7038c370

Towards a greener life: sustainability in the Quran

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 15:02:06 GMT

The Quran is primarily a spiritual book, but it is also a 'green guide'. The message is also about our responsibility as human beings for everything that has been created. A responsibility to seek peace and keep the peace. We need standards, values and balance for this, both in our own inner world and in the outer world. After all, as human beings we are part of the world around us.

A series about sustainability

There is still a world to win. That is why I plan to take new steps towards a greener life in the near future. I also want to discover how sustainable Islam is. And how green the Muslims in the Netherlands are by shining the light on sustainable initiatives. This article on sustainability in the Quran is part II in the series on sustainability.

A greener life is not just about taking good care of our houseplants or pets, although that is important too. The Quran describes flora and fauna as a heaven on earth; as a reflection of the lush forests of Paradise that awaits man – in sha Allah.

The question is to what extent we feel responsible. Are we willing to take steps to make our lives more sustainable after reading the ayahs (verses) in the Quran?

Preventing corruption or destruction
Living a balanced, moderate life is easier said than done. In large parts of the world there is cheating. It's about pernicious things that seem almost impossible to get out of. Just think about what you eat in a day. To what extent is that food still natural? And to what extent are employees being exploited so that you can enjoy cheap food and drink and so that you can wear your beautiful clothes? The Quran says about corruption:

And strive with what Allah has given you for the last dwelling and do not forget your share in the present world. Do good as Allah has done you good and do not seek destruction in the earth. Allah does not love the mischief-makers.” (Qur'an 28:77)

When you think of corruption, you may initially think of fraud in healthcare and construction, tax evasion, money laundering and internet fraud. But also immorality and social injustice fall under corruption. You can also add tree felling, illegal landfill, pesticides and food fraud to the list. And how about food waste and all the waste that you throw away carelessly, and the 'plastic soup' that arises as a result? I already talked about this in the previous article about sustainability. It does not seem to affect us directly, but in the long term many people, animals and plants will become ill or die as a result of these forms of destruction. The Quran refers precisely to these great wrongs.

Harmony in nature

If we fail as humans to monitor and maintain harmony in nature and in our society, we will only further pollute our own living environment and our own hearts. Allah says in the Qur'an that we as a people will bring disaster upon ourselves if we do not take our responsibility:

Destruction is manifest upon the land and the sea by what men have done, so that He makes them taste a portion of what they have done. Hopefully they will repent. (Qur'an, 30:41)

You are "Khalifa"

In Arabic, the word for earthling is Khalifa (خلِيفةً). This is a beautiful word with different meanings including delegate, trustee, representative, administrator. We humans are the most intelligent beings on Earth and we are responsible for the well-being of our planet.

“And it is He Who has appointed you as stewards of the earth. He has raised some of you in ranks above others, to test you with what He has given you. Verily, your Lord is swift in punishment, and verily, He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 6:165)

This responsibility can also be found in the books of the Jews and Christians. In the Torah you will find instructions on how to behave like a noble janitor and in the Bible you will read about the first people who learned to sow and reap from the fields and to be in awe of the beauty of the earth.

We should take this responsibility as Muslims very seriously; this has been given to us in confidence. Anyone responsible for destruction and pollution is abusing his power and has broken this trust. Such a person fails as a human being and must regain trust.

Verily, We have offered the Amaanah (responsibility) to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they refused to bear it and feared it. But man took it upon himself. Verily, he is unjust and ignorant.” (Qur'an, 33:72)

Using water economically

As a Muslim community, it is also our duty to ensure that clean drinking water is available all over the world. It is a human right according to the United Nations, but that right is being violated in various parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polluted water causes about 1.5 million deaths worldwide every year. In many countries of Africa, more than half of the rural population has no access to clean drinking water. In addition, there are areas in the world where the tap is sometimes simply turned off for political reasons, such as in Palestine.

