Hungry for Change? Impact Hunger

By Shehnaz Toorawa

When we fast in Ramadan, we inevitably think of those who feel hunger every day of the year. Can you imagine if no food was available at sunset? Millions of people face this crisis—their hunger doesn’t end at sunset. We know the grim statistics: 850 million people in the world are undernourished (that’s one in every six human beings), 5.6 million children under the age of five die from hunger-related illness each year. Yet, our world produces enough food to feed twice the global population.

So why are people hungry? A lack of power and justice, not a lack of food, causes hunger. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said,

“If anyone fulfills his brother’s needs, Allah (glorified and exalted be He) will fulfill his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah (glorified and exalted be He) will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection’’ [Bukhari and Muslim].

Here are 8 easy and effective ways to change your eating habits so you can help end hunger in the world today:

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables

Livestock consumes 80% of the grain the United States produces. In Mexico, where poverty and hunger are abundant, 45% of the nation’s grain is fed to livestock. In most industrial nations, corporations raise animals in factory farms that consume huge quantities of grain, water, hormones and electricity, and produce tonnes of toxic wastes. A diet high in grain-fed meat consumes two to four times more land than a vegetarian diet. If everyone ate meat at the North American rate, the world would run out of farmland and food! Try to reduce your share of the world’s food and energy by eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat. 

2. Eat locally grown food

The farther food travels before it reaches your plate, the less money the rural farmer retains. When you purchase coffee grown in Uganda, for example, 10% of the profit goes to the farmer and 90% is consumed by giant North American corporations that import and process the coffee. The farther food travels, the more energy it consumes for pesticides, preservatives, ripening, packaging, processing, transportation and sales. The food processing industry in the United States consumes ten calories of fossil fuel energy for every calorie of food energy it produces.

In North America, we like to eat all our fruits and vegetables in winter. To meet this demand, governments of developing countries subsidize and encourage farmers to plant one-crop monocultures for export. This leaves small farmers unable to grow food for their families and communities. With one crop to rely on, farmers in the developing world become vulnerable when market prices fall or a disease hits their crop. Monocultures need high inputs of hazardous pesticides that threaten the health of farmers and their environment.

This winter, forget the guavas and mangoes. Find the local farmer’s market and buy what’s in season. When you buy local, you avoid an unjust food trade system that keeps the poor hungry.

3. Choose organic food

Conventional farming, especially monocultures, requires high inputs of pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation that eventually degrade soils. 30 million hectares from the world’s 240 million irrigated hectares are severely damaged by salt build-up. Almost a third of the world’s cropland is abandoned due to soil erosion. A lack of land forces many farmers to clear and destroy forest land that cannot sustain agriculture. Pesticides and fertilizers trap farmers in a cycle of spending more and more on chemical inputs as insects become immune and the land loses its fertility. Eventually small farmers in developing countries fall into debt or degrade their land and are forced into poverty.

Organic farming uses natural methods to protect the quality of agricultural land and soil and ensure that the land can continue to produce food. Organic agriculture may be the best way to ensure a continuous world food supply and protect the health of farmers and consumers. Each organic product you buy supports farmers who care about hunger and the environment.

4. Buy fair trade food

Fair trade eliminates injustices in the trade system and guarantees farmers a minimum price for their crop, enough to sustain their families. Fair trade shortens the market chain for products, allowing the farmer to receive a higher proportion of the profits. Fair trade standards require the farmer to follow environmentally and socially ethical agricultural practices. A portion of the profit from fair trade products funds social development projects in the farmer’s community. Currently, fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, fruit, rice, and spices are available in North America. The next time you go to a grocery store, look for the fair trade logo.  Every fair trade purchase prevents hunger in a poor farming community.

5. Avoid genetically modified food

Genetically modified crops are “owned” by corporations that have a monopoly on the seeds. Farmers cannot save the seeds for re-planting. They must purchase new seeds from the company each year and must succumb to the corporation’s regulations and prices. As more and more crops become genetically modified, our food becomes a ‘product’ rather than a renewable resource. GM crops pose health risks because they are not tested for environmental and health effects and are not subject to government safety regulations. Do your best to avoid GM products to prevent our food from becoming a corporate commodity, controlled by a few large companies.

6. Buy less and avoid wasting food

On average, an individual in a developed nation consumes twice as much grain, twice as much fish, and three times as much meat as an individual in a developing nation. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) warned us that

“No man fills a container worse than his stomach. A few morsels that keep his back upright are sufficient for him. If he has to, then he should keep one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for his breathing” [At-Tirmidhi].

Along with overeating, North Americans waste large amounts of food. 30% of consumable food in the United States is lost in retailing, food service, and consumers. The Quran tells us to

“eat and drink: but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess” [7:31]

Help end hunger with a commitment to buy less, eat less and waste less food.

7. Choose charities that make people independent

Food aid from rich nations does not help hunger. Rich nations often dump surplus grain on poor nations, as “food aid”. This “aid” rises and falls to maintain the market price of commodities in rich countries. Food dumping reduces the price of farmers’ crops in developing nations. Farmers cannot sell their produce and earn enough to invest in future crops.

Poor farmers need long-term solutions. They need investments and interest-free loans to buy land or equipment so they can diversify their crops and survive times of drought or falling prices. When you send Zakat overseas, choose a charity that helps people become independent, rather than dependent on aid.

8. Write letters

Change the world with your words. Encourage governments to cancel the high interest debts owed to them by developing countries. The Quran warns,

“O you who have believed, fear Allah (glorified and exalted be He) (glorified and exalted is He) and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers“ [2:278] 

Debt repayments to rich countries prevent poor countries from spending on poverty, hunger and welfare of their citizens. Start a family letter-writing campaign to eliminate debt and hunger.

Hunger in the world is intimately connected with what we, in North America, choose to buy and eat. Decide as a family to earn extra rewards by changing the way you eat so you can impact hunger. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said,

“If any Muslim feeds a Muslim when he is hungry, Allah (glorified and exalted be He) will feed him with some of the fruits of Paradise” [Sunan Abi Dawud].

Shehnaz Toorawa is a teacher with a degree in education,  professional writing and geography. She also holds a Shariah degree from the American Open University. She is a busy homeschooling mother of three and is active in the Toronto community and currently host a blog called myinkspiration.

This article was originally published November 5, 2012 on ProductiveMuslim. Photo credit from ginnerobot.

Environmental Justice in Islam

By Khaled Dardir

Is what am I doing harming another living being on Earth?

Is being equal the same as being “ecoual”?

For thousands of years man has had a symbiotic relationship with the environment. We took only what was needed, and did not take any excess from the land. Did the Prophet (PBUH) say anything about saving our planet? Did he promote any ideas or practices to ameliorate the growing concern about the future of the Earth and its resources? The Prophet (PBUH) was probably the first environmentalist, born over 1400 years ago, he took care of every creature he came across.

Indeed, all of nature, in the Islamic view, is in a state of continuous worship. Trees and grasses, fish and animals, are all bending in a sweet, invisible breeze that wafts their worship back toward their creator. Human beings can learn from this process of unwavering devotion and seek harmony with it by joining with other creations in worship of Allah.

What Allah left for us is a trust; everything is a blessing. Islam expresses great concern for the environment. A number of verses in the Qur’an and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad  have addressed this topic.

Ibn Mas'ood  reports, "While we were on a journey with Allaah's Messenger  he went a short distance from where we had encamped. There we saw a small bird with two of its chicks and caught them. The bird was fluttering when the Prophet came back, so he    asked, 'Who has distressed it by taking its chicks?' Then he asked us to return the chicks. There we also saw an anthill and burnt it out. When the Prophet saw that, he asked, 'Who has burnt it?' When we informed him that we had done it, he said, 'Only the Lord of fire has the right to punish with fire.’ This was the character of the Prophet (PBUH); he understood the difference between eco and ego. He did not treat other creatures negatively because he was bigger or thought himself to be more important. On the contrary, he went out of his way to protect and serve every living entity which crossed his path. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet said, "A man felt very thirsty while he was on the way, there he came across a well. He went down the well, quenched his thirst and came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. He said to himself, "This dog is suffering from thirst as I did." So, he went down the well again, filled his shoe with water, held it with his mouth and watered the dog. Allah appreciated him for that deed and forgave him." The Companions said, "O Allah's Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He replied: "There is a reward for serving any living being." (Bukhari)

Today people say “we are top of the food chain” -  that’s ego. We should say we are “eco-ual” The ecosystems are built on a delicate balance created by Allah (swt); a balance so delicate that if one creature is wiped out or removed for whatever reason the system fails and major catastrophes await.  So how are we responsible for disturbing this ordained balance? How could we hurt our one and only planet? We are doing it directly and indirectly. We are directly hurting ourselves and the creatures around us by clearing forests, mining, drilling for oil, etc. Indirectly we are poisoning ourselves and the environment via genetically modifying our food, pesticides, plastics, ruining our water supplies, etc. We need to see the big picture as Muslims. Is what am I doing harming another living being on Earth?

We are a species that would sacrifice our health for money, then we reach a point where we must spend that money to make ourselves healthy again. We do the same to the environment. We rape the land seeking its value, then when use our profits to fix our errors. Allaah has set severe punishments for those who damage and abuse natural resources. He says (what means): “Eat and drink from the provision of Allaah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption." [Quran 2:60] When you understand the cyclical nature of the environment, you see how you can turn problems into solutions.

