Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Environmental Protection in Islamic Shari’a

Author: Al Balagh Foundation

Table of Contents

A Word From The Foundation 3

Definition Of Environmen 5

Man and The Natural Environment6

ORGANIZATION AND NATURAL EQUILIBRIUM IN THE ENVIRONMENT8

What Surprises the Equilibrium System:11

The Environment and Destructive Practices12

How To Protect The Human Environment16

The Planet Environment21

Protecting The Animal Environment23

The Government and Environment Protection 27

Endnotes28

A Word From The Foundation

"We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of the Crea- tion." Holy Qur'an (Isra` 17:70)

Surely, the Almighty Allah has deposited His blessings and wealth in this world, exceeding human needs, in order for man to live in problem-free comfort and has, also, created him in the most appropriate form and given him a mind and body which helps him utilize these bestowed blessings; like, day and night, the earth and heaven, rivers and trees, the sun and the moon...etc.

But, with all these blessings and great treasures surrounding us, existing on the surface of the earth and beneath it, one-fifth of the world population, i.e., one billion and two hundred million people, are living on the verge of poverty.

In light of all the technological advancement in the present era with diversification of industrial products and services, obsessive fear is still in the mind of man from the West to the East, where the present man may be more anxious than yesterday's man, because of what is threatening him from the dangers of polluting the environment, nuclear radioactivity, lack of natural resources, as well as, wars.

In this, our present world, a person who has abundant food to eat, cannot be regarded as someone who lives comfortably, because it is possible that an epidemic, diseases or other destructive elements, like hidden micro radiators, will attack him under conditions he is familiar with and those of which he is not, and which can enter his home through contaminated and polluted bottles of milk or through the poisonous air of which he breathes.

Therefore, it is not surprising for the chairman of the `Conference for Social Development', which was conducted in March, 1995, in Copenhagan, Denmark, to announce to world leaders that the aim of the conference "is to reduce the unrest and insecurity which threatens people all over the world and put more effort on securing a suitable life for society".

And, prior to this, another conference was held, which emphasized the lack of possibility of dividing the factor of development and environment under whatever circumstances.

Then, there are the dangers of environmental pollution, the penetration of harmful and destructive solar rays to the ozone layers, the danger of deformity in children and the spreading of cancer by nuclear pollution, and, likewise, the dryness of rivers and the deforestation and cessation of thousands of plants and animals is not confined to a particular region, north or south, in developed countries or underdeveloped ones.

Thus, there is a serious need for a collective effort toward achieving the international resolutions for protecting the environment and the plant and animal species, so as to protect and guarantee the existence of man, which is also the resolution of the United Nations, UNESCO, and the 12th Earth Conference.

But, unfortunately, some countries, especially the industrially developed countries, are not respecting these resolutions by continuing their nuclear tests and producing other destructive products for their own selfish, material interests, without the least consideration for human beings and the future of the world.

This is what UNESCO confirms in its analysis on world environmental problems, thus: "Surely, the problem of production and consumption of the industrial countries carries a preference on all those problems, where the effort and striving toward a great and quick profit means overlooking the trouble and hardship of environmental disorder...and this kind of act and behaviour will create and give way to a great and tremendous damage, which will cause stress on the exhaustion of natural factors in the developing countries,..."

The evidence of this inhumane act and the selfishness of those developed countries can be seen in the insistence of France testing her nuclear power in the Carribean Sea, the continuance of nuclear testing by the American government after all the agreements against this had been signed, or the danger of the spreading of nuclear weapons.

There are the events of leaking nuclear plants, occuring in America in 1985, which only confirms the occurence of 2,300 events, the exportation of nuclear wastes, as well as, dumping them in some third world countries and the ugly exploitation of natural wealth in some African countries without paying heed to the environmental dangers.

And, still, the British exportation of beef to other countries, affected with mental disorders, and other unaccounted examples witnessed by us, are causing great damage and discomfort to human existence on this planet.

Al-Balagh Foundation

Definition Of Environmen

"Environment is the complex of physical, chemical and biotic factors (as climate, soil, and living things) that act upon an organism or an ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival; the aggregate of social and cultural conditions that influence the life of an individual or community."

