Towards a 'green' Ramadan

Green is the colour of Islam and should be the colour of Ramadan. In fact, there are calls for environmental stewardship in all religions. However, Islam emphasises the necessity and importance of environmental protection so that man can live in harmony with nature, achieve sustainable development, enrich life on earth and make the best use of resources.

The guidance offered through the Quran and the sayings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) give us a sense of direction not only in our spiritual and moral existence but also in the materialistic world.

Since Islam is integrated and comprehensive, it ties norms of obedience to Allah to various other human life activities and dealings. So, understanding the relation of man with the environment and the impact of his deeds on natural resources is an integral part of being a true Muslim.

In Islam, man's relation to the earth is seen as that of a custodian. "Now, behold! Your Lord said to the angels: I am placing upon the earth a human successor to steward it" (Al Baqarah 2:30). It is required that man should work towards the conservation of earth and ensure sustainability of natural resources for future generations. He must not be extravagant in consumption (whether of food, cloth or natural resources). As cited in the Quran: "Eat and drink of that which Allah has provided and do not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth." (Al Baqarah: 60)

In fact, many of the new environmental terminology or concepts such as sustainable development, quality of life and carrying capacity already exist in traditional Arabic and Islamic culture in some form or another. Our forefathers were so environmentally responsible that they lived in harmony with nature.

Environmental protection, besides being a social responsibility, is a religious duty. During Ramadan especially it should be a priority. Ramadan fasting does not mean only abstaining from foods, liquids, and sex and avoiding harmful emotions such as anger or greed; it is also an excellent opportunity for all Muslims to show responsibility towards conserving the environment.

Thus it is an essential part of fasting to practice some of the following principles:

n Avoid wasteful behaviour when ending your fast. These meals should be simple and healthy especially because there are a lot of needy people around the world who are starving.

n Fasting cannot be 100 per cent correct if you waste water or electricity. The teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) tell us not to waste water during wudu (the cleaning exercise before prayers) even if we are sitting on a running river. Of course, you can conserve water and electricity in order to save on your utility bills but if you keep in mind that this is something required by religion and you will be rewarded for doing it, you will do it even if there is no economic benefit.

n Try to reduce your carbon footprint and use a car pool if possible. "We will register in the book what they have done and what footprints they have left, and everything we have accounted for in great details in a detailed book" (Yasin: 12).

n Try to recycle or at least separate different types of garbage at home. After all, nature was built based on recycling.

n Change your shopping habits to buy products which are environment friendly or processed in an eco-friendly way.

n Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to educate your family and colleagues about environmental-friendly behaviour and instill in the kids' minds the importance of environmental preservation.

Religious authorities should seize the opportunity of Ramadan gatherings during taraweeh prayers (following isha prayers) and Friday prayers to educate Muslims about adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle.

By following an environmentally-conscious style, we will be able to ensure that the ecological balance created by Allah - "And the heaven: He has raised it high, and He has set up the balance" (Al Rahman: 7) - is not disturbed and thus we guarantee our mankind sustainability.

"He has created everything, and has measured it exactly according to its due measurements" (Al Furkan: 2). It is worth mentioning here that man calls this 'ecological balance' referring to the state or condition in which he found the earth.

Last but not the least, Ramadan is the month when one changes one's lifestyle. It will be beneficial for yourself, your family and the whole world if you change your lifestyle into a more environment-friendly one because the challenges are numerous.

Climate change, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, poverty, wars, food shortage and diseases are realities of modern life. Modern technology, which the West is so proud of, has created most if not all these challenges. Let us seize the opportunity of Ramadan to adopt exemplary behaviour to tackling these global problems and let us hope that this responsible environmental lifestyle will continue all year round.

Dr Mohammad Abdel Raouf is in charge of environment research at the Gulf Research Centre.