How Can Environmental Pollution Be Controlled?12 min read

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How Can Environmental Pollution Be Controlled?

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In the Light of Islamic Teachings

At present, the issue of environmental pollution has taken on a serious nature across the entire world. The reason for this is that in the race for progress—driven by advancements in science and technology—humans have neglected the environment in various aspects of life.

Indulgence in luxury, earning wealth by any means, the desire to increase production unnaturally and rapidly, and giving preference to personal desires over the welfare of society—as well as prioritizing short-term gains over long-term benefits—have become common practices.

As a result, undesirable and harmful changes have occurred in the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of air, water, and land. Moreover, the Earth’s temperature has increased to dangerous levels.

Human beings have been appointed as vicegerents (stewards) of Allah on Earth. Allah Almighty has created balance in nature, and it is the responsibility of humans to ensure that none of their actions disturb this natural balance.

ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ فِرَٰشًۭا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءًۭ وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءًۭ فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ رِزْقًۭا لَّكُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ أَندَادًۭا وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ٢٢
He is the One who made the earth a bed for you, and the sky a roof, and sent down water from the sky, then brought forth with it fruits, as a provision for you. So, do not set up parallels to Allah when you know. (2:22)
ظَهَرَ ٱلْفَسَادُ فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِى ٱلنَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُوا۟ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ ٤١
Calamities have appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of the people have earned, so that He (Allah) makes them taste some of what they did, in order that they may return (to the right way). (30:41)

What is the Environment?

Environmental protection means safeguarding the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and living organisms. Its purpose is to keep the environment safe and healthy for both present and future generations.

In Islam, the protection and respect of the Earth hold great importance. The Noble Qur’an and the blessed Hadiths emphasize the proper use and preservation of the Earth’s resources. They highlight that Allah Almighty has made the Earth a blessing for humanity and has forbidden its misuse.

Allah Almighty says:

In this noble verse, spreading فساد (corruption) on the earth has been prohibited. According to some scholars, wasting natural resources can also fall under the category of corruption. Allah Almighty has shown signs of فساد on the earth so that people may witness the consequences of their actions and return to the right path.

Environmental Challenges

At present, the environment is facing several modern challenges. Some of the most prominent ones are mentioned below. From this brief overview, one can understand how serious and alarming the problems facing humanity—and indeed the entire universe—have become:

Since 1900, sea levels have risen by 19 centimeters. The consequences are obvious—many islands around the world have already disappeared.
Forests are rapidly declining, putting wildlife at risk. Air pollution is increasing, land is becoming barren, and crises are emerging—from breathing clean air to securing food. Above all, global temperatures are rising.
In some regions, animal populations are steadily decreasing. Many species of animals, birds, aquatic life, insects, and plants have already become extinct, while many others are on the verge of extinction.
Environmental pollution is continuously increasing, leading to a steady rise in carbon dioxide levels in the air. This is a dangerous sign, posing serious threats to biological life.
There is a global water crisis. Much of the available water has become polluted—and in some cases toxic—due to industrial and other waste.
Industrial and mechanical development has exposed the world to major dangers. Gases and waste released from industries have caused damage to the ozone layer.
As a result, harmful and intense rays of the sun are now directly reaching the earth, leading to a rapid increase in diseases such as cancer.

How Can Environmental Pollution Be Controlled?

Human beings are affected both physically and spiritually by their environment. If a society loses its moral values, conflicts and disorder spread, creating fear and insecurity, making life difficult for both the rich and the poor.

If a society loses its physical and aesthetic sense, streets and neighborhoods turn into heaps of filth and dirt. If cities become filled with stagnant, foul-smelling water, resembling flood-affected areas, then it becomes impossible for humans to live there in a healthy and natural way.

That is why Islam has taught the elimination of all forms of environmental pollution, so that human beings may live a peaceful, safe, and balanced life—mentally, intellectually, and physically.

The Role of Water in Environmental Protection

Prohibition of Wasting Water

Water is a great blessing from Allah Almighty. It should be preserved and protected, and every possible effort should be made to prevent its waste.

It is clear that water is one of the greatest blessings of Allah, and it must not be wasted under any circumstances, because on the Day of Judgment, Allah Almighty will question us regarding His blessings.

Allah Almighty says:

ثُمَّ لَتُسْـَٔلُنَّ يَوْمَئِذٍ عَنِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ ٨
Then you will be asked about all the pleasures (you enjoyed in the world). (102:8)

Preventive Measures for Water Conservation

Every possible effort should be made to prevent the wastage of water. There are several situations where water can be conserved, for example:

When using soap while bathing or washing hands and face, the tap should not be left running.