The environment is the natural conditions and circumstances in which people, animals and plants live, and in turn, they are referred to as the natural environment, social environment and political environment. Therefore, environment means those conditions and circumstances which surround a particular thing.

The natural environment is a natural surrounding, and it refers to the natural conditions, atmosphere and circumstances which are related to man, and this includes plants, forests, water, air, sea, animals and other living things, the nature of the earth and what it contains, like mountains, rivers, swamps, deserts, and, also includes hot and cold weather, rain and clouds, rays of the sun,...etc.

All creatures and entities are interrelated and have reciprocal effects, some having an effect on the conditions of others, and it has its positive, as well as, negative effects on the life of man, especially in our present day after industrial advancement and the increase of man's interference in the natural condition and changing its direction.

Other scientific sources have defined environment as "the condition in which man lives and obtains the components of his life, like food, shelter and medicine and conducts his relations with his fellow human beings in it."1 So, this is the definition of environment considering man a pivot point in it.

Man and The Natural Environment

Man is part of the natural world in his formation, growth and the continuity of his existence on this earth; interacting with the natural components and their environmental conditions, continuously. The Holy Qur'an, in many instances, has referred to man's relationship with nature and the environment. Here, we quote some of the verses locations:

"And Allah has made you grow out of the earth as a growth." Holy Qur'an (Nuh 71:17 "...and We have made of water every thing living,..." Holy Qur'an (Anbiya 21:30) "And to Samood (We sent) their brother Salih. He said: O my people! serve Allah, you have no god other than He; Hee brought you into being from the earth, and made you dwell in it, therefore ask forgiveness of Him, then turn to Him; surely my Lord is Nigh, Answering." Holy Qur'an (Hud 11:61)

"He created the heavens without pillars as you see them, and put mountains upon the earth lest it might convulse with you, and He spread in it animals of every kind; and We sent down water from the cloud, then caused to grow therein (vegetation)) of every noble kind." Holy Qur'an (Lukman 31:10)

"Do you not see that Allah has made what is in the heavens and what is in the earth subservient to you, and made complete to you His favours outwardly and inwardly? And among men is he who disputes in respect of Allah though having no knowledge, nor guidance, nor a book giving light." Holy Qur'an (Lukman 31:20)

"...and sent down upon you water from the cloud that He might thereby purify you, and take away from you the uncleanness of Satan,..." Holy Qur'an (Anfal 8:11)

"...and We send down pure water from the cloud." Holy Qur'an (Furqan 25:48)

"...and He has made the ships subservient to you, that they might run their course in the sea by His command,..." Holy Qur'an (Ibrahim 14:32)

"And He it is Who has made the sea subservient that you may eat fresh flesh from it..." Holy Qur'an (Nahl 16:14)

"From it We created you and into it We shall send you back and from it will We raise you a second time." Holy Qur'an (Taha 20:55)

"And when he turns back, he runs along in the land that he may cause mischief in it and destroy the tilth and the stock,..." Holy Qur'an (Baqara 2:205)

The above Qur'anic texts talk about man as a part of the natural environment he interacts with; gaining from it and, likewise, giving to it. He is, also, responsible for its growth, as well as, preventing vices and corruption in it.

Man, this living creature, represents a part of the natural system which activates its components toward understanding and the coordination between each other. Thus, the natural world can be defined as the balance and the accurate, scientific, calculated equilibrium from the most learned and knowledgeable being.

The amount of hard water, the salinity of a sea, the sweetness of a river, the ratio of oxygen, the grade of light rays, the degree of heat and the quantity of rain, fish, animals, plants,...etc., all this, is well calculated without the least error. The earth and its gravitational force, rate of movement, and power of absorption, has an effect on the life of man, animals and plants, and its continuous existence in this universe shows that the knowledgeable Creator has arranged it accurately.

Consequently, the above quoted verses have discussed the reality in the life of man, naturally and environmen- tally, viz: Man was created from the earth and he grows by way of it, as the plants also grow from it, that water is a fundmental of life, and that the Almighty Allah has colonized man in this world, i.e., He entrusted him with the building of it by using its natural resources and its good, environmental conditions, so as to understand the power of the Almighty Allah and His blessings to him. And that the natural environment of this world, like mountains, is meant for protecting the equilibrium of the earth and its living creatures, by production and consumption, which live under the system of life's equilibrium.

