Among the many noble responsibilities Allah (SWT) has placed upon the human being, one of the most profound is that of khalifah–a deputy who guides the Muslim community by setting a good example, thus emulating the Prophet (SAW). In The Quran, Allah (SWT) says, “Indeed, We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they all declined to bear it, being fearful of it. But humanity assumed it, for they are truly wrongful to themselves and ignorant of the consequences.” (The Clear Quran®, 33:72)

This amanah, trust, includes the sacred duty to protect and sustain the natural world. In this age of environmental crisis, it is incumbent upon the Muslim Ummah to renew its understanding of this trust, not merely as a matter of political or scientific necessity, but as an act of worship and moral accountability.

When we look at the earth, it is easy for us to sometimes take it for granted because it provides so much for us that we don’t really pay it much attention. However, our planet has been repeatedly described in The Quran as a sign of Allah (SWT)’s creative power and mercy. He says in Surah Al-Mulk, “He is the One Who smoothed out the earth for you, so move about in its regions and eat from His provisions. And to Him is the resurrection of all.” (The Clear Quran®, 67:15)

To abuse the earth is to show ingratitude to the One who fashioned it for our benefit. As the great grandson of the Prophet (SAW), Zain al-Abideen ibn Hussain ibn Ali has explained in his renowned book of supplications, Sahifa Sajjadiyah, every provision from Allah (SWT) is a manifestation of His mercy and should be treated with reverence, not wastefulness or arrogance.

Allah (SWT) warns against israf (wastefulness), associating it with those who follow Shaytan. In Surah Al-Isra He says, “Surely the wasteful are like brothers to the devils. And the Devil is ever ungrateful to His Lord.” (The Clear Quran®, 17:27)

The Prophet (SAW) lived a life of utmost simplicity and frugality. He would use minimal water for ablution, even when standing by a river. Such prophetic and conscious behavior shows us that sustainability is not a modern concept, it has always been embedded in the Sunnah.

As a result, He was an exemplar of ecological consciousness. Numerous narrations reflect on his concern for animals, trees, and cleanliness. Among his sayings is, “There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2320)

This hadith not only dignifies the act of planting but elevates it to the level of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity).

Furthermore, harming or cutting down trees unjustly was condemned even during times of war. The Prophet (SAW) advised his army not to harm trees or animals unnecessarily, showing a principled environmental ethic even under difficult circumstances.

Allah (SWT) describes the cosmos and creation founded upon mizan (balance). “As for the sky, He raised it high, and set the balance of justice so that you do not defraud the scales.” (The Clear Quran®, 55:7-8)

Environmental degradation results from violating this divine balance. Climate change, pollution, and species extinction are not merely ecological issues, they are spiritual crises rooted in heedlessness and greed.

Every action we take, even in relation to nature, will be accounted for. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, “Remember when your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am going to place a successive human authority on earth.’” (The Clear Quran®, 2:30)

This role is one of both privilege and responsibility. On Yawm al-Qiyamah, we will be asked how we treated this divine trust. Did we preserve the earth or destroy it in pursuit of selfish desires?

To preserve the earth is to preserve a trust, fulfill a duty, and partake in an act of devotion. It is not an abstract concern but a manifestation of taqwa (God-consciousness). As Muslims, we are called not only to pray and fast, but to embody mercy, care, and balance in all aspects of life including our relationship with the natural world.

Let us then revive this forgotten Sunnah and walk gently upon the earth, as described in The Quran, “The true servants of the Most Compassionate are those who walk upon the earth humbly […].” (The Clear Quran®, 25:63)