The Environment as a Muslim Issue

October 16, 2006

Source: Muslim American Society Press Release

http://www.masnet.org/views.asp?id=3840

WASHINGTON, DC - Oct. 16, 2006 (MASNET) On the weekend of October 14th-15th, more than 5,000 people attended the Green Festival in Washington, D.C. This conference and expo, one of several major events scheduled over the next six months connected social activists, environmentally-friendly “green” businesses, policy advocates, and consumers concerned with a spectrum of issues ranging from organic farming to addressing the global climate crisis.

Ibrahim Ramey, who is also a steering committee member of the Climate Crisis Coalition, represented the MAS Freedom Foundation Human Rights Division and participated on an interfaith panel presenting Jewish, Christian, and Muslim responses to global warming and the deepening climate crisis affecting the entire planet.

Speaking from a Qur’anic perspective, Ibrahim informed the audience of the importance of the concept of Khalifah, and the role of humankind as guardians of the earth and the natural environment as described in the Surah Al-Baqara of the Holy Qur’an. “The Qur’an instructs us that Muslims can, and must, consider ourselves as protectors of the environment and respond to any crisis that impacts the Muslim community and all of humanity and creation as well.”

“Clearly, the dangers of environmental degradation and global warming must be seriously addressed by all Muslims who take their obligation to Allah (SWT) seriously”, he said.