Thus, the rains which fall, the plants which grow, all this, is a proof of Allah's greatness, His power, knowledge and wisdom, and any action of the Wise Knower must be accurately calculated without the least contradiction, and even if it is abused it will act in accordance with the natural system and protect the environmental equilibrium, which, in one way or the other, is evidence of the greatness of the Creator and His wisdom.

Everything in this world and its natural surroundings, such as, water, animals, forests and plants, the aquatic living creatures, solar rays, heat, rain, the salinity of the sea and the sweetness of the rivers, was created for man, in order to make his life better.

In view of this fact, the Holy Qur'an enjoins man to reflect on the blessings of Allah to him and call him toward monotheism, thanksgiving and worshipping Him alone. This is how the Holy Qur'an places man in the natural environment as part and parcel of it.

However, after explaining this relationship between life, intellect and nature, the Holy Qur'an discusses the activities, responsibilities and social systems which protect the well being of the environment, as well as, protecting the divine will of the world of existence under the power of Shari`a.

ORGANIZATION AND NATURAL EQUILIBRIUM IN THE ENVIRONMENT

The environmental world is an accurate and balanced world which is built on experience, knowledge and wisdom. So, nature, environment and life is a complete and interrelated unit, as if one body, thus, water and earth, air and weather...etc., are all created with an aim and purpose.

There is nothing created on this earth without aim, or incomplete, or with contradictory aims; glory be to Allah Who created all things, shaped them and made them accurately balanced.

Theologians have discussed two fundamental issues in Islamic principles which deal with Allah's actions and wisdom, viz.: 1. Allah has predestined the creation of every thing, which is beneficial to the creatures, and life cannot do without them. 2. Allah's actions are puposive (He cannot do something without an aim) and that all His actions are built on wisdom.

In view of this, the Ahlul-Bait's (a.s.) school of thought entered a hot debate with other Islamic schools of thought concerning this controversial issue in the natural, intellectual and social world, which human knowledge and researchers confirm. For further clarification of the Islamic analysis on this issue, we should review ideological books that deal with these two ideological issues:

"Allah's actions are founded on goal and purpose, because He is Wise, and the actions of a wise one must not go against wisdom. Whoever acts uselessly without a purpose is a foolish and stupid fellow; Allah is far above this." "We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, merely in (idle) sport:" Holy Qur'an (Dukhan 44:38)

"...`Our Lord! Not for naught hast You created (all) this! Glory to Thee! ...'" Holy Qur'an (Al-i-Imran 3:191)

All this purpose and benefit return not to the Almighty Allah, because He stands not in need of anything from His creatures, rather it returns to themselves through the acquisition of Paradise and (Allah's) contentment, as well as, saves them from punishment and loss without the least decrement on the side of Allah, the Almighty, because He is perfect and complete in His essence and from all angles.

But, the Asha`irite claim that: "It is impossible for Allah to do something for a purpose, and not for any interest. It is possible and permissible for Him to hurt His servants without any benefit and interest."2

The Asha`irites had repudiated the principles of finality and misinterpreted the fact that anyone who performs an act for purpose needs that very action, but we have already seen that the purpose and the aim are for the interest of the creatures, and He, the Most High, is too exalted from need.

The Islamic philosopher, Nasirudden Tusi, wrote emphasizing the neccessity of interest (maslaha): "The interest may be necessary due to the existence of reason and the absence (non-existence) of what restrains its achievement.

" and Allamah Hilli comments on this by saying: "People differ, Abu Ali and Abu Hashim and their companions say, `Interest is not necessary upon the Almighty Allah ', but Balkhi contradicts them saying, `It is necessary and this is the path of the people of Baghdad and some people of Basra', while Abul-Hassan Basri concludes: `It is necessary under certain circumstances, but not all circumstances.' This is, also, the opinion of the writer."3

Thus, we can deduce that ideological thought, in Islam, has already confirmed the ideological principle, and this is: The Almighty Allah doesn't do or create anything in this natural universe or in the human world except with a purpose and interest which returns to man and other creatures.

