Faiths for Climate Justice - A Muslim Perspective By: Nana Firman
Muslims around the world are united by a fundamental belief that all people, all living things, and the Earth are sacred. God has created the universe in all its splendor, and our duty as human beings is to be khalīfah (stewards) to cultivate the greater good for all people and all of God’s creatures. At just over 1°C temperature increase, climate impacts are already causing significant loss and damage around the world. The poorest countries are however being hit first and worst. Without sufficient action and support, more than a generation's worth of human rights and development progress will be wiped out by climate impacts that are going to continue to worsen. As the largest historical emitter, the U.S. has a responsibility to respond to these impacts, not just out of a charitable impulse, but in recognition of the harm that has been caused by decades of ongoing emissions.
As I consider the actual state of the world, as a Muslim, my heart overflows with concern. Climate-induced floods, droughts, and wildfires are now happening more frequently and it’s always those of us who’ve done the least to cause the problem who suffer the worst; racial and ethnic minorities; the poor; elders; young children; women. There are significant demographic and geographical disparities as well. Here in the US, it is well-documented that communities of color suffer disproportionately from climate change-induced heatwaves and severe storms. Internationally, many of the predominantly Muslim North African countries are among the most impacted parts of the world, despite having done very little to contribute to the climate crisis. In Islam, there is a clear call for action to protect the environment and to work against climate change. The Holy Qur’an calls on us to recognize that Allah established the natural world in a life-sustaining balance that we should both respect and protect.
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