Everyday is Earth Day

A lovely reader of my blog asked a question with regards to whether Earth Day (April 22nd)/ Earth week (April 16-22) is celebrated in the Arab world and how green living is incorporated in everyday life. I think it's a great question and I will do my best to answer it, Insha'Allah.

In the Arab world, many actions are taken, informally, on a daily basis, to contribute towards the well-being of the environment, such as recycling and preservation of water and electricity. However, Earth Day is being formally celebrated for the first time in the Middle-East this year. The Kingdom of Morocco will announce a National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development on the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, which would be the very first celebration of it's kind from a Muslim, Arab and African nation, since Morocco falls into all three categories. To commemorate Earth Day, environmental education will be introduced in schools and the country will be no longer be utilizing plastic bags.

Since we are referring to the importance of environmental protection and awareness, with regards to Earth Day, I think it's necessary to discuss how important this topic is in Islam. In Islam, we are taught to protect and preserve the earth. The Qur'an states that the earth was created as a dwelling place; a sanctuary of peace and rest for humans and all of God's creations. An example in the Qur'an of just how close humans are to the earth is that humans were created from the earth; out of dust and water:

"And Allah has caused you to grow as a growth from the earth, And afterward He maketh you return thereto, and He will bring you forth again, a [new] forthbringing. And Allah hath made the earth a wide expanse for you. That ye may thread the valleyways thereof." (Surah 71:17-20)

As Muslims, we are taught to cherish and protect the earth and the elements because it is a creation of God, and we must cherish all of God's creations. As humans, we do not own the earth, but we were placed here amongst plants, animals, insects and wildlife, to maintain the earth's balance. The Prophet Muhammad (ṣall Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam)said, "All creatures are God's dependents and the best among them is the one who is most useful to God's dependents." The Prophet Muhammad (ṣall Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was a prime example of environmental awareness. He would pray for rain to water the trees when water was not readily available and he enjoyed nature very much. The Prophet Muhammad (ṣall Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam) has said that those who help take care of the earth will be greatly rewarded, saying, "If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 8:41) There are over 700 verses in the Quran that reflects on nature and the word "earth," or "ard" in Arabic, is mentioned 485 times which shows just how highly important our environment is.

"Earth Day" is not an Islamic holiday, however I think that everyday should be earth day. I think regardless of faith or nationality, we should all take care of the earth because it is our responsibility and we shouldn't wait for a holiday to do so. There are so many small additions you can make to your daily schedule that can bring great benefits. Here are some examples:

1. At home, if you're not using the lights or if you notice the lights are on in a room that nobody is sitting in, turn them off. Same goes for the TV, computer, printer, etc.
2. Keep a separate garbage can as a recycling bin for glass, paper and plastic and label them.
3. Don't waste water!
4. Reuse shopping bags or carry a cute tote bag instead.
5. Plant a tree in your backyard or join a community tree planting program where you can plant at your favorite public garden or park.

What do you do to help preserve our gorgeous earth?