The Quranic solution to the problem our environment is facing is, in a word, holistic. Living a truly Islamic life requires avoiding the evils of extravagance and the indulgence in materialism. The way that harmony can be grasped is by living within our means with the other creations Allah bestowed upon us.

If I destroy a person’s property that is called vandalism, but when corporations clear hundreds of acres of land, destroying the lives of millions of creatures we call it progress. This land is not inherited from our ancestors it is borrowed from our children and is a trust left to us by Allah (swt). The Prophet said, "Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, Allah will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgment."  The listeners asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is a just cause?" He replied, "That he will kill it to eat, not simply to chop off its head and then throw it away." (An-Nasa'i)

Abdullah ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet said, "A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had tied, neither giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the vermin of the earth." (Bukhari)

Today, with the increasing awareness of the dangers facing our planet and the great interest in green ideas, a reflection on the guidance of the Prophet in this area proves relevant. What is distinctive about the Prophet's approach to environmental issues is the connection he establishes between green practices and the Hereafter reward, which, represents for Muslims, an incentive greater than any worldly gain or reward. Thus, his lessons prompt a greater care for the Earth and more effort to conserve its resources. We are responsible for the effects of our actions, our purchases, and our lack of involvement in serving any living creature in need.

This planet and body is a TRUST from Allah. Make dua that Allah allows you to continue taking care of that trust.

Khaled Dardir has recently completed a Master of Science specializing in the chemistry and is currently enrolled as a student in Mishkah pursuing a bachelors in Islamic Studies. He is the founder and Chief Coordinator of the non-profit organization The Building Blocks of New Jersey whose mission is: “To aid self development, promote activism, and bolster community building”

Photo Credit: paul bica

Islam and Consumerism

By: Mohannad Hakeem

Consumerism is spreading like a plague in today’s culture. People are transformed into tireless shopping machines whose lifestyles are centered on malls, sales, and new offers. In the words of  Tyler Durden, from Fight Club, the movie:

"We’re consumers. We are by-products of a lifestyle obsession. Murder, crime, poverty, these things don’t concern me. What concerns me are celebrity magazines, television with 500 channels, some guy’s name on my underwear”.

In the pre-Islamic era, also known as Jahiliyyah (period of ignorance), the Arabs were known for worshipping multiple idols, magnifying their dads and forefathers, adopting all their belief system, in addition to tribalism, racism and sexism. The Qur'an and the message of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) were revealed not only to solve those problems but also to provide guidance that fits all problems of humanity.

Nowadays, we are experiencing a newer version of Jahiliyyah that is centered on celebrities dictating our lifestyles (replacing idols and the forefathers), using women as sex-objects in advertising (which might not be so different from burying them alive), and the most important ritual that takes place at the temple of consumerism (malls): Shopping!

The H&H Perspective (Halal /Haram)

I know that many people expect answers about every single matter from an H&H (Halal and Haram) paradigm. If you are one of them then you may not want to continue reading this article because you will not find what you are looking for.

Instead, we will try to examine the etiquette of spending and dealing with money in Islam, and hence will leave the H/H answer up to you, based on YOUR understanding of YOUR situation.

BEWARE from Omar’s Stick

Jaber ibn `Abdillah narrates that `Umar ibn Khattab saw some meat in his hand. `Umar immediately asked: "what is this, Jaber?"

Jaber replied: I was craving for meat, so I managed to buy some. (It looks like meat was such a luxury item at that time, something we don’t think about these days).

`Umar said: So are you going to buy whenever you crave for something, Jaber? Don’t you fear that the following verse might apply to you:

{And the Day those who disbelieved are exposed to the Fire [it will be said], "You exhausted your pleasures during your worldly life and enjoyed them …} (Al-Ahqaf 46:20)

While some people will counter this argument by quoting the hadith:

“Allah loves to see the traces of His blessings on His slave” (Tirmidhi)

It is interesting to note another narration of this hadith, which is preceded by the following:

“Enjoy eating and drinking without excessive spending and showing off, because Allah loves to see the traces of His blessings on His slave” (Narrated in Al-Mustadrak )

Keeping up with the Joneses

This is a well-known idiom in many parts of the English-speaking hemisphere, which refers to always comparing what you have (house, car, backyard, clothes, etc…) with what your neighbors, the Jones, own.

After starting as a comic strip holding the same name in 1913, this slogan redefined one of the pillars of modern consumerism: shopping and spending to show off and to compete with others, regardless of whether you need the goods or even if you can afford them  in the first place.

In the age of social media and satellite channels, the Jones need not to be your next door neighbors, they might be a random family living on the other part of the world. They are definitely not happy with what they have (if they really own it) and are trying to compete with their own version (or perception) of the Jones family, and this infinite loop continues endlessly.

No one can claim that the modern capitalism invented envy, which is a trait that existed in human beings since their creation, since the famous story of Habeel and Qabeel (Abel and Cain) (Al-Ma’idah 5:27-31).

In addition, greed was built into the creation of Adam himself (Ta-Ha 20:120). However, there is a big difference between having a negative trait that you recognize and try to cure and fight, and having this trait control your life, dictate the way you identify yourself and you look to others.

Therefore,“Keeping up with the Joneses” defines a culture of consumerism. The consumerism culture is becoming like a fire that is continuously ignited by the fuels of greed and envy.

Rich man with one garment

An interesting long story is narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari about Ka`b ibn Malik, a rich companion who did not join the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) during the expedition of Tabuk. To make a long story short, he was boycotted by the Muslims for fifty days, and no one was allowed to talk to him until further instructions are revealed from Allah in his matter.

 After this lengthy period of living alienated from the Muslim society, Allah accepted the repentance of Ka`b (At-Tawbah 9:118) and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) informed the Muslims about the happy news. Now listen to Ka`b himself, narrating how he got the good news:

While I was praying Fajr that morning on the rooftop of my house, I heard a man shouting on the top of Mount Sil`: ‘O Ka`b ibn Malik, rejoice!’

I fell prostrate, and I knew that relief had come.

The Prophet had announced my forgiveness during Fajr. A man came riding on a horse to bring me the news, but the voice of the other man on the mount has reached me first. So when I saw that man I gave him my garment as a way to thank him, and I had only one garment. So I borrowed an outfit and rushed to meet the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

While this story has lots of benefits and wisdom to learn from, it sheds the light on one important aspect in the life of the Companions, particularly the rich ones: They did not have a closet full of clothes and had to stand up next to it for half an hour to decide what to wear! Ka`b was known to be rich, and you may refer to the early part of this long story in Sahih Al-Bukhari for more information.

However, it was a well-known practice for them not to buy clothes more than their need (because of their proper understanding of Islam).

We really have to reframe our mindsets on how we define our needs, our budget, and our spending, if we want to achieve something in this world or in the afterlife.

{And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck nor extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.} (Al-Israa’ 17:29)

Dr. Mohannad Hakeem holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He is a youth counselor and motivational speaker in Greater Detroit area, Michigan, USA. This article was originally published on OnIslam.net on March 24 2013.

Photo Credit: szeke

Seven Ways You Can Save the Planet

By Shehnaz Toorawa

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “The world is green and beautiful and God has appointed you as His stewards over it. He sees how you acquit yourselves…” (Muslim).

Allah tells us in numerous verses of the Quran, that He has created everything on Earth—animals, rain, plants, oceans, stars, the sun, the moon—for the benefit of humans. With these favours comes the role of Khalifah, or guardianship.

The Quran tells us,“He it is Who has placed you as viceroys of the earth and has exalted some of you in rank above others, that He may try you by (the test of) that which He has given you” (6:165).

Today the planet is in a mess. Deforestation, desertification, water pollution, air pollution, soil erosion, extinction of species and the dwindling of resources indicate that humans are not fulfilling their role of Khalifah adequately. What can we do to fulfill our responsibility to protect the Earth? Here are seven small, but effective steps each of us can take to begin the process:

1. Buy less, consume less, waste less. On average, an individual in a developed nation consumes twice as much grain, twice as much fish, three times as much meat, nine times as much paper, and eleven times as much gasoline as an individual in a developing nation. (1)

Yet, shopping malls, TV commercials, flyers, billboards, and the fashion industry continually tell us we don’t have enough and we need to buy more. The 12 percent of the world’s population that lives in North America and Western Europe accounts for 60 percent of the world’s private consumption spending.(2) The Quran correctly describes our materialistic society in the verse, “The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you (from the more serious things) until you visit the graves” (102:1-2).

While North Americans squander wealth and waste it in luxuries, 825 million people in the world are undernourished (3), 2.4 billion live without basic sanitation, and one billion lack adequate shelter.(4) Destruction of forests, desertification of grasslands, water pollution, depletion of fossil fuels, and the collapse of fisheries around the world warn us that the world’s resources are limited—certainly not enough to support the lifestyle habits of an average North American. In the Quran, God warns us not to take more than our share of the world’s resources:“…Do not squander (your wealth) wastefully. Surely the squanderers are the fellows of the Devils” (17:26).

In a world of limited resources, we have an obligation to resist consumer culture and squelch the urge to buy, consume, and eventually waste. The words of the Prophet (pbuh) are a beautiful example of how to live:“Be in the world as if you were a stranger or a traveller along a path” (Bukhari).“The best livelihood is the bare minimum” (Ahmad).

The Quran reminds us that we will be accountable for every item we own and resource we use:“Then (on the day of judgement) you will certainly be questioned about all the favours you enjoyed” (102:8).

Next time you’re in line at the cash register, ask yourself if you really need what you’re buying or if you can live without it.

