Environment given a new perspective

The need to keep the environment clean from the religious perspective was introduced to women in a lecture organised by the Sharjah Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Department at Al Hamriya Women's Club yesterday.

The lecture was organised as part of the Sharjah Municipality's clean-up campaign being organised at Al Hamriya beach which will conclude tomorrow.

Ibrahim Al Hosni, a scholar, called on mothers to urge their children to keep the environment clean as laid down by Islam.

He called on women not to harm any of God's creatures. Al Hosni illustrated his call citing verses from the Holy Quran and the sayings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

Al Hosni said: "Islam calls for the protection of nature – plants and trees must not be cut. Islam also calls on people to plant trees even if they do not bear fruit. This will help in creating a balance in nature and prevent pollution."

He reminded mothers about the Almighty's punishment and the Holy Quran's strictures in case they or their children do not abide by them.

Mothers must instill in their children correct practices as based on Islamic principles.

"Mothers, in particular, are more close to their children than fathers," he pointed out. "They should observe their children's practices whether at the house, at the beach or on the street.

"Protecting the environment is a religious duty," the scholar emphasised.

Rational consumption of environment resources is a way of worship and thankfulness to God for giving man plenty, he noted.

"Whatever in nature is God's gift and grace to mankind," he said. "We should be rational in consuming as we should allow others to share use those graces."

He explained this can be achieved only if everyone protects and maintains the environment and its resources for the coming generations.

"Only then will our consumption will be a kind of worship," he added.