THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS IN THE ALLEVIATION OF CLIMATE CHALLENGES AND THE PRESERVATION OF ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

The study seeks to investigate the relationship between Islamic environmental ethics and the contemporary climate challenges being faced by the modern world. It explores the role of Islamic environmental ethics in the alleviation of climate change and the preservation of the ecosystem. The Holy Qur’an and the Hadith provide the theoretical foundations for the study of Islamic environmental ethics and their efficacy for durable solutions to current environmental issues. The paper aims to highlight the significance of human responsibility in ensuring the protection and preservation of the natural environment and examines how far the theological discourse on environmental ethics can help us alleviate the human concerns encompassing both animate and inanimate beings on our planet. The conceptual framework for this study is based on the principles derived from the Quranic teachings, the prophet’s sayings, and the opinions of classical jurists. Islamic environmental principles entail the concept of the Oneness of God (توحید) and the application of Haram and Hima (حمى) that serve as the epistemological foundations for this study. These ethical principles address the issues of climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity and emphasize the imperatives of preserving and sustaining natural resources. The study finds that climate change has posed the issues of food scarcity, health hazards, human displacement, and loss of biodiversity and ecosystem which may have the potential catastrophic consequences if left unaddressed. It recommends that the education and awareness programs on Islamic teachings on environmental ethics may contribute to the responsible use and preservation of natural resources and the protection of biodiversity.