource extraction and distribution can inspire them to adopt sustainable lifestyles and strive for a more just and sustainable future.
Islamic References to Remember
Allah SWT affirms in the Quran, Surah Al-A’raf verse 7, “Then We will surely relate their deed to them with knowledge, and We were not at all absent.”
According to Al-Mukhtashar’s interpretation, this verse serves as a reminder that Allah SWT is constantly watching over us, aware of all our actions, even those we try to conceal. We must remain mindful of this fact and strive to lead lives that are pleasing to Him. In light of this truth, we must consider the impact of our actions on the environment. Every step we take on the Earth, every breath we take in its air, leaves an imprint on the divine consciousness.
The contamination we release, the resources we exploit, and the ecosystems we disturb are all observed, recorded, and known by Allah SWT. What does this realization inspire within us? It pushes us to be more mindful of our consumption, to tread lightly, and to select alternatives that support rather than deplete. This awareness motivates us to become advocates of sustainability, promoting practices that honor the interconnectedness of life and preserve the delicate balance of nature.
Allah SWT instructs us to use the resources He has provided us with while warning us against damaging the earth and causing harm to the environment. This reminder is given in verse 60 of the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah. Proffesor Dr. Hamka interprets this verse as a warning against neglecting Allah SWT’s blessings in his Tafsir al-Azhar. He advises us not to forget the One who has given us these blessings, to use them wisely, and to be grateful for them.
Quraish Shihab, in his Tafsir al-Misbah, explains the verse further. He reminds us that everything we have is a gift from Allah SWT, and we must use it responsibly. We should not harm the environment because this disrespects Allah SWT’s creation and can cause harm to us and other living things.
Surah Ar-Rum, in verse 41 of the Qur’an, mentions the degradation of the environment caused by human actions. The verse states that land and sea have been affected due to the actions of people, resulting in corruption. It highlights how human activities like overuse of natural resources, pollution, and unsustainable practices disrupt the balance of nature, leading to negative consequences. The verse urges Muslims to reflect on their actions and strive for righteousness to rectify the damage they caused.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized environmental stewardship and encouraged practices that sustain the Earth. Anas bin Malik narrated a hadith that beautifully illustrates this connection, “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds and then a person, bird, or animal eats from it, it is counted as a charitable gift for them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2320, Book 41, Hadith 1). He believed that planting a tree or sowing seeds is an act of charity, benefiting both humans and animals. His teachings offer timeless wisdom as we face environmental challenges today.
Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a prominent Islamic scholar, connects environmental protection with religious duty in his book Ri’ayah al-Bi’ah fi Syari’ah al-Islam (Protecting the Earth in Islamic Law). He believes that ecological degradation harms us and future generations. Protecting the environment is crucial for our well-being, and pollution and the climate crisis can threaten our physical and mental health. Qaradawi reminds us that environmental protection is a sacred duty rooted in our religious values.
Raising Eco-Conscious Children
Allah SWT has entrusted us with the responsibility of caring for the Earth (Quran, Al-An’am verse 165). You can teach your children about this sacred duty by sharing verses from the Holy Qur’an that illustrate the interconnectedness of nature. You can also encourage them to appreciate the ecosystems around them and to think about what might happen if we disrupt this balance.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed us how to care for the environment through his teachings on planting trees, conserving water, and respecting all living creatures. His actions speak volumes, demonstrating how faith can lead to practical care for the world around us.
Children can benefit greatly from experiencing nature firsthand, beyond what they learn in the classroom. There are many ways to provide these opportunities, such as regular trips to parks, forests, or beaches. Encouraging them to garden in their backyard can help them witness the magic of seeds turning into life while also learning the importance of taking care of the Earth (Sahih Muslim 1552a, Book 22, Hadith 7; Sunan Abi Dawud 5239, Book 43, Hadith 467). Another way to engage children is by participating in local environmental initiatives, such as tree-planting or clean-up campaigns, to instill a sense of agency and empower them to make a difference.
Teach your children to save resources at home and be mindful of their environmental impact. It can be achieved by practicing simple actions like not wasting food, composting, and using reusable items. You can also encourage your children to think about “less is more” and make informed choices when buying things (Quran, At-Talaq verse 7; Ali Imran verse 180; Al-A’raf verse 31). It’s essential to teach their choices’ actual value and environmental impact.
Environmentalism thrives when people connect and collaborate, having open dialogues about environmental issues, challenges, and potential solutions. It’s important to encourage your children to express their concerns and ideas, which helps to foster a sense of shared responsibility and collective action.
Leading by example is vital. When you commit to environmental stewardship, it can have a significant impact on your children. You can make conscious choices daily, demonstrating how to put faith into action. This living example can inspire your children to adopt similar values and behaviors.
Nurturing eco-conscious children is a journey, not a destination; it takes time to bring about change.
By providing a foundation of faith, fostering a connection with nature, and living sustainably together, you can empower your children to become responsible stewards of the Earth. This will help to create a legacy of environmental care that will last for generations.
