Forest Fires a Reminder of Islamic Law's Prohibition on Causing Destruction on Earth
Forest fires that are once again threatening the environment in Kalimantan serve as an important reminder of humanity’s mandate to protect the earth. In the Islamic view, the environment is not merely a resource to be exploited without limit, but part of Allah’s creation that must be preserved. Therefore, all forms of environmental destruction carried out by humans are in essence actions that deviate from the objectives of Islamic law.
Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi, in his book Islam: A Religion Friendly to the Environment, affirms that protecting the environment is part of protecting the faith (hifzh ad-din). Every effort to preserve the earth is a form of obedience to Allah, while environmental destruction harms the trust placed in humans as stewards on earth.
Amid an increasingly evident ecological crisis whose impacts have claimed many human lives, Islam has long reminded that caring for the earth is not merely a matter of social ethics, but part of safeguarding the faith itself. As explained by Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi, every action that preserves the environment is a manifestation of obedience, while every act of destruction carried out by humans harms the trust of stewardship that Allah has entrusted to them.
He explains that all efforts to preserve the environment are equivalent to efforts to protect the faith. The teaching of environmental preservation falls into a very fundamental category within the religion. This is because sinful acts that pollute the environment will tarnish the substance of true religiosity, and indirectly negate the purpose of human existence on the face of the earth. It also deviates from Allah’s command in the context of good relations with fellow human beings.
Arbitrary acts of environmental destruction are tantamount to denying justice and benevolence, both of which are commands of Allah that humanity must carry out.
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, benevolence, and giving assistance to relatives. He also forbids indecent acts, wrongdoing, and hostility. He instructs you so that you may always remember.” (QS An-Nahl Verse 90)
Acts of environmental destruction also tarnish the function of stewardship entrusted to humans, because the earth does not belong to them, but to Allah. Therefore, humans as stewards on earth are required to carry out all of Allah’s commands in accordance with the laws of His creation.
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says: “Say, O My servants who believe, fear your Lord. Those who do good in this world will obtain goodness. The earth of Allah is vast. Indeed, only those who are patient will have their reward perfected without reckoning.” (QS Az-Zumar Verse 10)