Sheikh Abdullah Salamah, a member of the Al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center, has stated that preserving the environment is not only a civic behavior but also a religious, human, and moral obligation. He stressed that humans are trustees on earth and are responsible for its upkeep and conservation. Salamah cited the Quranic verse, "And when your Lord said to the angels, 'I am going to place a vicegerent on earth,'" [2:30] and another verse, "He created you from the earth and settled you therein," [11:61].
Salamah explained that the concept of trusteeship means that humans have a responsibility to protect and preserve the earth's resources, not to exploit them recklessly. He noted that faith and worship should be reflected in a person's daily behavior, and that those who perform acts of worship but harm the environment or others need to re-examine their actions. Salamah also cited the Prophet Muhammad's saying, "Do not urinate in stagnant water," highlighting the importance of protecting water sources from pollution.
The Sheikh emphasized that Islamic law has established clear principles for preserving resources, including protecting water from pollution. He cited the Prophet Muhammad's saying, "Removing harm from the road is a charitable act," stressing the importance of keeping roads clean and free from harm. Salamah also mentioned the story of a man who removed a thorny branch from the road, and the Prophet Muhammad praised him for his good deed.
Salamah discussed the importance of treating animals with kindness, citing the Prophet Muhammad's saying, "There is a reward for every living creature." He also mentioned the Prophet's affection for the environment, citing his statement about Mount Uhud, "Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it." Salamah highlighted the importance of planting trees and conserving natural resources, citing the Prophet Muhammad's saying, "Whoever plants a tree and benefits from it, will receive a reward."
The Sheikh stressed that environmental conservation starts with individual actions and that families have a crucial role to play in instilling values of cleanliness and responsibility in their children. He noted that small actions, such as littering, can have significant consequences when repeated by many people. Salamah emphasized that everyone has a responsibility to protect the environment and preserve public property.
Salamah cited the Quranic verse, "And spend from what We have made you heirs," [57:7] emphasizing the importance of using resources wisely and responsibly. He concluded that preserving the environment is a collective responsibility that requires individual and societal efforts.
The Sheikh's statements were made during an interview on the Egyptian Radio and Television Union's program, "Good Morning, Egypt." The program is broadcast daily on the First Egyptian Channel at 7:00 am. Salamah's emphasis on environmental conservation serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and preserving natural resources for future generations.
Key points
- Preserving the environment is a religious and moral duty.
- Humans have a responsibility to protect and preserve the earth's resources.
- Environmental conservation starts with individual actions and requires collective efforts.