2. Reduce your shower time to five minutes. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Excess in the use of water is forbidden, even if you have the resources of a whole river” (Tirmidhi).

Ever noticed how long you spend in the shower? A five-minute shower consumes 100 litres of water. (5) That may not sound like much, but consider that less than one half of one percent of all water on Earth is fresh water for human use. The rest is sea water or frozen in polar ice caps.(6) Every person on Earth has a share in this water, yet 20% of the world’s population already lacks access to an adequate supply of clean drinking water.(7) While the average Canadian uses 335 litres of water per day, the average sub-Saharan African survives on 10-20 litres per day.(8) The Prophet (pbuh) would perform ghusl, a complete bath, with one Sa’ of water—that’s just 1.6 litres. In a world where water scarcity and pollution are increasing, every drop counts.

3. Buy locally grown food, without the packaging Where does the food you eat come from? The local farm or a land far away? In the United States, the average food item travels 2,500–4,000 kilometers.(9) The farther food travels before it reaches your plate, the less money the rural farmer retains. Multinational corporations that haul, package, and process the food collect a larger portion of the profit.

The farther food travels, the more energy it consumes for pesticides, preservatives, ripening, packaging, processing, transportation and sales. Eating local food results in a healthier diet, more equitable profit distribution, less energy consumption and less environmental pollution.

4. Take the transit or walk more often Cars not only guzzle the world’s dwindling supply of fossil fuels, but the burning of those fuels contributes to urban smog, acid rain, and other air quality problems. Cars produce large volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The average car produces about 2.4 kilograms of CO2 for every litre of gasoline‚ or three to four times its own weight in CO2 every year. (10) This means more air pollution, more extreme weather and storms, more water contamination and more diseases.

Public transit, cycling or walking are simple ways to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality and lead a healthier lifestyle. If you normally drive to work, take the transit once a week for a refreshing change.

5. Install energy-saving bulbs and appliances in your home North Americans consume 30% of the world’s energy—an amount similar to that consumed collectively by all developing countries, holding more than 80% of the world’s population. While we may flick the light switch without a second thought, 2 billion people in the world lack access to electricity or other modern energy supplies.(11)

While it may be impossible for North Americans to forego the luxuries of electricity, heat, stoves, dishwashers and microwaves, we can reduce our energy consumption through efficiency. Europeans have done it—although they lead a similar lifestyle, people in the United States and Canada consume 2.4 times as much energy at home as those in Western Europe. (12) Home appliances are the world’s fastest-growing energy consumers after automobiles, accounting for 30 percent of industrial countries’ electricity consumption.(13) The good news is that energy-efficient lighting and appliances have become common in the North American market. Making your home energy efficient is an easy and effective way to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing convenience.

6. Eat more vegetables Vegetables capture energy for growth directly from a renewable source—the sun, while meat production in industrial countries requires a high input of non-renewable fossil fuel energy. When farmers raise animals on pasture, they require little grain, consume little energy and their manure becomes valuable agricultural fertilizer. Today, in most industrial nations, rather than being pasture-fed, corporations raise animals in factory farms that consume huge quantities of grain, water, hormones, and electricity and produce tonnes of toxic wastes. Producing one calorie of beef or poultry requires 11–17 calories of feed.(14) Producing 8 ounces of beef requires 25,000 litres of water.(15) This means that a diet high in grain-fed meat requires two to four times more land than a vegetarian diet. Health is another consideration—the crowded conditions of factory farms along with an absence of waste recycling make livestock easy targets for disease.

The Prophet (pbuh) allowed us to eat meat and, like all other foods, meat is one of Allah’s favours that He permits us to enjoy. However, we need to apply the principle of moderation, a key aspect of the Prophet’s lifestyle, in our diet. Eating more vegetables, without abandoning meat, can make a significant difference in the amount of natural resources each of us consumes. Next time you bite into that steak, think of the energy that went into producing it.

7. Recycle and compost Canadians generate approximately 1.7 kg of waste per person per day.(16) When we use recycled materials along with recycling and composting our household waste, we significantly reduce our energy consumption and waste production. Producing aluminium from recycled material, for example, requires 95 percent less energy than manufacturing it from raw materials.(17) Keep in mind that having a recycling box or a compost bin doesn’t justify consuming more and wasting more. Reducing consumption is still the best way to reduce our impact on the environment.

Where do you Stand? Calculate Your Ecological Footprint The ecological footprint is a tool that assesses the environmental impact of an individual, a region or an activity. Your ecological footprint indicates the amount of biologically productive land area required to support your lifestyle based on the amount of resources you use and the amount of wastes you produce. Calculations show that the planet has available 1.9 hectares of biologically productive land per person to supply resources and absorb wastes—yet the average person on Earth already uses 2.3 hectares worth. These “ecological footprints” range from 9.7 hectares claimed by the average American to 0.47 hectares used by the average Mozambican.(18) Calculate your ecological footprint and discover your impact on the planet at http://www.redefiningprogress.org/. The results may shock you!

Shehnaz Toorawa is a teacher with a degree in education,  professional writing and geography. She also holds a Shariah degree from the American Open University. She is a busy homeschooling mother of three and is active in the Toronto community and currently host a blog called myinkspiration.

Endnotes: (1) Gregory Mock, “How Much Do We Consume,” World Resources June 2000, 22 Feb. 2006 http://earthtrends.wri.org/features/view_feature.php?theme=6&fid=7. (2) The Worldwatch Institute, “The State of Consumption Today,” State of the World 2004 Jan 2004, 22 Feb. 2006 http://www.worldwatch.org/features/consumption/sow/trendsfacts/2004/02/04/. (3) Ibid. (4) Molly O’Meara Sheehan, “Urbanization,” 22 Feb. 2006 http://www.worldwatch.org/topics/people/urbanization/. (5) Environment Canada, “Quickfacts,” 22 Feb. 2006 http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/e_quickfacts.htm. (6) Maude Barlow, Blue Gold (Toronto: Stoddart Publishing, 2002). (7) Diane R. Ward, Water Wars (New York: Riverhead Books, 2002) (8) Environment Canada, “Quickfacts.” (9) The Worldwatch Institute, “Watching What We Eat,” State of the World 2004 Jan 2004, 22 Feb. 2006 http://www.worldwatch.org/features/consumption/sow/trendsfacts/2004/06/02/. (10) Natural Resources Canada, “Climate Change—We’re All Part of the Solution,” 25 Jan. 2006, 22 Feb. 2006 http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/communities-government/climate-change.cfm?attr=28#cct. (11) People and The Planet, “Energy: Supply and Demand,” 16 Jan. 2003, 22 Feb. 2006 http://www.peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=559. (12) The Worldwatch Institute, “Making Better Energy Choices,” State of the World 2004 Jan 2004, 22 Feb. 2006 http://www.worldwatch.org/features/consumption/sow/trendsfacts/2004/07/07/. (13) Ibid. (14) The Worldwatch Institute, “Watching What We Eat.” (15) People and The Planet, “Deadly Impact of Growing Demand for Meat,” 7 Jul. 2004, 22 Feb. 2006 http://www.peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=2277. (16) Environment Canada, “An Environmental Citizen…Who Me?” 22 Feb. 2006 http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/udo/who.html. (17) The Worldwatch Institute, “Making Better Energy Choices.” (18) The Worldwatch Institute, “The State of Consumption Today.”

Photo credit from slightly everything

Going green not new in Islam

By: Amal Al-Sibai

The green movement is now sweeping nations that have finally opened their eyes to the detrimental effects of human behavior on the planet and the erratic climatic changes that have occurred as a result of human activities. This trendy movement calls for green buildings, green schools, water conservation, and using public transportation to reduce the number of cars on the road and thus reduce the harmful vehicle emissions that contribute to air pollution.

Environmental preservation, respecting the Earth and its resources, and going green is not new in Islam but Muslims have lost their connection with Islamic traditions and have forgotten their bond to the Earth.

Before the name environmentalist was even coined, Islam taught us that mankind is connected to the Earth and must live in balance with what he/she takes from it.

This verse from the Holy Qur’an elevates the status of the Earth and shows its importance in human existence as it was part of human creation and will be the resting place after death: “Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you.”- Surah 20:55

The tree, the prime symbol of environmental protection, is likewise highly valued in Islam. Planting a tree was encouraged by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and was considered an act that would reap the planter great rewards from Allah.

The Prophet said, “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charity (sadaqah) for him.”

Planting a tree and spreading the benefits that the community would enjoy from the tree was considered so important that the Prophet said, “If the Day of Judgment erupts while you are planting a new tree, carry on and plant it.”

Modern day science confirms the wisdom behind the Islamic emphasis on planting and nurturing trees. Trees in the environment act as an air filter, keeping our air cleaner by absorbing harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is one of the major contributing elements to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Trees trap carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and make carbohydrates that are used for plant growth. They give us oxygen in return. A fully-grown tree can absorb roughly 22 kgs of carbon dioxide a year. The tree in turn releases enough oxygen to sustain two human beings. Trees also help to reduce ozone levels in large cities.

Did you know that trees could help save energy and reduce the cost of your electricity bill? Planting trees around your home can help cool your home in the summer. Researchers claim that the overall effect of the shade provided by a healthy tree is equivalent to an air-conditioner running for 20 hours a day! Trees shade buildings, streets, and homes. If enough trees are planted in cities, the overall microclimate improves and total energy use for cooling is reduced.