However, a lack of water leads to all kinds of health problems and death. There are still too many countries in the world that do not have access to (clean) drinking water. How is it possible that we worry about trivial matters when so many children and adults die from dehydration?

As Muslims, we believe that water belongs to Allah and that no one has the right to monopolize water. When governments sell the water supply to companies – as is also the case in the Netherlands – then you know that something is seriously wrong. There is enough water in the world for everyone and that water should be accessible to everyone.

What can you do?

It may seem like you are powerless, but you can – alone or with others – donate money to build a well in your homeland or in other poor countries in the world. You can also look for the responsibility closer to home and, for example, make the mosque aware that they no longer allow the provision of water bottles at Tarawih (the extra prayer in the mosque in the evenings of Ramadan). Even if it is well-intentioned; it is definitely not sustainable. You can also teach your children at home that when they perform wudhu (ablution), they put the water for it in a small bowl of water, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) showed us. You can also ask your family members to shower less; there is really no need to stand in the shower for half an hour. Water is a great resource and a great favor from Allah. It is the source of all life.

“And He it is who created a man out of water, and made him kinsman and by marriage; your Lord is Almighty.” (Qur'an, 25:54)

Not only do all living things come from water; we are also supplied (with and from) by means of water sources, rivers and oceans inhabited by all kinds of creatures. In the Qur'an, Allah uses the analogy of life and death so that we recognize the value of water. Water gives life; water comes from heaven and from the soil from which we drink, with which we cook and wash and with which the earth comes to life.

“And Allah sends down water from heaven and gives life to the earth after its death. Verily, that is certainly a Sign for a people who listen.” (Qur'an, 16:65)

Create your own paradise garden

The Quran contains a wealth of information about horticulture and agriculture with facts 90% of which have now been confirmed by science. As in previous revelations, the Qur'an also mentions the healing power of plants and herbs, but in detail. Allah speaks not only about the creative design of the plant, but also about its nutritional value to encourage us to eat healthy.

“It is He Who sends down water from heaven, and We cause with it to grow all kinds of crops, from which We cause vegetables to grow (and) from which We cause to grow full ears. And from the date palms, from the butt of them, grow low-hanging bunches of dates. And gardens of grape bushes and olive trees and pomegranate trees, similar and not similar. Look at their fruits when they begin to bear and (watch) their ripening. Verily, in it are Signs for a people who believe.” (Qur'an, 6:99)

Among the crops mentioned in the Quran are garlic, grapes, pomegranate, various spices, dates, ginger, olives, lentils, onions, cucumber, figs, mustard and a variety of trees.

What can we learn from this?

Besides increasing your daily portion of fruits and vegetables, you could also go a step further. For example, why not grow your own organic fruit and vegetables? Start with a square meter of vegetable garden or grow your own herbs on your balcony, such as coriander, parsley and celery. You can also store the seeds from your organic fruit and vegetable waste and send them to Africa, where they will come in handy.

Plant a fruit tree in your own garden with your children, or participate in the annual tree planting day. Buy your own compost bin for your vegetable and garden waste. This way you make your own potting soil and the soil in your garden also becomes fertile. Don't forget to take care of your plants. They need daily water, especially in summer.

Why the emphasis on organic? The organic seeds are not treated with cleaning, anti-fungal or anti-germ agents. They are not harmful to bees and other animals.

Take time for tadabbor – moments of reflection

Walking or cycling in nature always gives you quiet moments of tadabbor (reflection). Be thankful for it and enjoy what we as humans have been given to beautiful views full of plants, trees, flowers, mountains and waters. These moments of gratitude and reflection can be seen as a form of worship, because you connect with the Creator. It is also healthy for you to enjoy nature, as researchers in Japan discovered when they investigated what walking in nature – called forest bathing – does to people.

“Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and on their side, and meditate on the creation of the heavens and the earth (saying): 'Our Lord, You have not created this (all) without purpose. Exalted are You. Then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Qur'an, 3:191)

Treat animals with dignity

Allah uses the word ummah (community) to make the comparison between man and animal. We have our social communities; animals have them too. There is immense beauty and majesty when you see a school of fish swimming or a flock of birds flying overhead. It incites you to wonder and brings you closer to your Creator.

“And there is not a living creature on the earth and not a bird that flies with its wings, but it belongs to communities like yours. And We have neglected nothing in the Book, and they will all be gathered to their Lord. (Qur'an, 6:38)

It is regrettable that animal rights are being violated in many parts of the world. Due to human activity, several animal species have become extinct or are threatened with extinction. As Muslims we are obliged to treat animals well. We will be punished if we have mistreated animals, as evidenced by the hadith of the woman who severely neglected her cat. And we are rewarded when we treat animals well, as many other traditions show.

There are many ayat (verses) in the Qur'an that are devoted to animals and some suras (chapters) are named after an animal species. Such as Sura 16: 'The Bee', one of the animals threatened with extinction due to humanity's use of agricultural poisons. We don't seem to realize that we're also endangering our own lives. But we don't have to sit still. We can help bees and other animals to survive.

Eat healthy and good food

Try the sahaba diet: the sahabas (companions) of the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, lived in poverty, but they were vital. Many of them were well-muscled and had toned bodies; they were powerful and well capable of doing physical work. They did not know laziness.

At the start of a meal, they started with "Bismillah", in the name of Allah. They ate with their right hand; took time to eat and chew; they sat down when they ate, and they ate small portions. They did not drink during or right after the meal, but they waited for a while to lower the food. They did not waste food and share it with others and covered all food that was uneaten.

They used to fast for 29 or 30 days in the month of Ramadan and they did not fast in the evening or during the rest of the year. We are not supposed to eat unhealthy food all year round to restore it by fasting. A varied and balanced diet is important to stay healthy and vital all year round.

Eat and drink in moderation

All religions and beliefs advocate moderate eating and drinking, for overeating destroys the human mind. Feed your soul and therefore eat and drink in moderation. Put a healthy meal on the table that you have cooked yourself. There is more love and attention in a meal that you have prepared yourself than in a ready-made meal that you get at the supermarket.

“Eat and drink of the mercies that God gives you, and do no evil in the earth by sowing corruption (Qur'an 2:60)

And isn't it about time that we put the emphasis on 'halal and tayyib' instead of just on halal. It is allowed to eat meat from an animal that has suffered, but it is certainly not good and healthy and therefore not tayyib! Instead of adopting a wait-and-see attitude, we should urge our butcher to want organic halal meat. You may think that this is only accessible to wealthy consumers, but the more Muslims demand for organic halal, the cheaper that meat will become.

If you're not yet convinced about the cost aspect, you may be open to eating less meat. Start with one day a week vegetarian and build that up to two or three times. Try it!

See the bigger connection

The Quran is a book for people who read, think and reflect. When so many verses are devoted to nature and the ecosystem, it's up to us to discover the larger connection behind it. Allah also calls us to this:

“Do you not see that Allah sends down water from heaven and then sends it down to wells in the earth? Then He brings forth crops of all kinds with it. Then they wither and you see them turn yellow and then He makes them to dust. In it is an admonition for the wise.” (Qur'an, 39:21)

He describes the Earth's crust and mountains as "pins" (16:15). He writes about sailing at sea (55:19-20). And about weather patterns (including 7:57 and 30:48).

Actually, all these ayas point us to our responsibility. Taking good care of the environment is in fact our religious duty and a sacred duty. We should also be an example in this and we as Muslims should actually take the lead in this. It is in all our interests because we are all connected to each other and to nature. After all, everything is created in harmony.

Take small steps; you can do it!

Make your own choices and walk your own path, but keep taking steps towards a greener life. You can do it!

