Islam teaches us to care for Allah's creation, encouraging us to take care of the natural resources we have been given, and not to waste or disturb the balance of the environment.
The word environment can have several meanings. It can mean what is around us, the conditions, or the natural world as a whole. It includes our planet and its atmosphere, humans, animals, plants, and the structures built by societies. The environment is all around us, and every day we live within it.
As you know, throughout time and progress of societies, the environment has changed immensely. Industrialisation has led to greater use of natural resources such as coal, oil, gas and water to fuel the continued development of societies around the world. Today, the world is witnessing severe climate change, exhibiting extreme weather patterns and ecological instability, and many people are directly affected by the effects of these changes.
Did you know that plastic pollution is currently one of the biggest problems affecting the marine environment with around 8 million tonnes of plastic entering the ocean every year? Or that there are currently around 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and micro-plastic in the ocean?
In a speech in Stockholm in early 2019, Prince Hussain asked, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could all have the opportunity to see dolphins, turtles, sharks and whales in the wild for years to come? We could breathe clean air. We could continue to grow our crops and feed ourselves. We can drink clean water and not waste it. We can reduce our impact. And walk around the plastic-free beaches and look at the clean deserts and plains."
Communities all over the world, whether they live in mountains, deserts, grasslands, conurbations or coastal areas, are affected by changes in the natural environment, mainly due to climate change. The natural environment has been particularly exploited by human activity in recent decades. We cannot turn back the clock, but as a united global society, we can reflect on our personal and societal priorities to take responsibility for a healthier environment. After all, a conducive natural environment is a precursor to ensuring a better quality of life for humanity.
Mawlana Hazar Imam has often spoken about the importance of caring for the Environment. In Ottawa in 2013, she said, "Our faith constantly reminds us to observe and be grateful for the beauty of the world and the universe around us, and our responsibility and obligation, as good stewards of God's creation, to leave the world in better condition than we find it."
We therefore encourage you all to join us for the celebration of another Global Ismaili CIVIC Day - which will take place this Sunday, September 25, starting at 9.30am.
Registration and information here.
We remind you that respecting creation, following examples from history and finding new ways to adapt and care for our shared planet can enable us to thrive and grow alongside the natural world, allowing us to ensure a sustainable environment for those who will inherit the world after us.
Invite your family and friends and join us in this cause that will make a difference for the generations of tomorrow!