For washing dishes, clothes, or cleaning the house, water should be used from a bucket instead of a pipe, as a pipe leads to excessive wastage.

Similarly, for brushing (miswāk) and performing ablution (wuḍū), water should be used from a container or vessel to minimize waste as much as possible.

Used household water should not be unnecessarily discharged into the streets, as stagnant water pollutes the environment of streets and neighborhoods and also becomes a source of germs and diseases. Instead, it should be utilized for crops, fields, or in any beneficial way.

At a national level, rainwater should be conserved by constructing large dams and reservoirs and making effective use of it.

Control of Land and Air Pollution

One effective way to reduce land and air pollution is afforestation (planting trees), which helps reduce carbon dioxide and increase oxygen levels. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged the companions (رضي الله عنهم) to plant trees and gave glad tidings of reward for doing so.

It is narrated from Jabir ibn Abdullah (رضي الله عنه) that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

وَحَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ بْنُ حُمَيْدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْفَضْلِ، – لَقَبُهُ عَارِمٌ وَهُوَ أَبُو النُّعْمَانِ السَّدُوسِيُّ – حَدَّثَنَا مَهْدِيُّ بْنُ مَيْمُونٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مَطَرٌ الْوَرَّاقُ، عَنْ عَطَاءٍ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مَنْ كَانَتْ لَهُ أَرْضٌ فَلْيَزْرَعْهَا فَإِنْ لَمْ يَزْرَعْهَا فَلْيُزْرِعْهَا أَخَاهُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏
Jabir b. Abdullah (Allah be pleased with them) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: He who has land should cultivate it himself, but if he does not cultivate it himself, then he should let his brother cultivate it. (Sahih Muslim)

Do not cut down trees without reason

Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه) said that whenever Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would send an army for Jihād, he would advise them:

وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا وَلِيدًا طِفْلًا، وَلَا امْرَأَةً، وَلَا شَيْخًا كَبِيرًا، وَلَا تُغَوِّرُنَّ عَيْنًا، وَلَا تَعْقِرُنَّ شَجَرَةً إِلَّا شَجَرًا يَمْنَعُكُمْ قِتَالًا أَوْ يَحْجِزُ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ، وَلَا تُمَثلُوا بِآدَمِي وَلَا بَهِيمَةٍ، وَلَا تَغْدِرُوا، وَلَا تَغُلُّوا
Do not kill any child, do not kill any woman, do not kill any elderly person. Do not destroy or dry up springs. Do not cut down trees except those that obstruct you in battle. Do not mutilate any human, nor mutilate any animal. Do not break your covenants, and do not commit theft or betrayal.”
[Sunan al-Kubra lil-Bayhaqi: 18155]

Condemnation of Destroying Agriculture

Agriculture and planting trees are such noble acts that causing فساد (corruption) in them is something disliked by Allah Almighty. As Allah the Exalted says:

وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ لِيُفْسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهْلِكَ ٱلْحَرْثَ وَٱلنَّسْلَ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْفَسَادَ ٢٠٥
Once he turns back, he moves about in the land trying to spread disorder in it, and to destroy the tillage and the stock; and Allah does not like disorder. (2:205)

Punishment for Cutting Down a Shady Tree

Abdullah ibn Hubshi (رضي الله عنه) reported that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

