Islam and environmental sustainability: Perspectives and challenges

Abstract

Recent studies stressed the importance of religion in addressing climate change and other environmental issues. However, little attention is paid to Islamic perception and challenges toward environmental sustainability. This study addresses a) Islamic prescriptions regarding environmental protection, b) Islamic involvement in environmental organizations worldwide and c) the assessment of the carbon impact of the Hajj. Our investigation shows a large range of Islamic prescriptions for the protection of the component of the environment such as water, air, soil, plants, and animals, making Islam a good defender of the environment. The strict implementation of these prescriptions would contribute to the mitigation of environmental issues that our planet is facing while insuring environmental sustainability. Muslims are as well actively working together with several Islamic environmental organisations around the world to protect our environment. The 2011-2019 Hajj season, for instance, has emitted an average of 5.2 million tonnes of CO2 per year for pilgrims’ transport using cars, boat and airplane. A strong correlation (0.77) was observed between the number of pilgrims and carbon emissions. Moreover about 42,000 tons of waste are produced annually during the Hajj. Actions, such as tree planting and waste recycling, have to be taken to reduce the environmental impact of pilgrimage, so as to support the green Hajj movement and showing the world that Islam is the reference in terms of ecological religion for environmental sustainability. Keywords: Carbon Emission, Environment Sustainability, Hajj, Islam.