The recent outbreak of water shortages in Jeddah is a sharp reminder that our vital natural resources are finite. Islam has instructed Muslims against wasting and exploiting the treasures of the Earth. It is part of our Islamic tradition to use water wisely and we should teach it to our children.

In Islam, it is recommended that water be used sparingly, even while performing the religious duty of ablution — wudoo. The Prophet criticized excessive use of water and he was known to use only half a liter of water during ablution.

He said, “Do not waste water, even if you perform your ablution on the banks of an abundantly-flowing river.”

Cleanliness of the body and surroundings is imperative in Islam. It is truly tragic and confusing to witness the extent of waste and garbage thrown by the seaside, in parks, on the streets, and in neighborhoods in almost every city of the Kingdom. Littering is clearly admonished in our religion yet most members of the society take it lightly to throw garbage out the car window for example.

If the following Hadith was taught and applied in our daily lives, the present scenes of our streets and natural attractions would be much different, “Removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity (sadaqah).”

Balance and harmony is to be sought after in Islam, and any disruption in the equilibrium of the planet will have profound negative effects on human health. Muslims have a responsibility to protect the environment, as stewards of the Earth.

Islam teaches that all things were created in perfect balance and measurement. There is a purpose behind all living and non-living things; and each has an important role to play in the balance. Allah gave human beings certain knowledge, which allows us to use the natural world to meet our needs, but we are not given free license to exploit it at whim. We are not masters who rule over the earth, but servants of Allah with a responsibility to maintain the balance, which He has created.

Allah has said in the Holy Qur’an, “O children of Adam! Eat and drink but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters.” - Surah 7:31

Originally published online on April 15 2012 in the Saudi Gazette newspaper, Muslim Link (www.saudigazette.com.sa/).

Why Sustainable Energy matters

By: Musab Qureshi

It is said that there was once a ruler who was in the habit of taking weekly rounds to survey his kingdom. On one such occasion while he was surveying the countryside, he noticed an old man who was digging a hole. As he approached him, he saw that the old man was planting black walnut seeds (black walnut seeds are known to grow slowly and often take several years to mature). The ruler asked the old man “Uncle, what are you doing? This plant will take over 30 years to mature. Why are you doing this?”, implying that most likely the old man wouldn’t live to see the fruits of the tree. The old man shrugged off the question, planted the seed and then replied “I am not doing this for myself. I am doing this for my grandchildren and their grandchildren”.

In essence it is this concern for coming generations that is the motivation for moving towards sustainable sources of energy. We live in an energy intensive society. We just need to look around ourselves to get a sense of the magnitude. From the electricity that charges our laptops to the fuel that powers our cars. Our lives, businesses and economies, all depend on energy. In today’s age it is impossible to imagine any progress or any development to take place without energy.

How and where we get our energy from is of critical importance. Most of our energy today as has been the case for the past 100 years comes from fossilized fuels (globally over 80%, mostly coal and crude oil). These are non-renewable fuels which when burnt create massive levels of greenhouse gases, which result in global climate change. Sustainable Energy means energy sources that will allow the Earth to sustain balanced, healthy ecosystems and human life. These include energy sources such as hydroelectricity, solar energy and wind energy.

As I see it, we face two urgent energy challenges which if not addressed can seriously jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of future generations; climate change and “non-renewable” nature of our current energy sources.

Our planet is linked with energy. Energy transforms our planet- its climate, natural resources and ecosystems. There is a need to respond to the fast pacing growth of climate change and moving towards sustainable energy is at the centre of it. The majority of greenhouse gases come from burning fossil fuels to produce energy. Although deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices also emit gases into the atmosphere, these are nowhere comparable in magnitude to the emissions from fossil fuels. Hence the climate problem is essentially an energy problem. Moving towards sustainable energy is the key to getting climate change under control.

Even if say for some hypothetical reason, we were able to control the changes in environment, fact of the matter is that fossil fuels are “non-renewable” energy sources. Although the quantities in which they are available may be large, they are nevertheless finite and so will in principle “run out” at some time in the future. If we continue to drain out the limited quantities of fossil fuels we have without making serious strides towards alternative sources, we are only making lives difficult for future generations, both economically and environmentally.

The single largest thing we can do to make a difference is proactive political involvement. Given the enormity of the challenge, our actions need to go beyond simply switching the lights off before leaving the room. Individual actions are no doubt important and reflect our attitudes towards the problem, but we can’t be under the illusion that these actions, even if done collectively, can alone solve our energy challenges.

Big decisions such as what energy source to choose or whether to tax heavy polluters, these are decisions that can be only made at a political level. It doesn’t serve the cause right when we have mainstream politicians who even refuse to accept that the problem of climate change exists, let alone try to solve it. Political involvement can entail a broad range of activities from simply voicing concerns to elected officials to being involved in grassroots advocacy and awareness initiatives. These actions can go long way in swaying the key energy related decisions by politicians.

Islam teaches us about our duties to the environment and the future. There is a consistent theme of respecting the environment and protecting the rights of future generations. Islam tells us that we’ve been given a responsibility by Allah on this earth and that we will be accountable to Allah for our actions and the trust placed in us. The nature of our current energy problems is such that the consequences of climate change and energy availability will have to be born by coming generations and not by the generations responsible for it in the first place. As Muslims and as members of the larger global community, it is incumbent upon us to strive towards making this world a better place than we found it, a cleaner and sustainable world for coming generations.

Musab Qureshi is an undergraduate engineering student at the University of Toronto and currently writes for The Muslim Voice (www.tmv.uoftmsa.com). He is passionate about leveraging clean energy technologies to improve people's lives in rural communities of the developing world.

Photo credit from SolarShop

Average Muslimah's Role in Saving the Environment

By: Umm Yacoubi

I’m just an average Muslimah…What can I do to protect the Earth?

What can the average Muslimah do to protect the Earth?

So, you’re not quite ready to leave your home to live in a tree house, eat grubs, and use only the light of the sun for energy? That’s ok, there are still many ways that you can stop contributing to destruction of the earth, and actively work towards protecting it.

Doing deeds to protect the environment is a way of getting hasanat (good deeds). It is an action that may not be seen or recognized by others, but doing it will raise your status with Allah (subhannahu wa ta'ala). “Being green” is an excellent opportunity to strive for Allah’s (subhanahu wa ta’ala) mercy.

There are many ways that we can be an earth steward, be green, and protect the earth and its environment. In my experience as an educator and working directly in conservation, I find that many people are not clear on the issues affecting the earth. So, first I suggest raising you and your family’s consciousness about what is happening with the environment. Read books and articles about current events in science, and on issues such as global warming, deforestation, and over fishing. Secondly: stop waste! Stop wasting food, natural resources, space, energy, and time. Time to lighten the load we put on this earth and strengthen families and our communities with simple acts, with the intention of ibadah.

Teach children to love and revere the earth and its resources

Teach your children to love and respect the earth by integrating earth friendly practices and consciousness into your daily routines. Children are natural scientists that love to explore their world with wonder and sincere interest. Use this natural curiosity to teach them when they are very young to respect the earth and its resources. It will instill a lifelong love of the earth and make future protectors of it.

At an early age, allow children to play outside and explore. Let them learn with all five senses. Even taste, sampling a blade of grass or giving a pine cone a lick won’t hurt them. Let them walk in the grass barefoot and play by the edge of the river looking for signs of life. Take them out at night and let them listen for bats, owls, or other animals that are active in the evenings. Show them the sunset before Fajr prayer. Take them to see the new moon and the waning moon before, during, and after Ramadan. Let them play in the rain and smell the beautiful scents of spring. Let them sit under the shade of a giant old tree feeling its strength. Experiencing the wonders of Allah’s (subhanahu wa ta’ala) creation can happen at the earliest age. If children understand that they are one of the creations on this earth, and a part of the grand cycle of life, Insha’Allah they will care about protecting it. If they never get a chance to experience the wonders of this amazing planet first hand they may feel detached and not concerned with what happens to it.

As children grow, teach them to respect the plants and animals on the earth. Visiting natural parks and protected wildlife sanctuaries can be an excellent learning experience. These large areas of land that have been set aside, preserved, and maintained give evidence to the history of ecology and earth preservation. Children can have an opportunity to see animals that are steadily disappearing from our earth, natural wonders of Allah’s (subhanahu wa ta’ala) creation, and can be reminded not to take plants or animals away from their natural habitats. This concept is necessary when learning about respecting the earth. All animals and plants are important to their biological communities. Removing animals (including insects) or plants can upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Have them draw a picture or take a photograph of something special that they want to remember.

Visiting zoos is another good way for children to see animals close up. Teach your children to respect the animals living there. Banging on glass walls, yelling, screaming, throwing food, and making rude faces to the animals is disrespectful. Allowing children to act in this way undermines personal dignity and is distressing for animals. As Muslims we are taught to respect all life. We always remember this. If you own animals as pets or cattle teach your children to be kind to them, feed them on a regular schedule, allowing them space to run and live. Teach children similar respect for plants.

STOP WASTING

Waste happens in so many little ways. It may seem that that half a pan of beans that was thrown out, or the Styrofoam cups you used at the last gathering aren’t a problem, but they are. When we throw away good food we act as if there aren’t people starving. When we use products that aren’t biodegradable or recyclable we fill landfills with garbage. Consider that a handful of rice could keep a child alive for another few days. Don’t force yourself to eat more, but think about portions and take more notice of what your family will eat to avoid waste. You may find there is extra to share.