وَعَن عبد الله بن جحش قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ قَطَعَ سِدْرَةً صَوَّبَ اللَّهُ رَأْسَهُ فِي النَّارِ» . رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُدَ وَقَالَ: هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ مُخْتَصَرٌ يَعْنِي: مَنْ قَطَعَ سِدْرَةً فِي فَلَاةٍ يَسْتَظِلُّ بِهَا ابْنُ السَّبِيلِ وَالْبَهَائِمُ غَشْمًا وَظُلْمًا بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ يَكُونُ لَهُ فِيهَا صَوَّبَ الله رَأسه فِي النَّار
‘Abdallah b. Hubaish reported God’s Messenger as saying, ‘‘If anyone cuts down a lote tree, God will lower his head in hell.”
Abu Dawud transmitted it, saying this is an abbreviated tradition meaning that if anyone wrongfully, unjustly and with no benefit to him from it cuts down in a desert a lote tree under which travellers and animals seek shade, God will lower his head in hell. (Mishkat al-Masabih)
حَدَّثَنَا نَصْرُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، عَنِ ابْنِ جُرَيْجٍ، عَنْ عُثْمَانَ بْنِ أَبِي سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرِ بْنِ مُطْعِمٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ حُبْشِيٍّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مَنْ قَطَعَ سِدْرَةً صَوَّبَ اللَّهُ رَأْسَهُ فِي النَّارِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ سُئِلَ أَبُو دَاوُدَ عَنْ مَعْنَى هَذَا الْحَدِيثِ فَقَالَ هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ مُخْتَصَرٌ يَعْنِي مَنْ قَطَعَ سِدْرَةً فِي فَلاَةٍ يَسْتَظِلُّ بِهَا ابْنُ السَّبِيلِ وَالْبَهَائِمُ عَبَثًا وَظُلْمًا بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ يَكُونُ لَهُ فِيهَا صَوَّبَ اللَّهُ رَأْسَهُ فِي النَّارِ ‏.‏
Narrated Abdullah ibn Habashi:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If anyone cuts the lote-tree, Allah brings him headlong into Hell.
Abu Dawud was asked about the meaning of this tradition. He said: This is a brief tradition. It means that if anyone cuts uselessly, unjustly and without any right a lote-tree under the shade of which travellers and beasts take shelter, Allah will bring him into Hell headlong. (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Moderation and Balance in the Use of Resources

To protect ourselves from the harms of environmental changes and climate variations, it is essential that we use natural resources and the blessings granted by Allah with moderation and balance.

Allah Almighty says in the Noble Qur’an:

۞ يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍۢ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ ٣١
O children of ’Ādam, take on your adornment at every mosque. Eat and drink and do not be extravagant. Surely, He does not like the extravagant. (7:31)
۞ يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍۢ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ ٣١
O children of ’Ādam, take on your adornment at every mosque. Eat and drink and do not be extravagant. Surely, He does not like the extravagant. (7:31)

In the view of the Qur’an, anything that departs from righteousness and soundness, and loses its ability to benefit, is considered فساد (corruption). Although this term is غالبًا used for فساد in belief and actions, it also applies to disturbing the balance and moderation of anything, causing its true usefulness to gradually diminish.

Allah Almighty has invited mankind, in numerous verses, to reflect upon the earth, air, water, living and non-living creations, trees, stones, mountains, seas, and other wonders of the universe, so that they may recognize His greatness, perfect power, and lordship. He has also pointed toward the balance and harmony within this system of the universe.

Thus, Allah Almighty says:

وَتَرَى ٱلْجِبَالَ تَحْسَبُهَا جَامِدَةًۭ وَهِىَ تَمُرُّ مَرَّ ٱلسَّحَابِ ۚ صُنْعَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَتْقَنَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَفْعَلُونَ ٨٨
And you see the mountains (at present) supposing them as fixed (forever), while (on that Day) they will fly like the flight of clouds – an act of Allah who has perfected every thing. Surely, He is All-Aware of what you do. (27:88)

From all these evidences, we learn that greed and excessive desire are blameworthy, and moderation is required in everything. It is clear that if the world progresses with balance and moderation, then the system of equilibrium will remain intact, environmental protection will be ensured, and progress will also continue.

Cleanliness of Roads and Pathways

Cleanliness plays a very important role in environmental protection, and Islam places great emphasis on purity and cleanliness. Cleanliness is half of faith, whereas filth and impurity are attributes of Shayṭān. Allah Almighty is Beautiful and loves beauty.

It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (رضي الله عنه) that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

إِنَّ اللهَ جَمِيلٌ يُحِبُّ الْجَمَالَ، الْكِبْرُ بَطَرُ الْحَقِّ، وَغَمْطُ النَّاسِ
Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty. Arrogance is to reject the truth and to look down upon people. [Sunan Ibn Majah: 328]

Relieving Oneself on Pathways is a Cause of Curse

It is narrated from Mu’adh ibn Jabal (رضي الله عنه) that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

اتَّقُوا الْمَلَاعِنَ الثَّلَاثَ : الْبَرَازَ فِي الْمَوَارِدِ، وَالظَّلِّ، وَقَارِعَةِ الطَّرِيقِ
Beware of three things that bring about curse: relieving oneself at places where people come to rest, under shady trees, and on public pathways.”
[Sahih Muslim: 91]

Instruction on Keeping the Area in Front of the House Clean

Some people clean their homes but throw the garbage outside into the street. Regarding this, there is a Hadith:

