We wish that there were laws of nature to protect the health and wellbeing of people, animals, plants, trees, land, water ... in fact the whole planet. Ramadan is a time of reflection, fasting, and spiritual renewal. It is important to remember the impact our actions have on the environment. The Islamic faith has long held that human beings are responsible for caring the planet and its residents. There is a growing need within the Muslim community to make Ramadan more environmentally friendly.
The Quran claims to be this knowledge and evidence, also describing itself as clear and complete guidance, and a light and mercy for human beings, confirming and completing the truths revealed through all the true Prophets that came before the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), including Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them). It also calls itself 'the Truth' as revealed and kept pure from error of God, and challenges people to analyse it, to prove this for themselves!
The Prophet Muhammad put this guidance into practice, and Muslims followed his Sunnah (examples), during his lifetime. There are laws that govern the management of everything. Fundamentally, there should be balance and moderation in all things. All action and words should be following the best understanding of what is right.
According to the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) that one of the key areas where Muslims can make a difference is the way we prepare and eat food during Ramadan. This includes choosing locally sourced and organic foods, reducing food waste, and avoiding single-use plastics. By making small changes to our eating habits, we can reduce our environmental impact while also promoting healthier, more sustainable eating practices. There should be no wastage through excess.
Physical, emotional and psychological suffering in animals should be minimised. Unnecessary harm to trees, plants, flowers should be minimised for example during hunting, or the killing of animals for food. Where recycling is a way of minimising harm to environment and living things, it must be compatible to this Islamic principle.
Another important aspect of an environmentally friendly Ramadan is the greening of our mosques. This can include simple changes, such as installing energy-efficient light bulbs and water-saving devices, as well as more substantial renovations, such as installing solar panels and creating green spaces to inspire others to follow suit.
Education also plays an important role in promoting an environmentally friendly Ramadan. By increasing awareness and providing practical solutions, we can help create a more sustainable future for ourselves and our planet. It is obvious that there are many ways in which Muslim can make a positive impact to protect their health, wellbeing of people, natural and the environment during Ramadan and beyond. By choosing to live more sustainably with the planet, its residents and other species.
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