It saddens me to say I’ve been to the mosque on a Sunday morning to see pans of half eaten rice from the Walimah or Aqika the night before. If you have been blessed with the means to slaughter for a wedding or birth remember the Sunnah on the division of meat, and surely it wouldn’t hurt to feed the homeless in honor of your new marriage or child; Instead of feeding people who are not hungry and end up wasting food. If you are a guest, don’t be afraid to take the leftover food and eat it for breakfast or dinner. No, it is not glamorous, but alhamdulilah you will have avoided the sin of being wasteful.

“O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters.” (Surah Ar Raff 7:31)

There are many areas that we need to be conscious of, when it comes to being wasteful by excess. Below is a bullet list of ways to start being conscious of our place in this earth and do some benefit. Let’s leave every place we go to cleaner and better than when we first got there.

Curbing the consumer: In these times, the target of many marketing companies is the innocent children, whose little minds cannot process that they don’t need all of the stuff that the ads tell them they need. They will not know unless we teach them. If they get a new toy have them get rid of an old toy (or several), and do the same with their clothing. Teach them the concept of less is better (more). Don’t give them whatever they want, and once they are old enough let them earn their toys and gadgets. Ultimately, they will be happier with less stuff to clean up and will make wiser choices about the type of toys they get.

Recycle: Have kids wash out cans, and cartons, peal labels, and put recyclables into the correct container. These days recycling is much easier than when I was kid. Back then, we would gather all of our recyclables and take them to the recycling plant. Nowadays it’s often as close as your garbage can or curbside garbage pick-up!

Volunteer: Look for volunteer opportunities at your local parks. Often, there are work crews that pull invasive plants, pick up trash, and plant trees. This is something that you should do with your kids. Give them a sense of civic responsibility and a lesson about the environment.

Pick up trash: Hey! It’s the Sunnah!

Educate Yourself: Find an informative documentary that talks about the earth, plants or animals, and efforts to protect it. Check out books from the library about the history of the region that you live in, and about plants and animals that are native to the area. Go to informative websites that focus on environmental issues

Plant a native plants garden: Vegetable gardens are great, but also consider planting a native plants garden. After researching about native plants, plant some! Consider having your yard certified as a natural habitat by a local fish and wildlife agency. This will give your children (and you) a chance to work with the soil and leave something beautiful to be enjoyed in all seasons. If you don’t have a yard there are often community gardens that you can request a plot in.

Shop wise: So many things to buy, buy, buy, buy, but where, where, where will you put it all? Teach kids a valuable lesson about consumerism. Buying ability makes people feel powerful, but empower yourself to buy products that are packaged in biodegradable packaging. Reduce the amount of needless buying. Buy household products that say they are “earth friendly” and recyclable. Read labels carefully and never hesitate to research a products environmental record.

Food: The food choices we make are so very important to the environment as well as our and our children’s well-being. Buy organic and buy local. Although there is much debate, there really should be none. Foods that are not organic have been sprayed with pesticides that have been proven to cause cancer. Also non-organic foods are likely to be GMO (Genetically Modified). Milk and meats that are not organic have often been treated in inhumane ways and fed a steady diet of antibiotics. Our children need us to make wise decisions about food for them. Organic is often more expensive (not always).  Organic farming practices have been proven to be better for the earth, and the foods are much healthier for our children. [1]

Halal food choices should be animals that are free range and fed organically to meet the requirements of Zabiha.

This is written from the viewpoint of a person living in the “1st” world. Everyone may not have the same access and availability. It is also important to know that people from many indigenous cultures worldwide already implement earth friendly practices as a way of life, that is part of their traditions

Whatever we do, our children see us doing it. Just like they see us making our salaat and reading the Quran, they can see us making wise decisions that impact the earth in healthy ways. How will you begin to protect the earth?

References:

[1]http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-206

Umm Yacoubi is a regular writer and contributor to Habibihalaqas, a web portal that provides resources for-sisters, by-sisters on a variety of Islamic subjects.

Photo credit from YouthfulSins and Pink Sherbet Photography

Water and Islam: A Sign for the Ummah

By Khaled Dardir

Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?  [Qur’an 21:30]

What a powerful verse in the Quran. All living things are made from water, and rely on water making it such a crucial part of our existence and yet we take it for granted. We forget the teaching of the Prophet (PBUH), when he directed us to be conservative with the water and not wasteful. Also, the scarcity of water on this planet is a reality the affects all of us. Let us explore your role as a Muslim on conserving water.

First let’s present some basic statistics: 75% of our planet is water. We are technically a blue planet. 97% of all the water is sea water which cannot be used for cleaning, drinking, farming, irrigation, manufacturing, etc.  Of the 3% remaining freshwater 79% of it is frozen as icecaps, and 20% is groundwater. That leaves 0.0003% of the entire world water supply in rivers, lakes, etc. that can be claimed as clean, usable, and easily accessible water.

In other words, over 1 billion people do not have access to clean water. It is our duty as Muslims and human beings to protect the planet for our children and future generations. The majority of the 1 billion who suffer from not having access to clean water are in Muslim countries. Ensuring that our brothers and sisters in all parts of the world have easy access to safe drinking water is our responsibility as Muslims. The Prophet (PBUH) gave us a prime example of this by saying: “The Muslim Ummah is like one body. If the eye is in pain then the whole body is in pain and if the head is in pain then the whole body is in pain.”

How can we function if the majority of our Ummah is sick or dying?

The Prophet (PBUH) was reported to have told one of his wives, Ai’shah (RA): “The day you give water to people out of charity, and especially if it is the time when people are in dire need of water, or during the dry season when people are greatly suffering from scarcity of water, you will have the reward of one who sets a slave-girl free.”

There are several programs which help build wells in impoverished nations. These wells often last multiple decades, thus providing an entire generation within the area with clean water.

This reminds me of one of my favorite hadiths; Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet said, "A man felt very thirsty. While he was on the way, there he came across a well. He went down the well, quenched his thirst and came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. He said to himself, ‘this dog is suffering from thirst as I did.’ So, he went down the well again, filled his shoe with water, held it with his mouth and watered the dog. Allah appreciated him for that deed and forgave him." The Companions said, "O Allah's Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He replied: "There is a reward for serving any living being." (Bukhari)

This was about an animal; imagine 1.1 billion people if not more?

That is the severity of it. But our local masjids and congregation tend to believe wudu (ritual cleaning) is related to how much water we use. Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-`Aas (RA) reported that the Prophet passed one day by Sa`d ibn Abi Waqas (RA) while he was performing wudu' (ritual cleaning of body parts in preparation for prayer). The prophet asked Sa`d, "Why is this wastage?" Sa`d replied "Is there wastage in wudu also?" The Prophet said, "Yes, even if you are at a flowing river." (Ahmad and authenticated Ahmad Shakir)

So what is acceptable use of water for Wudu? Sayyidinah Safinah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) performed ablution with a mu’dd of water and the purifying bath with a sa’ of water.Jami'i at Tirmidhi

These are the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), who was helping us avoid a disaster before it was even considered. Our brothers and sisters in Indonesia, recently lost all of their freshwater reserves, and are left drinking ditch water. The threat is real so reflect on the guidance of the Prophet in this area as it proves ever helpful and relevant.

Khaled Dardir has recently completed a Master of Science specializing in the chemistry and is currently enrolled as a student in Mishkah pursuing a bachelors in Islamic Studies. He is the founder and Chief Coordinator of the non-profit organization The Building Blocks of New Jersey whose mission is: “To aid self development, promote activism, and bolster community building”

Photo credit from deqalb

Khaleafa.com - Year in Review

As we enter a new year with new beginnings, I thought I would take the first post to highlight some of the accomplishments of Khaleafa.com over the past year and set the stage for some upcoming initiatives that we have planned for 2013. We have grown by leaps and bounds over the last year, and I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and encouragement in raising the profile of environmentalism within our community. The Green Khutbah Campaign was launched this past spring to coincide with Earth Day. The goal was to encourage mosques, schools and Islamic Institutions across North America to devote their Friday Khutbah to raise awareness on the environmental challenges facing humanity. The campaign garnered the support of over 75 Imams/Organizations across North America, Europe and Africa and quickly went viral over the course of two weeks. This coming year we are planning to expand on the initiative and will be working with several organizations to carry the message out to a broader audience.

The Think Green: Creating Sustainable Communities session brought together community activists to discuss what it means to be a green Muslim, as well as how to identify and implement environmental initiatives within a diverse community. The roundtable participants engaged in a lively discussion that covered issues such as the concept of a Green Community, the projects and initiatives they would like to see implemented and potential limitations that they may have experienced. What came out of the discussion was a framework on how to proceed and how the environmental message can be incorporated into our community.

This summer the ISNA Youth Food Bank Committee and the experts from EcoSource partnered up for the first ISNA Mosque Community Planting Day. The joint venture took place at the Iceland Teaching Garden in Mississauga and involved weeding the community garden, mulching and tilling the site and planting vegetables for the upcoming season. Participants also learned about planting techniques, integrated pest management and the importance of locally grown, organic produce. The crop that is grown in this garden will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank through the Mississauga Sustainable Agriculture Project. This project parallels the mandate of the ISNA Youth Food Bank, which has grown to serve over 150 families in the west end of the Greater Toronto Area.

This past fall Khaleafa.com and Greening Sacred Spaces collaborated on an event entitled Water – A Sacred Trust at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto that drew over 50 attendees from various congregations and faith groups. The goal of the seminar was to rekindle our connection towards the sanctity of water, provide proactive tips that faith groups can use to increase awareness within their congregations and to optimize the overall water efficiency within our homes and institutions. Speakers at the event included Adrian O’Driscoll, Supervisor of Stewardship & Outreach Education at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Stan Gibson, Executive Director of Ecologos and Muaz Nasir, Program Officer from Toronto Water. The response from the event was overwhelmingly positive and attendees left with a better sense of their personal relationship with water and the meaning of water to humanity.

