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Since the beginning of time, waste has been an environmental issue but even before the existence of rubbish, there was a waste. Understanding the different forms of waste can help us figure ways to avoid and reduce it. Muslims have had lessons on avoiding and reducing waste for over 1,400 years and we can all benefit from the guidance of the Holy Qur’an. We should live a balanced eco-friendly life without harming nature and creatures who live in these environments.
It is mentioned over 700 times in the Holy Qur’an about the importance of recycling as well as in hadith.
Muslims are told that unnecessary waste is not permitted in Islam which also includes food.
The Holy Qur’an says “It is He Who has brought into being gardens, the cultivated and the wild, and date-palms, and fields with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and variegated. Eat of their fruit in season, but give (the poor) their due on harvest day. And do not waste, for God does not love the wasteful.” [Qur’an 6:142]
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated that Allah has mentioned in the Holy Qur’an on treating the earth as a trust and mankind as its guardians. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) respected and took responsibility towards the environment. He encouraged water conservation, instructing to not be wasteful even if they were near a flowing river. He (saw) further said: “One of the branches of faith is to remove litter from the street”.
Ways we can help
- Use cloth/long life carrier bags
- Help the homeless by providing them with food/clothes
- Don’t keep water running
- Avoid wasting food. Add small portions on plates
- Recycle plastic and paper
- Walk/ride a bike instead of using a car
- Give your clothes and shoes as much wear and tear as possible
- Buy clothes from charity shops
Written by Dua’a Koraishi