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَامِرٍ الْعَقَدِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدُ بْنُ إِلْيَاسَ، وَيُقَالُ ابْنُ إِيَاسٍ، عَنْ صَالِحِ بْنِ أَبِي حَسَّانَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ سَعِيدَ بْنَ الْمُسَيَّبِ، يَقُولُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ طَيِّبٌ يُحِبُّ الطَّيِّبَ نَظِيفٌ يُحِبُّ النَّظَافَةَ كَرِيمٌ يُحِبُّ الْكَرَمَ جَوَادٌ يُحِبُّ الْجُودَ فَنَظِّفُوا أُرَاهُ قَالَ أَفْنِيَتَكُمْ وَلاَ تَشَبَّهُوا بِالْيَهُودِ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَذَكَرْتُ ذَلِكَ لِمُهَاجِرِ بْنِ مِسْمَارٍ فَقَالَ حَدَّثَنِيهِ عَامِرُ بْنُ سَعْدِ بْنِ أَبِي وَقَّاصٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِثْلَهُ إِلاَّ أَنَّهُ قَالَ نَظِّفُوا أَفْنِيَتَكُمْ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ غَرِيبٌ ‏.‏ وَخَالِدُ بْنُ إِلْيَاسَ يُضَعَّفُ ‏.‏
Narrated Salih bin Abi Hassan: “I heard Sa’eed bin Musayyab saying: ‘Indeed Allah is Tayyib (good) and he loves Tayyib (what is good), and He is Nazif (clean) and He loves cleanliness, He is Karim (kind) and He loves kindness, He is Jawad (generous) and He loves generosity. So clean’ – I think he said – ‘your courtyards, and do not resemble the Jews.'” He said: “I mentioned that to Muhajir bin Mismar, and he said: “Amir bin Sa’d [bin Abi Waqqas] narrated it to me from his father from the Prophet (ﷺ), similarly, except that he did not say: “Clean your courtyards.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)

If we reflect, it becomes clear that neglecting the cleanliness of roads and pathways leads to many forms of imbalance in society. Whether in individual life or collective life, its negative effects appear in every aspect of society.

Physical illnesses, neurological disorders, mental stress, fatigue, heaviness on the mind, and similar problems can largely be attributed to the filth in streets and alleys, and the heaps of garbage lying on roads—this would not be an exaggeration.

Awareness of Islamic Teachings Regarding the Environment

If Muslims are to be awakened toward environmental protection, then contemporary Islamic scholars should make people aware of those Qur’anic teachings that emphasize the importance and preservation of the environment.

Today, the world’s problems have become far more complex compared to thousands of years ago—when there was no sign of industrial revolution and the burden on the earth’s resources was much less.

Some environmental-related regulations that were developed during the golden age of Islamic civilization may not be sufficient to meet the demands of the modern era. The reason is that man-made laws are often limited to temporary needs, whereas the law of nature fulfills the requirements of every age.

The Qur’an says:

ظَهَرَ ٱلْفَسَادُ فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِى ٱلنَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُوا۟ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ ٤١
Calamities have appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of the people have earned, so that He (Allah) makes them taste some of what they did, in order that they may return (to the right way). (30:41)

The meaning is that when natural resources begin to be used in unethical and unlawful ways, the destruction of the natural environment begins.

A major challenge for Muslim scholars and scientists is to formulate laws, in the light of Qur’anic teachings, that can meet the environmental demands of the present age and effectively address issues such as floods, drought, and poverty through the proper use of modern technology, while also helping to prevent greenhouse effects, acid rain, and nuclear destruction, and to preserve civilization and culture.

In light of the teachings of the Qur’an, a human being cannot fulfill his needs by violating the legitimate needs of other creations. For the fulfillment of his needs, man depends on this world—of which he is not the creator; Allah is.

Therefore, he has no right to destroy it. In the complex path of worldly life, even the smallest element of nature holds importance. Islam does not recognize or justify absolute ownership of natural resources for purely personal gain.

ماحولیاتی آلودگی کا تدارک کیسے ممکن ہے؟

JazakAllahu Khairan for reading. If you have found this information beneficial, please share it with your loved ones and friends. May Allah reward you abundantly for your efforts.

Umme Muhammad

I am an Islamic Scholar. I have expertise in Ahadith, Fiqh, Logics, and the Arabic language. I have a specialty in Translation, Tafseer, Arabic Language, and Ahadith learning. To get started with me, Book Now one-to-one Session, or let us know what do you like in the contact form.