And, of course, scholars and researchers in different scientific fields have supported this ideological opinion, which, in one way or the other, affirms the authenticity of this opinion and idea. For further elaboration of the matter, let's quote what the chemist, Thomas David Parkison, wrote: "But the system we are witnessing in our surroundings is not a sign of the power of things, rather, it is above that with wisdom and moving forward toward the establishment of man's interests, which confirms that the Lord's concern over His servants is not less than His concern over the systems and laws which govern the universe."

Have a glance at the perfect wisdom which is attached to your surroundings, which sometimes contradict the accustomed procedures, for instance, water. Man will expect to see its molecular weight (18) to be gaseous under the cooling point, and for example, ammonia's molecular weight (17) to be gaseous under the imperfect boiling point (73) in the normal atmosphere, and hydrogen sulfide, which nearly has the same characteristics of water, with the molecular weight of (53), to be gaseous under the imperfect boiling point (53), in view of this, the liquidification state of water under the contrast boiling point, will make man confused.

In addition to this, water has another important characteristic which, by merely looking at it, man will understand that it is well planned. Consequently, water covers 3/4 of the earth's surface, and in view of this, it has a great effect on the general atmosphere and the degree of temperature, which if reduced, a great and undesirable change will occur.

Likewise, water has another precious characteristic, which indicates that the Creator of this universe has designed it in order to serve the interests of His creatures, hence, water is the only known element of which its density decreases when it solidifies, and this feature has a great effect and importance on life.

And so, ice, which floats on the surface of the water when the temperatures become frigid, instead of sinking under the water, becomes a solid block which will neither melt nor split, therefore, the ice, in its solid state, which floats on the surface of a river, creates a buffer layer that protects the water under it. With this, the fishes and other aquatic creatures will continue their lives and in the spring the ice will melt quickly."4

On his part, Dr. Christie Morrison in his book "Science calls for faith" while discussing the natural equilibrium and the coordination between its compon- ents, and the accuracy of the environmental system and its perfectness, so as to protect the system of life, as well as, the greatness of the Creator, wrote:

"The thick air, having the necessary magnitude taken from the passing of chemical rays, needed by plants, and which kills microbes and produces vitamins, without the least harm to man, except if he exposes himself to it for long, unnecessary periods, will remain uncontaminated or unpolluted, and without change in its necessary equilibrium toward man's existence.

The great equili- brium is that surface of water, i.e., the surrounding of which life, food, rain, balanced climate, plants and man, himself, grows. Surely, whoever comprehends this, will stand in awe of His greatness, and bow to His command."

Also, Dr. Lawrence Kolinon Woker, a botanist and physiologist, as well as, a lecturer at the University of Georgia, wrote that: "I am writing this article as an expert in forest research, as well as, someone who gives great concern to environmental studies and plant physiology, so as to show the importance of the forest as a proof of Allah's existence.

Furthermore, we will discuss more on that while discussing on the Holy care and Divine power which is manifested in the restoration of the earth's fertility.

In a virgin forest which undergoes no human activity, the trees increase and its different species grow from generation to generation until their numbers increase; except if man's activities interfere with it, or it is destroyed by fire, or any calamity befalls it.

The interruption by man's activities, however, against the natural forest, its plants and its fertility, will lead to the reduction of its fertility and, in the end, we will loose the trees and the soil, which will give way to the occurrence of floods."

Then, he adds: "Man spends a huge amount of money for constructing big dams in order to prevent the danger of floods, but, this is just a temporary solution to this gigantic power which neither stone barriers, nor big buildings can repel. Therefore, it is necessary to find a real solution to this problem from its source, and this cannot be achieved through the construction of dams, rather it can only be achieved through afforestation, and this is something which nature, itself, can do."5

Dr. Christie Morison, while discussing the natural and environmental system between earth, man, plants and animals, wrote:

"Surely, the marvellous relationship, which exists between oxygen and carbon dioxide II with regard to the animal, as well as, plant worlds, will attract the attention of every sensible person."

