At some level, we have a responsibility as both citizens and Muslims in caring for the environment and our communities' well-being. As we head toward a more industrial-based future, the question of sustainability immediately comes to mind. This is especially critical as the majority of urban expansion in the future is expected to occur in developing countries. We must look at how we can integrate and adopt sustainable changes within our cities and towns. It is a fact that urbanization slowly exerts pressure on freshwater supplies and living health, making this a valid and immediate concern in regard to our inevitable future. Here, we will discuss how sustainable development goal #11 can pertain to our everyday lives as we interact with our immediate community especially if you live in densely populated regions.
Making cities sustainable and inclusive aligns with the wordings of Allah: "Do good, even as God has done you good, and do not pursue corruption in the earth. God does not love corrupters." (Surah Al-Qasas 28:77)
The concept of Islam and natural resources as an invested trust within mankind becomes even more crucial when you consider the unavoidable rapid urbanization of our neighbourhoods and communities. Part of the sustainable development goal #11 is that the world's cities, though they make up just a measly 3 percent of Earth's occupied land, consume 60-80 percent of energy, and are additionally responsible for producing up to 75 percent of carbon emissions. As Muslims, whenever we discuss our duty toward the care of our environment, it always circles back to what we can achieve at an individual level. In regards to the care of sustainable communities, this is no different. Though the issue of resource and environmental mismanagement lies largely within the hands of corporations and governments, we still possess some power over being able to create some form of change through each of our actions.
Community involvement is an easy, direct way to participate in the sustainability and maintenance of your town/city's nature reserves and spaces. It also provides an opportunity to educate yourself on local environmental concerns.
"Do good, even as God has done you good, and do not pursue corruption in the earth. God does not love corrupters." (Surah Al-Qasas-77)
As a community, we can participate in public initiatives regarding environmental care. If you live in a rural area, more often than not there are many sustainable initiatives due to the expanse of nature surrounding the community.
Here, I will reiterate the importance of land reclamation as stated in this Hadith: "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 charitable gift (sadaqah) for him." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Outdoor spaces provide a multitude of benefits to humans. From our physical health to our mental wellbeing, we can derive a number of perks from environmental spaces.
Though we as individuals may not have the power to easily create parks and spaces, we can still maintain our connection to nature in different ways. Integrating plant life within our homes is a great way of maintaining the natural aspect of our planet. Not only does it provide a multitude of benefits in terms of aesthetics and therapeutics, but we can also utilize indoor plants for other purposes.
This brings us back to the importance of plant preservation and sustainability: "Whoever plants a tree and looks after it with care, until it matures and becomes productive, will be rewarded in the Hereafter" (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
If you live in a highly-populated area such as a city, there are ways in which you can educate yourself on local environmental concerns as well as learning the implementation of sustainable strategies, as urbanization starts to rapidly dominate all corners of the world. It is critically important to comprehend this subject not just as humans but as Muslims if we want to be able to continue living in cities dominated by skyscrapers and industrial buildings.
I will leave you with one last Islamic reminder as a gentle prompt on how important it is to maintain the environment and cleanliness of your community: "Beware of the three acts that cause you to be cursed: First, relieving yourself in shaded places (that people utilise), in a walkway or in a watering place…" (Hasan by Al-Albani)