Khaleafa.com was also proud to promote the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, joining with other citizens who are seeking to reduce the harmful effects of litter on fragile aquatic ecosystems and their surrounding shoreline environments. At the Finch Meander in Rouge Park, located in the north-east of Toronto, a number of Muslim groups collaborated in the environmental cleanup, including CivicMuslims, Khaleafa.com, Canadian Muslim Fellowship of Scouting, the Islamic Institute of Toronto and the Pickering Islamic Centre. Shoreline Cleanups occur in every province and territory and in 2011 the Shoreline Cleanup celebrated its 18th anniversary with more than 56,000 volunteers. It is now recognized as one of the largest direct action conservation programs, as well as the most significant contributor to the International Coastal Cleanup in Canada.

The year ended on a high note with Khaleafa.com being nominated for the Brass Crescent Award for “Best New Blog”. The Brass Crescent Awards were created in 2004 with the purpose of promoting the best writing of the Muslim web and exposing them to a greater number of readers. Since then it has grown to become one of the most anticipated awards within the Muslim blogosphere and continues to encourage creative new talent within our communities. Although we did not win, it was humbling to be considered alongside such great writers in this category and provided us with greater recognition within the online Muslim community.

This coming year we hope to build upon last year's achievements and kickstart some new projects in partnership with other environmental organizations. As always, if you have any suggestions or ideas for initiatives you would like to see in your community, feel free to contact us by e-mail through our website or send us a message on Facebook.

May Allah bless you with safe, happy and green New Year!

Climate Change: It’s a Muslim Problem

By Sameer Zaheer

When one thinks of Muslim problems, places like Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan pop in the mind. Perhaps, Somalia and Darfur, if one reads beyond headlines. Certainly, Muslims in those areas are afflicted, but together these areas represent only a fraction of the Muslim world. However, there are a set of problems that affect a vast majority of Muslims in the world. One of these problems is climate change.

Climate change will adversely affect the world and Muslim majority countries are no exception. Decreased food production, as well as the melting of Himalayan glaciers and rise in sea levels will affect the lives of millions of Muslims. Economic difficulties, natural disasters and creation of refugees (due to disasters) can often disrupt the stability of a region. In fact, climate change has the potential of igniting armed conflict in much of the Muslim world.

Modern day climate change, sometimes called global warming, corresponds to the general increase in the earth’s temperature. Such a change will cause sea levels to rise (because of thermal expansion of water and melting of glaciers), and will alter the distribution of precipitation. Catastrophes such as flooding, drought, spread of disease, desertification of previously fertile areas are being predicted as a consequence.

Impact of climate change on the Muslim world Climate change will adversely affect the world and Muslim majority countries are no exception. Decreased food production, as well as the melting of Himalayan glaciers and rise in sea levels will affect the lives of millions of Muslims. Economic difficulties, natural disasters and creation of refugees (due to disasters) can often disrupt the stability of a region. In fact, climate change has the potential of igniting armed conflict in much of the Muslim world.

Decreased food production Since 1980, increased temperatures have already been causing a reduction in the global yield of wheat, maize and barley. The 2009 Report of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) warned of depletion of agricultural land and spread of disease (e.g. malaria) in Arab countries.

Melting of Himalayan glaciers An increase in the melting rate of the glaciers of the Himalayas can have devastating impact on Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, home to 1/3 of the global Muslim population. Indeed the Indian Space Research Organization has reported shrinking glaciers, and a recent study found that the temperature there had increased 2.2 ◦C over the past 20 years. Subsequently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted increased flooding over the next 30 years, and then a sharp reduction in the water supply that feeds these three countries.

Rise in sea levels The AFED reported that 12% of Egypt’s farmland is at risk due to rise in sea levels, while another UN study suggests 8 million people will be displaced in Egypt if the sea level rises by just 1 meter. A rise of sea level by a foot, which could happen as early as 2040, would render 12% of Bangladesh’s population homeless. The risk of rise in sea levels presents an even greater problem in island Muslim countries. Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, announced in 2007 that it could lose about 2,000 of its 18,000 islands by 2030. The problem is so bad in the Maldives, another island Muslim country, that the current government is considering purchasing land to relocate the country’s entire population!

Causes of climate change Modern day climate change is attributed to a number of factors, but one stands out above all others: increased greenhouse gasses as a result of human activity. Since the Industrial Revolution humans have been releasing an increased amount of greenhouse gasses such as CO2 and methane at an unprecedented rate. This only accelerated in the post-world war II period. While there are many sources of emissions, burning fossil fuels has caused 75% of these emissions over 20 years.

It’s sad that there are many who deny either global warming, or the human cause of it, or both, despite the scientific evidence. The current evidence on climate change was assessed by IPCC and hasn’t been challenged by any national or international scientific body.

While Western countries contribute disproportionately to the problem, the rest of the world isn’t without blame. As of 2006, China and India were amongst the top 10 CO2 emitters, while on a per capita basis, the top four emitters were Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain. And while Indonesia doesn’t directly emit a lot of greenhouse gasses, its destruction of its lush rainforests is making a huge contribution to CO2 emissions, since trees soak up carbon dioxide when they’re alive. Greenhouse gas emissions, the chief cause of climate change, are a problem worldwide.

What we can do about it Many approaches can be taken to solving the problem of climate change, and no one approach is necessarily superior. Let’s look at how we can use Islamic principles of simplicity, foresight, dialogue and prayer to tackle the problem.

Simple lifestyle If we look to the Sunnah of the prophet (peace be upon him), we see that he lived a lifestyle that was in accordance with the resources available, and one that did not exalt him above others. His bedding was crude, and he had few spare clothes. According to one report, there was hardly a day when the prophet had two square meals. During the digging of the trench, he starved just like the rest of his companions. Of course, the prophet’s intention was not inflict pain upon himself, it was only to conform his lifestyle with both the resources available, and so that his lifestyle was similar to everyone else.

Yet one of today’s problems is that some of us are consuming far more than others. These over consumers, then, tend to have a bigger carbon footprint (a measure of CO2 emissions per person). This overconsumption can be seen in our desire to constantly buy everything and waste much of it once we’re done. It can be seen when some of us will drive everywhere, instead of walking, biking, or taking transit as much of the world does. Ask yourself: if the prophet knew that much of Muslims and mankind was living with limited means, would he engage in such an extravagant lifestyle?

Foresight Whilst in prison, Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) was inquired of the interpretation of a dream. He explained that there would be seven years of prosperity followed by seven years of famine. He then advised that the surplus food production during prosperity be saved to make up for the deficit during famine. Prophet Yusuf was advising people to not just focus on the short-term but also on the long-term.

One of the biggest excuses given for the lack of action on climate change is that it will harm our economy today. While it is true that cutting greenhouse gas emissions today is not the best for our economy, we can’t ignore the catastrophic consequences of such inaction upon our future. This useful lesson for our leaders can also be applied to our every day lives. For example, buying energy saving appliances today will help reduce the change in climate tomorrow, not to mention the savings in electricity costs.

Dialogue The Qur’an tells us to call upon people to do good, and for them to shun wrong. While this is an obligation upon everyone, Canadian Muslims are in a unique position for dialogue. As Muslims, we can influence the ideas of the Muslim world. Many of us are immigrants, and still have close ties with our family in our native countries. We can use these ties to educate them about the issue. But we also have ties to influential people. For example, Dr. Tareq al-Swaidan, who often visits Canada and speaks to Muslims here, is also influential in Kuwait, which is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses per capita. Perhaps Muslims can have dialogue with the eminent scholar so that he raises awareness for the issue in his native country.

As Canadians, we can lobby our leaders and politicians to adopt policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We can raise awareness about the issue by organizing talks, distributing literature, using social networking and in many other ways. Finally, we can act as good role models for everyone else by reducing our own consumption. There are many Muslim activists in Canada protesting against wars in Palestinian territories and Afghanistan. It’s high time we started protesting against greenhouse gas emissions.

Prayer In the Qur’an, Allah asks us to call upon Him in prayers and He promises to answer them. Given that mankind is dependent upon Allah in every way, we certainly won’t be able to stop climate change without our Creator’s assistance.

However, our prayers need to be accompanied by action. The prophet always made prayers, but he also strove in his missions as hard as could. We, too, need to work hard to fight climate change, while asking Allah for help in this noble endeavour.

After all, the Qur’an says: “Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people unless they change their inner selves.” (13:11)

Sameer Zaheer is a Master's Student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto and currently writes for The Muslim Voice. Engineering has taught him the value of sustainability, and Islam has taught him to always remember those less fortunate than him.

Originally published online on March 21 2012 in The Muslim Voice, a publication of the University of Toronto - Muslim Student Association  (http://tmv.uoftmsa.com/).

My Prophet was a Tree-Hugger, and so am I

By Mohammed Ashour As a society, we often misappropriate certain virtues and present them as vices. Shyness denotes low self-esteem. Introversion is seen as a sign of weak leadership, and 'followership' is simply never taught in business schools. This is so, even though shyness is a vital precursor to humility, corporations owe their very existence to the commitment of dedicated followers, and some of the world's leading CEOs are shockingly introverted.