And he continues: "This is how every plant and tree, and likewise, all bryophytes, etc., grow from carbon and water. In addition, atmospheric oxygen is converted to carbon dioxide in animal respiration and regenerated by green plants in photosynthesis. Hence, without this cordial relationship, the life of both the animals and plants will be exhausted, i.e., whenever this life equilibrium changes, the condition of both of them will be completely changed."6

What Surprises the Equilibrium System:

"The following fact is a clear example of an important criterion in regard to man's existence. Some few years back, a type of cactus was planted in Australia and, in no time, this plant covered a large tract of land to the extent that it disturb the whole community and their farming activites. All efforts to prevent the spread of this plant proved fruitless, and Australia continued to be plagued by this plant.

Consequently, the research conducted by some entomologist found that an insect, which cannot live without this cactus, reproduces rapidly, unhindered in the whole of Australia. In no time, this insect invaded and destroyed the cactus. Therefore, this is how this criterion and balance was changed."7

The Environment and Destructive Practices

A survey and a close look at the natural world and its components, and the relationship, balance and changes that occur in it, will show the wisdom, accuracy and perfection that surrounds it, because, there is nothing created uselessly or to hurt anyone, and even if it harms human beings, it is rather a relative harm, due to the fact that the human being was prohibited from practicing it in the first place.

And often this harmful element is changed by natural processes to be useful to the plants, earth and even to man, himself. Surely, if the natural laws are left to work as they are created by their Creator, they will protect the healthy, natural and environmental beauty and good life for all.

The distribution of water, mountains and forests, and the nature of weather, climate and earth, and the ratio of gases, light rays...etc., works under a well equipped, interrelated system, as bacteria and dead bodies of an animal and plant enters the natural chemical processes in order to be well acquainted with the environmental interests, as well as, ensuring the welfare of the surroundings.

But, when humans, due to ignorance and destructive activities, interrupt and enter the environmental system, they cause a great damage to this very system. The Holy Qur'an, while elaborating on the environmental, as well as, the natural perfection, and likewise, the destructive role of man, says:

"When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle..." Holy Qur'an ((Baqara 2:205)

"And do no mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): For the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good." Holy Qur'an (A`raf 7:56)

The Holy Qur'an emphasizes that the earth and all its natural and life components are perfect and healthy; it is man who plays with its perfectness and destroys it. In view of this, we see this scenario elaborating on man, in the suitablity of the earth in its natural form, as the destructive element to the earth; destroying plants and killing animals and human beings.

Surely, our present world has witnessed the most dreadful kind of corruption on earth and environmental, as well as, natural destruction which man was enjoined to protect and take care of it.

Allah creates man from earth as one of its components and commands him to protect it. The Almighty Allah, with emphasis on this responsibility, through Prophet Salih says:

"To the Thamud people (We sent) Salih, one of their own brethren. He said: `O my People! Worship Allah: You have no other god but Him. It is He Who has produced you from the earth and settled you therein: Then ask forgiveness of Him, and turn to Him (in repentance): for my Lord is (always) near, ready to answer." Holy Qur'an (Hud 11:61)

So, this is the Qur'anic warning of the corruption on earth and environmental destruction, as well as, the call for the building up and protection of its balanced laws. The dreadful, environmental, destructive work of man is manifested in the manufacturing of chemical, nuclear and biological weapons, which cause great damage to the world, as also his destruction of nature is manifested in cutting down trees and polluting the atmosphere with burning and waste products.

Scientific studies and statistics conducted by arch- aelogists, show that man's interference in the natural laws by destroying the environment and life, and even those that he thinks are beneficial to him, like using chemical fertilizers and other poisonous substances used to kill large numbers of insects and plants; all cause great damage to the environmental balance and life stability in the world.

The most obvious problem of our present era is pollution, which is caused by domestic industries, as well as, wars. Thus, pollution, through the use of carbon and carbon dioxide II, and the destruction of the ozone layers or chemical pollution caused by poisonous and harmful chemical substances, or the nuclear rays pollution, or water pollution by crude oil or man's waste products, or pollution by the use of agricultural fertilizers, like phosphate compounds, nitrate compounds...etc., are all clear proofs and meaning to what the Almighty Allah prohibits in His saying:

"And do no mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order,..." Holy Qur'an (A`raf 7:56)

However, everything in the natural world acts accord- ing to the system of purity, perfection and balance. Hence, the natural ratio of carbon is fixed and balanced, so plants absorb a large amount of natural carbon dioxide II for thier growth.

