What is the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change?
Key Takeaways
The Islamic Declaration on Climate Change was endorsed by Islamic leaders from 20 Muslim countries at the International Islamic Climate Change Symposium, in 2015.
The Declaration calls upon Muslim leaders and common folk toward a more proactive approach to solving the climate crisis.
The Declaration implores us to follow the Prophet’s (SAW) example in caring for the environment and helping solve the climate crisis by changing our destructive ways.
One of the most prominent examples of Islamic scholars’ and thought leaders’ commitment to environmentally conscious behavior as a religious duty in recent times is the 2015 Islamic Declaration on Climate Change.
The Declaration puts forward a religious and moral case for Muslims around the world to play a proactive role in combating the climate crisis and acknowledges environmental preservation as a fundamental religious duty in Islam, especially in contemporary times.
The Development of the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change
The Declaration was prepared by Islamic scholars, academics, leaders, and environmentalists, and was published worldwide by platforms such as the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Science (IFEES). It was endorsed by Islamic leaders from 20 countries who attended the International Islamic Climate Change Symposium in Turkey, in 2015.
The Message of the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change
The Declaration acknowledges that the present climate crisis is a result of human actions, such as excessive consumption, and warns the rate of climate change that the world is experiencing is not sustainable. It answers and joins in the call of the world’s leading climate scientists to adopt a more proactive approach to solving this crisis.
Allah (SWT) has created our beautiful world in a perfect balance (Mizan), with fertile land, fresh air, and clean water, along with natural seasonal rhythms and cycles. All of these help maintain a cycle in which all living beings thrive. The present climate catastrophe is a result of humans disrupting this natural balance, and the Declaration calls on us to recognize this error in our ways.
The Call of the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change
The Declaration calls on us Muslims to be accountable for our actions and recognize our position in the world. Even though we are a minuscule part of the Divine Order, we are exceptionally powerful beings with the responsibility to avert evil and enjoin good, and to treat all creation with compassion (rahmah) and the best of behavior (ihsan).
The declaration implores us to question the legacy we are leaving behind for the coming generations: the legacy of a degraded world. It calls us to introspect: How will we face Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgement with such acts?
It also calls upon Muslims in positions of authority, such as heads of state, community leaders, educators, and religious leaders, to use their power and influence to change habits and mindsets and help address the root causes of the climate crisis. It calls upon a 100% switch to renewables, and increased support for vulnerable communities at risk due to climate impacts.
Embodying the Prophetic Example: A Mercy to All Beings
Finally, the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change calls upon all Muslims to follow and incorporate the beautiful example of the Prophet’s (SAW) life and attitude towards the environment and all life forms.
The Prophet (SAW) lived a simple, frugal life, wherein he would often renew, repair, and recycle his possessions. He emphasized the conservation of water even when doing wudu, and ate simple and healthy food, which only occasionally included meat.
He forbade the felling of trees and established protected areas known as the himas around Makkah and Madinah, in which the cutting of native plants and hunting of animals were forbidden. And, he also displayed compassionate and considerate behavior towards all animals as well as the smallest of beings, such as ants.
Answering the Call
The onus is on us to answer the call of the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change and adopt environmentally conscious behavior in our spheres of influence, to the best of our ability. Not only is it one of the most pressing needs of our times, but it is also a fundamental part of our responsibility as Khulafah of the Earth.
(See here to read the full text of the Declaration.)
