The Concept of Ecological Balance and Environmental Conservation: An Islamic Perspective

Abstract

The environment in which the man and other organisms live is called the biosphere. The biosphere is made up of different regions that have different types of flora (plants) and fauna (animals). The organisms, in addition to being dependent on the environment for their needs, are also dependent on each other. However, man tries to modify the environment to suit his needs unlike the other components of the ecosystem. This has upset the delicate balance being maintained in the environment. Every day there are stories about pollution, global warming and animal species facing extinction. Although human beings are seen as the most intelligent life form on earth, they are responsible for almost all the damage done to the planet. The problem of the environment is one of today’s most serious problems. Many contemporary thinkers and scientists have stated that religion has an important role to play in overcoming these problems and in the development of comprehensive and integral environmental consciousness. The influences of religions on social activities need no introduction. Most of the religions in their holy books make references to the environment protection and its creatures. Furthermore, in all the revealed religions including Islam, human beings are considered the core of the world. In this paper we have made an attempt to discuss the importance, the religion of Islam attaches to the environmental issues, and tried to distil the Islamic imperatives, concerning environmental conservation, laid down in the Quran and expressed in the practice of Prophet of Islam (PBUH). The paper concludes with the observation that environmental protection is an important aspect of Islam. Islam is in principle for conservation and against wastage of resources.. The Islamic perspective on environment protection reflects a positive image about Islam The conservation of the environment is therefore not only a human obligation but also a religious obligation. Indeed, believers should undertake this responsibility more than anyone else.