The scientific studies confirm that the average amount of carbon in the natural world is approximately 300 parts in every 10,000 parts of air, but this ratio has increased in 1984 to 345 parts in every 10,000 parts. And this ratio will double its present rate by the year 2020, if combustion and burning of forests continues.8

(We mention, here, that there is great increments in the ratio of carbon dioxide II in the atmosphere, and this is due to the atmospheric heat of the sun, which can be sensed, as well as, bring a great damage in the near future. And this will cause the melting of artic ice and a great rise in the level of rivers, which will harm the natural equilibrium, and change the natural composition of the earth, which in turn, will cause great harm to man and his inventions, forever.)9

In its report on natural destructive practices to the Conference of Earth's Climax and Human Rights, the Arab League for Human Rights wrote: "Statistics show that 160 thousand poisonous gases are endangering the atmospheric layer in the U.S.A. alone. For instance, the U.S. is using 350 million tons of Hydro-floro carbons, which are used in the manufacturing of Air-solate, i.e., the average of 25% of the world's usage which reaches 1400 million tons.

This act, alone, will cause the weakness of the ozone layer.

And at the same time, the developed countries, alone, produce 800 thousand tons of toxic waste, which is approximately 30% of the world's waste products, and later they dispose of it in the Sahara and rivers of underdeveloped countries."

The League continues in its report that 600 million people live below the poverty line, 100 million Africans are dying from hunger, and 43 million acres of forest are destroyed, annually. As also 80% of the world's population will face disability and difficulties in terms of earth, food or water in the next century.

But, upon this painful reality, the general line of earth's climax put the blame and burden of this natural, atmospheric and ozone layer destruction to the poor countries.

In addition to what was mentioned before, the conference shows that the Third World countries import goods from northern countries, which causes environ- mental pollution. And at the same time, it emphasizes that foreign hands undertake this project in those countries in view of their need for industrial work, lower wages and taxes, crude resources and free, as well as, easy laws, where no one will be questioned or forced to protect the environment or face hard penalties for abusing it.

What can these poor countries do, to face this drastic problem, in view of their poverty, underdevelopment and day to day problems, and the hunger which inflicts its citizens? Can they overcome their problems, alone?

In order to face this dreadful danger, the sum of approximately 600 billion dollars was presumed to be able to cure this problem, but most of the industrial countries refuse to comply with the U.N.'s proposal, which states that the rich countries should sacrifice 7% of their annual income until the year 2000, so as to help the poor countries in their development projects.

But, the organization became more concerned when the American government declined to sign the agree- ment reached in order to stop the spreading of biological weapons.

Indeed, the American government not only refuses to sign the said agreement, rather it also declined to commit itself to the decreasing of carbon dioxide II gas products in the environment at the end of this century. And, in fact, it emphasizes that these products may increase in the range of 1.7 - 6 % in eight years to come.

Surely, the human activities presently are the causative factors that produce approximately 7.5 million tons of carbon dioxide II into the environment, which, without any doubt, is the main factor in the changing of the world's climate and causes air pollution.

Although the protection of the environment and its safeguarding were regarded as the major and basic factors in the process of economic, as well as, social development, human activities, which include deforestation, marine pollution, chemical farming and other modern inventions, turn this biological source, plants, animals and other natural phenomenon to a dangerous stage, which may threaten their very existence.

However, man is alledged to be responsible for the crime of polluting the air, water, earth and the atmosphere, in general, but, who is this man? Is it the man of Somalia, India, Sudan and Yeman, or that man that is living in America, Canada and Japan? A closer look and thought on the statistics conducted will give us more light on the importance of the Qur'anic injunction regarding environmental destruction and pollution.

And it will, also, give us a good understanding of the difference between Islamic civilization and Western (material) civilization which threatens the healthiness of the environment and human existence, uncovering Islamic legislative tendency and its accurate solution to the social and cultural matters and its concern to man's, as well as, the environmental issues.