As human beings, we are able to jointly repair what has been broken or to expose the injustice, in whatever form. Whether it concerns social injustice or environmental disasters; you are not completely powerless. It may feel like a drop in the ocean, but it will not be considered useless by Allah. You can mean something as a person. By standing up for those in need out of love for Allah (along with others); roll up your sleeves and develop green fingers; to consume; and show respect and love for nature.

THE ONE PLANET SUMMIT FOR THE OCEAN

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 15:02:07 GMT

A SUMMIT TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE THREATS TO THE OCEAN.

One Ocean Summit
The ocean covers more than 70% of the surface of our planet, yet too often remains on the sidelines of major European and international events.

The ocean is a regulator of major environmental balances, and climate in particular, a provider of resources, an important enabler of trade, and an essential link between countries and human communities. However, it is now seriously threatened by numerous pressures, such as the effects of climate change, pollution or the overexploitation of marine resources.

Goal Action
In an effort to mobilise the international community and take tangible action to mitigate such pressures on the ocean, the President of the French Republic has decided to organise a One Planet Summit dedicated to the ocean, scheduled to take place in Brest on 9-11 February 2022. The “One Ocean Summit” will be held in the context of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the support of the United Nations.

The goal of the One Ocean Summit is to raise the collective level of ambition of the international community on marine issues and to translate our shared responsibility to the ocean into tangible commitments.

On 9 and 10 February, more than thirty events (workshops, forums, roundtables and other initiatives) will be held ahead of the high-level segment, to engage the “international maritime community”,addressing a myriad topics of global scope to look at all dimensions of the ocean and propose solutions, beyond the existing status assessments.

On 11 February in the morning, President Emmanuel Macron will bring together a small but determined group of Heads of State and Government, leaders of multilateral institutions, business leaders and civil society policymakers to take ambitious commitments. Several important initiatives will be launched on this occasion in favour of marine ecosystem protection and sustainable fisheries, intended to fight pollution, in particular from plastics, respond to the impacts of climate change, as well as advocate for improved governance of the oceans

Share and Act
All events scheduled during the three days of the One Ocean Summit will take place at Ateliers des Capucins. Several other events open to the public will be held in a number of sites in the city of Brest.

You are invited to share initiatives and solutions with the other stakeholders involved in this first edition of the One Ocean Summit, and discover tangible actions addressing the major challenges threatening the ocean’s future.

Due to strict health protection measures, physical access to attend the One Ocean Summit in person will be limited to the main professionals and officials from the international community, namely over 500 personalities representing more than 65 countries, while other speakers will join via video conference. The entire Summit will be broadcast online and accessible live on Internet. A dedicated digital portal will be set up to watch the various events online, including the high-level segment, and interact with the speakers on 9 and 10 February.

N.B: All proceedings during the three-day event will take place bilingually in French and English.

ON A WOODEN BIKE TO MECCA

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 15:02:06 GMT

The originally scheduled interview was moved due to a flat tire. Well, things like that can happen when you take such a long bike ride. On October 30, Rudy and Mohammed left Maassluis, Mohammed's hometown, and hope to arrive in Mecca around December 10. On average, people cycle about six hours and a hundred kilometers in a day. I called them when they were on the border between Austria and Germany.

The Umrah: A Little Pilgrimage

Rudy and Mohammed met in 2011 at an Initiatives of Change conference in Switzerland. The boys are both Muslim with a Moroccan (Mohammed) and half-Indonesian (Rudy) background. They wanted to make a small pilgrimage: the umrah. “With this journey we want to develop ourselves, spiritually, but also inspire others”, says Rudy. Mohammed adds: “Travel is frequently encouraged in the Quran in a variety of ways. Thus it is said to go out to observe the creation of the Creator and to learn lessons from it.”

Durability
One of the most important goals is to address sustainability. The boys want to show others that you can also cover distances by bicycle instead of by plane or car. Sometimes this commitment to sustainability goes so far as to cause delays along the way. For example, Mohammed tells that they were cycling in the forest and he threw a banana peel back into nature. Rudy saw that there was still a sticker on it and went back and took the sticker off. “I can appreciate something like that, but such actions slow down a lot,” Mohammed laughs.

