INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON WETLANDS AND SUSTAINABILITY 2007

ISLAM ON PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Spahic Omer

Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design
International Islamic University Malaysia
spahico@yahoo.com

Abstract

This paper discusses the subject of peaceful coexistence with the natural
environment as taught by the Islamic message. The focus will be made on the role of
both man and the natural environment on earth, on the spiritual dimension of the
natural environment, and on the implications of the Islamic view of the natural
environment for the creation of built environment.
The paper shows that in Islam man is the vicegerent on earth created but to worship
his Creator and to submit totally to the universal divine will and plan. The natural
environment is part of God's creation too. Its role is two-fold: to worship its Creator
(in ways suitable to it) and to be of service to man, so that man can smoothly and
undeterred carry out his honorable task of vicegerency. Man's rights over the natural
environment are rights of sustainable use based on moderation, balance and
conservation. The rights of the environment over man, on the other hand, are that it
be safe from every misuse, mistreatment, and destruction. So important is man’s
relationship with the natural environment in Islam that the same under certain
circumstances is capable of taking priority over other deeds of man placing him then
on the highest or dragging him to the lowest tier in the spiritual realm’s hierarchy.
While writing the paper, I have tried as much as possible to draw on the original
sources which deal with the theme at hand, the most important of which are certainly
the Holy Qur’an and the authentic compilations of the Prophet Muhammad’s words
and actions.

Keywords: Islam, Muslims, Prophet Muhammad, Natural Environment