The same is true for those who are deridingly labelled 'tree-huggers' for their environmental consciousness. (Tellingly, the misappropriation of environmental-friendliness as a negative trait is not unique to North American culture. In Egypt, a person who is seen as socially brash or culturally unsophisticated is insultingly branded as "bee'a", literally meaning, "environment".) While it is true that words like "green" and "sustainable" have become feel-good staples of our everyday lingo, there is no denying that being called a "tree-hugger" is still very much insulting to many people.

To be sure, our faith has a commitment to environmental-consciousness that long pre-dates the trendiness of all things "green". From explicit Divine commands that we do not waste, to urgent appeals from the Prophet Muhammad to "plant a tree even if it is your last deed", Islam is arguably the most explicitly "green" of all the monotheistic faiths. Yet, paradoxically and shamefully, many Muslims have become amongst the most wasteful inhabitants of this planet.

Losing the Way

Last year, over 1300 people in Qatar had to be hospitalized due to "excessive eating" on the first two-days of Eid-ul Adha. According to a report by The National, over 500 tons of food are thrown every day during Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). And as far as the most precious natural resource on our planet goes, residents of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are amongst the biggest wasters of water in the world.

Lest any reader dismiss these as extreme, anecdotal cases, consider the report by the CDIAC with data from the United Nations about carbon dioxide emissions around the world. Most of us are not surprised to learn that China and the United States produce the first and second highest total amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the world, respectively. In fact, their emission levels are so large that they simply eclipse those of other countries. Not surprisingly, this makes China and the U.S. very easy targets of public outrage and very convenient villains in most "how-not-to-treat-the-environment" campaigns.

However, if we were to control for the population differences between countries, we even out the playing field for a more meaningful (and fair) analysis. Thus, when we compare the per capita carbon dioxide emissions per country, a totally different picture emerges. And it is not flattering for Muslims.

Pound for pound, Qatar produced the highest levels of carbon dioxide emissions of any other country in the world in 2009. Kuwait ranked fourth, UAE sixth, Bahrain eighth, Saudi Arabia thirteenth, and Oman fifteenth. In other words, almost half of the top fifteen carbon dioxide emitting countries in the world (per capita) were Muslim majority countries.

Fortunately, Muslims around the world are beginning to wake up from the cognitive dissonance between the teachings they know and the practices they embrace. From efforts to combat food wastage in the U.A.E. to government regulation in Saudi Arabia to reduce pollution, there are measurable improvements to the dismal track record of Muslim majority countries on the 'green' scale. Still, it is feared that many of these efforts are at best too little, if not too late. Also, it is particularly disappointing that Muslim majority countries are simply riding the sustainability wagon instead of driving it forward. This leaves one to wonder whether these countries are going green out of altruism or if, like almost every other country, they are simply caving to social pressure and opportunism.

The Tree-Hugging Prophet

As Muslims, we believe that all living things are imbued with a spirit, even if its exact nature and form remains obscure and mysterious. Furthermore, we believe these living things are engaged in their own form of sacred worship, and for this reason, we are taught to treat our environment with a measure of tenderness, respect, and love. Perhaps no one more aptly demonstrates this than Prophet Muhammad himself.

As the leader of the Friday congregation, Prophet Muhammad was accustomed to delivering the sermon near a tree stump. As his followers continued to grow in number, members of his congregation offered to build him a pulpit. The idea was that a pulpit would help project the Prophet's voice and make him more visible to a growing audience. Seeing this in the best interest of his community, the Prophet agreed and the pulpit was constructed.

When the Prophet ascended the pulpit to deliver his sermon the following Friday, he and his companions heard the tree stump sob uncontrollably. The stump, having become accustomed to its near proximity to the Prophet on Fridays, could no longer bear the reality of having to perpetually miss him now that he has permanently moved away.

Unwilling to ignore its cries, the Prophet quickly descended from the pulpit, rushed to the tree stump, and embraced it like a little child. Cuddled in his arms, it wailed and wailed and gasped and wailed and cracked and wailed some more. The Prophet continued to soothe the tree stump until it calmed down, all the while hugging it and not letting go.

 I am a Tree Hugger

In a world where good words are given bad meaning, many of us are likely to contribute to these ongoing misappropriations without realizing it. Thus, reserved individuals will object to being labelled "shy", quiet musers will deny being "introverts" and followers will insist that they are leaders. By doing so, these individuals will at once deny their [virtuous] essence and reinforce the notion that being shy or introverted or a follower are somehow bad things.

For this reason, I urge every Muslim to play a part in re-appropriating these good words by giving them back their good meanings. So the next time someone calls you a "tree-hugger" with a snort of derision, do not get defensive or offensive. Instead, remember that it is a customary sunnah because your Prophet did it, embrace the label with every ounce of pride you can muster, and declare:

"My Prophet was a Tree-Hugger, and so am I."

Mohammed Ashour is a writer, public speaker and community activist who resides in Montreal, Canada. He completed a B.Sc. in Life Sciences at the University of Toronto, followed by a M.Sc. in Neuroscience at McGill University. He is presently pursuing a joint MD/MBA program at McGill University and can be followed on his blog: Rest Assured - Thoughts of a Canadian Muslim

Photo credit from PTzero 

Early Spring Not Good News

By Omar Mahfoudhi

There is no denying that spring has sprung quite early this year. The summer-like conditions in early March, for some, were a welcome relief from winter. For others, however, it was an ominous warning of what is to come.

The debate over climate change and global warming has been going on for over half a century – ever since scientists confirmed the process of heat from the sun being trapped in a gaseous layer around the earth, or the greenhouse gas effect.

Without delving into too much history, the discussion about climate change and global warming, to say the least, has evolved over the past few decades; involving science and the scrutiny of it, politics and its sleaze and public opinion, pertinently founded or not.  The truth is something has been changing. And the question is what can we do to mitigate the impacts of these changes, if at all?

But first, what is climate change? And is it different from global warming?

Climate change and global warming are two dynamically linked phenomena. As global temperatures rise, they affect climate conditions around the world. Additionally, warming is only one manifestation of climate change; one of a series of changes that takes effect as the planet moves into a new climate condition.

In addition to warming we will see more frequent and more violent storms, a shift in oceanic currents, and change in precipitation levels around the world, and of course a swing in seasonal changes as we have seen this year. However, that is not where the effects stop. These changes in climate and the increased temperatures can, have, and will directly and indirectly impact many other aspects of natural systems and human lifestyle.

The Ottawa River, for example, had on record the earliest dates of ice free waters as April 10th. This year we saw the Ottawa River ice free on March 21. That’s 20 days early. We were in our backyard this year, as early as March 12, gardening with fully thawed top soil. These are some of the localized ground conditions you may have noticed.

So why is this a problem?

The first thing that comes to mind when we are talking about early spring is that life regenerates much earlier. This might be great for gardens and even for food crops. In reality, many plants require a gradual increase in temperature for proper germination and flower blossoming.

On the flip side, those of us with hay fever are suffering a little earlier this year, as record-breaking March temperatures push pollen counts sky-high.

Second, this very early regeneration of life applies equally to pests. On top of that, pests are much hardier than the crops and plants they feed on, while pollinators are not so hardy. With offset blossoming and pollinating schedules and a stronger pest presence comes a greater stress on food crops. This would lead to an increase in the use of artificial pollination, fertilizers, and pesticides, at the very least, if not also a stress on food security for some crops.

You may have heard of two pests: the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer. The latter two having delivered a crippling blow to the Canadian timber industry. Unlike human beings who, through the use of technology and behavioral modifications, are able to inhabit whatever part of the earth we choose, flora and fauna are at the mercy of their surrounding environment. Plants, animals, fungi, even bacteria, are confined to the habitats they are best suited. The single largest environmental limitation of living creatures is their ambient temperature.

Current global temperatures rising, especially in areas such as northern Canada, where half of the world’s remaining forest exists in the form of the boreal forest. These areas hold almost a quarter of the world’s on-land carbon stores and an invasion of the Asian Longhorned Beetle could have devastating consequences. Climate change is providing favourable conditions for the migration of pests northwards and the risks to this crucial carbon sink is unfathomable. Imagine what the release of all that carbon could do to our global climate.

We do not often think much about the link between the climate and our daily lives beyond the need for an umbrella, or a toque. So something that typically escapes our thoughts is the link between our indispensable gadgetry and climate extremes. Over the last decade we have seen quite a strain on the electronic market due to extreme climate conditions like tsunamis in Asia which have affected the supply of many minerals and raw materials. If our life necessities like fruit and vegetables are risk, then so are our luxuries.

As you can see, climate change has a cascading effect on this entrusted planet and ultimately on the lives of all of Allah creatures, including our own.

All of this makes one really reflect on what Allah says in the Quran: “Ruin has appeared on the land and the sea because of what the hands of people have earned. That We may give them a taste of what they have done, that they may return (from their evil).” (Ch.30, v.41)

Quran commentator, Ibn Katheer explains that because of our preoccupation with accumulating worldly gains we will inevitability cause the destruction of the earth. It is up to us to heed this warning and make a change in the way we behave in our daily lives and be mindful of the impacts we have.

After 50 years of discussions, debates, laws, and publicity, public realization and awareness has reached an all time high. Public opinion of the reality of climate change has shifted. The fourth iteration of the National Survey of American Public Opinion on Climate Change reports that public belief that climate change is indeed underway increased by 7 per cent up to 62 per cent.