“Cycling is a sustainable way of travelling. Cycling to a spiritual destination makes us think even more about questions that are important to us,” says Rudy. The journey is partly inspired by the book 'Green Deen'. “Our shared message from that book is: 'The earth is a mosque and everything in it is sacred.' This is especially towards the Muslim youth: know your religion and know what is being said to protect the earth.”

Wooden bicycles
“Flying is too fast for us, walking is too slow for us, cycling is the right speed,” says Mohammed. Slow travel is also important. Rudy: “Normally you go by plane. This has advantages, but also many disadvantages in our view. You can get there quickly, but you can talk to people on the bike.” Rudy had been to Mecca before, but then by plane. “I thought it was really nice to be a part of, but somehow I thought it was less special because everything went so fast and I hadn't put any mental and physical effort into it.”

People are more likely to associate a wooden bicycle with sustainability than a metal bicycle

“A wooden bicycle attracts the attention of many people. People are more likely to associate a wooden bicycle with sustainability than a metal bicycle,” says Mohammed. Along the way, the boys stop to eat, but also to see the sights. Ironically, they then notice that they themselves are an attraction. “You notice that many people are interested because you ride wooden bicycles. Then you talk to them and you learn from each other,” says Rudy.

The wooden bicycles are sponsored by Cocomat. An employee of the company met Rudy at a sustainability fair and offered him the bikes when he heard of his plans. “They ride almost like a normal bicycle. The handles are a bit different, but you get used to it quickly,” says Rudy. The boys have cycled long stretches before, but according to them, everyone should be able to do it in principle. Mohammed: “But you have to take the necessary measures with a wooden bicycle. Take, for example, a bicycle with around twenty gears, because ours only have two. For short distances I would also choose a gel saddle.”

Sleeping at people's homes
Along the way they eat and sleep at people's homes that they find through Warmshowers and couchsurfing. They stay one night, but a lot happens in a short time. “We do it this way for the connection. We meet people who are also into sustainability, so we are inspired.” In Germany, for example, where they ended up with a family that made food boxes for refugees with discarded products from supermarkets. “It was so special to witness such dedication from a family. It was very inspiring to see how busy they are themselves and then also want to receive people”, says Rudy.

On the way they sleep at people's homes
Along the way, the boys stay overnight at people's homes. Here in Austria.

Also, without asking, they get things they need. During a cold trip, they were given home-made wool socks and hats upon arrival at a host family. They came especially for Rudy as a blessing. The boys see all those family visits as one of the highlights of the trip.

Several roads lead to Mecca
Since both boys are Muslim, it is not surprising that Mecca is the final destination. The mosque is central to what Islam symbolizes: the unity of God. “In addition,” says Mohammed, “good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds may be punished. Each prayer in any mosque is worth twenty-seven rewards and one hundred thousand in Makkah. So it is more profitable to do your prayer there.”

The full route has not yet been determined. Rudy: “We actually want to take the boat from Athens to Cairo, but that route is probably closed because of the refugees. So we can go via Athens to Cairo, and then hopefully via Hurghada with the pilgrim boat to Jeddah. What is also possible is to go straight from Istanbul to Jeddah to go to Mecca via Jeddah.”

And what happens to the bicycles when Mecca is reached? “We don't know,” says Mohammed. “We have already been in contact with the airline, but the bicycles are not allowed back. We would prefer to keep them ourselves, but otherwise we will donate them.” Against the sustainability principle, the boys return by plane. Mohammed: “We have booked a plane ticket as a precaution, because nothing is certain on this trip, but also because we will soon have obligations at home.” “We want to avoid flying as much as possible,” Rudy adds, “but unfortunately we live in crazy times. If it hadn't been for the war, we could just go through Syria. If we have to fly, we will plant trees to compensate.”

Green Muslims