It seems that we really do need these warnings from Allah to turn back from our wasteful and glutinous ways. The true shame is on the Muslims who have had this verse sent down from Allah above. Unfortunately, like many a warning from our Creator, has been recited and glanced over without it having an impact on our hearts or our actions. Let us not be like the donkey carrying books and instead be the change we so dearly need on this earth.

Omar Mahfoudhi has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Ottawa. He is known amongst friends and colleagues as Green Kufi because of the green prayer cap he often sports and because he’s a Muslim Environmentalist.

Originally published online on April 6 2012 in the Ottawa newspaper, Muslim Link (Muslimlink.ca).

Photo credit from wuji9981

Green Tips from the Sunnah

Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

By Shaikh Ahmad Kutty

Today, the earth is in a deplorable state: greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from our over use of fossil fuels is creating a crisis of epidemic proportions. Rising sea levels are making parts of the world at risk of disappearing into the sea, and the earth is becoming parched and dry making it more or less unsuitable for further cultivation. Isn’t it about time we asked ourselves how we are contributing to this and what we can do to reverse the process?

Fortunately, for us as Muslims, we have in the Prophet of mercy, a guide for us in even this. And so let us look to, and allow his daily examples to serve as a source of inspiration, and motivation for us in our attempt to live life green.

1. While brushing our teeth or making wudhu, think of the Prophet (peace be  upon him), who never used more than one liter of water for his wudhu and remember that no one can perform wudhu better than he.
2. As we take our morning shower, think of the three liters of water that the Prophet used for bathing and consider making your shower shorter (not more than five minutes).
3. Remember that the Prophet’s mosque had only lanterns, which were themselves used sparingly, and that many of our eminent scientists and scholars used the moon light to read and write. Following in their lead, turn off the lights when not absolutely necessary and learn to relax and function without light or in dim light!
4. Before debating purchasing a new outfit, remember that the Prophet’s wife, Aisha, wore a gown with close to sixty patches on it.
5. Pitch in to remove litter from the streets knowing that the Prophet (peace be upon him) has said that doing so is an act of charity.
6. Curb our never-ending  desire to consume and amass more by reflecting on the Prophetic words that, “He is not a believer who fills himself while his neighbor is starving!”
7. Recall that many of the Prophets were trained as shepherds and that a good shepherd is one who is out in the field. So, get to know the earth and its inhabitants and act as a guardian and goodly shepherd over it.

So, let us think of the blessings of Allah and appreciate them, and know that appreciating them means to use them wisely, in moderation and never abuse them or be wasteful. And let's take responsibility for protecting the environment by following in the non-carbon, green footsteps of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him)!

Shaikh Ahmad Kutty graduated in the traditional Islamic sciences and received the ijazah (certification) of al-Faqih fi al-Deen (jurisprudence) from Islamiya College Santapuram, a leading Islamic institution in south India. Kutty has served on the Fiqh Council of North America, the pre-eminent Islamic law body on the continent. He has served as Imam and resident scholar at various institutions in Montreal and Toronto, including Toronto's Jami Mosque and the Islamic Foundation of Toronto.

Photo credit from Jenny Mackness

Let’s become stewards of the earth

“It is he (Allah) that has appointed you (mankind) as stewards in the Earth…” (Qu’rán, 35:39)

As Earth Day 2011 quickly approaches, many of us take this opportunity to reflect and participate in annual community events aimed at reducing our environmental impact on our planet. Every year more than 6 million Canadians join over 1 billion people globally in 170 countries in staging events designed at raising awareness of the environment[i].

As Canadians we are intrinsically connected with the environment. The Canadian wilderness conjures up idealized images of pristine lakes, vast tracts of forests and endless coastlines. Although most of us live in urban areas, the multi-billion dollar outdoor and recreation industry indicates most of us seasonally enjoy the great outdoors[ii].

However our perception of nature is changing with 56% of Canadians rating the overall quality of the environment in their province as good or better. Many of us are concerned with the growing impact of climate change (85%) and our perception of the quality of the environment in general indicates it is getting worse (47%)[iii]. With growing concern over the future of our planet, the mandate of Earth Day has shifted from increasing awareness of environmental issues to outlining proactive steps individuals can take to reduce their ecological footprint[iv].

It is safe to assume that Muslim Canadian attitudes reflect similar national trends. While the community as a whole has only recently recognized the future potential of the environmental movement, the Islamic tradition is rich in progressive conservation ideals based on Islamic teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Muslim countries have quickly adopted the green movement with new projects appearing in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. There are many proactive steps Muslims can take in their everyday routines that adhere to the Islamic perspective of stewardship and conservation.

Water

Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (Qu’rán, 21:30).

Consider the water you drink. Was it you who brought it down the rain cloud or We? If We had pleased, We could make it bitter: why then do you not give thanks? (Qu’rán, 56: 68-70)

Water is the sustenance of life, however we often take it for granted not realizing its true value. As freshwater resources become scarce, the future management is becoming increasingly important.  Simple steps can culminate in saving large volumes of water over the long term.

-          Ensure the fixtures in your homes, offices, schools and mosques are water efficient and be mindful of you water use. Monitoring your water consumption not only identifies potential cost savings but adheres to the Prophet’s teaching surrounding its use.

-          Make conscious purchasing decisions that include the hidden costs of water. It may surprise you to find out the amount of water that goes into the consumer products we purchase and foods we eat. There are many online tools that help you calculate the true water costs of everyday items.

-          Become familiar with your municipality’s water conservation plan and become engaged in the long-term management of water in your community. Various levels of government routinely consult with the public on the future direction of water use and its value to society.

Waste

And He gives you of all that you ask for. But if you count the favours of Allah, never will you be able to number them. (Qu’rán, 14:34)

It is He Who has brought into being gardens the trellised and untrellised – and the palm trees, and crops, all varying in taste, and the olive and pomegranates, all resembling one another and yet so different. Eat of their fruits when they come to fruition and pay His due on the day of harvesting. And do not waste (God’s bounties): verily, He does not love the wasteful. (Qu’rán, 6:141)

Waste is something that has become endemic in our society. With the rapid evolution of technology and the spread of consumerism, we purchase, consume and discard material goods faster than any period in history. Waste has become incorporated into every aspect of our lives from excessive packing to disposable products but can be easily avoided by returning back to the basics of the 3R’s

-          Reduce: Before making a purchase, think about if you really need the item to begin with. Reducing what you consume can be the most liberating action you can take.  Many of our purchasing choices are driven by impulse derived from clever marketing campaigns. Preplanning can help with this by creating a list of items you need before you leave home and budgeting accordingly. At your mosque, consider holding litterless iftars this Ramadan and encourage your administration to adopt a green sourcing clause in its purchasing policies aimed at minimizing waste.

-          Reuse: This goes beyond reusing glass jars and old boxes. Think about alternate uses for an old item or someone else who would make better use of it. Books can be passed on to local libraries, toys can be donated to community centers and children clothes can be exchanged with friends and family. At home consider installing a greywater system that uses rainwater for non-potable uses such as flushing toilets or in the garden. Also, think about purchasing reusable products as opposed to disposable. Not only will it be more economical, but will also reduce your own ecological footprint.

-          Recycle: Most urban municipalities today have some form of recycling program in place. Several provinces have environmental fees for the safe disposal of electronics, tires, chemicals and other waste solvents that recover the valuable components of used products and safely dispose of the residual waste. While this only deals with the end product, the only way to truly eliminate waste is to avoid unnecessary purchases to begin with. Consider purchasing items that are designed for the environment; which are dismantable and can be easily recycled into other products. 

Nature

“There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.” (Bukhari, Vol3, B:39-513).

Corruption has appeared on the land and in the sea because of what the hands of humans have wrought. This in order that we give them a taste of the consequences of their misdeeds that perhaps they will turn to the path of right guidance (Qu’rán, 30:41).

As stewards of the natural world, we have a responsibility to ensure that the principles of Islam are enshrined in the management of the environment. This starts with taking a proactive role in local communities as well as being included in the national discourse surrounding the future direction of environmental policy. Several measures can be taken to bring the environment to the forefront of these discussions.

- Become involved with your local conservation authority or national/provincial park. Many run outreach events for both children and adults that include aspects of conservation, education and monitoring of both wildlife and plant species.

- Consider organizing your own clean-up, tree planting event or community garden at your local mosque. Events like this bring together communities around a common goal and enhance the natural surroundings for worship.

- Perform outreach with other faith organizations that have similar environmental goals.  Decision makers are more inclined to listen to a unified voice that represents all faith communities and possible barriers can be broken down through interfaith dialogue.

While Earth Day may be one day out of the year for many Canadians, the stewardship responsibility of the planet should be a daily consideration of all Muslims.  Simple steps in your daily routine can minimize your individual ecological impact and create a more livable environment consistent with Islamic teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.

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[i] Earth Day Canada (2011) Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. Last Accessed April 20 2011 at:  http://www.earthday.ca/pub/about/history.php

[ii] Statistics Canada (2009) Summary statistics for the amusement and recreation industry, Canada, 2009. Last Accessed April 20 2011 at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/63-248-x/2011001/t001-eng.htm

[iii] Martyn, Chris. (2007) Getting Real – How Do Canadians View the Environment and Energy? Ipsos Reid. Last Accessed April 20 2011 at: https://www.ipsos-na.com/knowledge-ideas/public-affairs/ipsos-ideas/Default.aspx?q=getting-real-how-do-canadians-view-the-environment-and-energy-

[iv] Statistics Canada (2009) Households and the Environment. Last Accessed April 20 2011 at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-526-x/11-526-x2007001-eng.pdf

Photo Credit from Hamed Saber: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamed/