A new NGO, known as Green Ramadan, plans to make Muslims and non-Muslims more aware of protecting the environment. Daniella touched on the new Ramadan project earlier. Meanwhile the organization is so new that its website, www.greenramadan.org is still in the development stages.
Yet, the message being given will hopefully bring a new awareness among Muslims, particularly younger ones, concerning the importance of protecting and preserving the natural environment in countries where many of live.
Some of these countries, where environmental mismanagement has resulted in severe damage to both land and water habitats, include Indonesia and Malaysia, the countries bordering on the Persian Gulf and other bodies of water (the Gulf of Aden, Bay of Bengal, Mediterranean and Red Seas, for example); and those situated in and adjacent to large desert regions such as in North Africa and other parts of the Middle East.
The mission of Green Ramadan and its connection to the environment is very clear. It aims to “bring people from all over the world together, regardless of their faith. nationality or color, for one month every year, to care about our environment, the earth, animals and our health, practice positive and healthy habits, to make a positive impact and make a difference.”
The way the NGO plans to go about its mission, deals with finding ways to help people improve their personal lifestyles and that of environs by concentrating on improving their diets by suggesting the eating of organic and natural foods, coupled with less meat and other non-healthy food products; to engage in fitness programs to result in healthier and fit bodies; and to protect the physical health of people and their families by introducing better health programs for both men and women (especially in countries where proper health care for women is almost non-existent).
Green Ramadan wants to introduce environmental awareness programs which will occur annually during the month long Ramadan fast, which began this year on August 21 (August 22 in the Americas) and ends on September 19 (or 20). These programs will include articles and lectures dealing with protecting of plant and wildlife in various locations, soil and water conservation, use of alternative energy sources over those involving fossil fuels, and preserving marine habitats currently at risk, especially in areas such as off Dubai in the Persian Gulf.
Muslims living in both Europe and North America are cordially welcome to join in and apply these ideas to areas in which they presently live. Non-Muslims are also encouraged to become involved as in the end we all live on the same planet and share the same land and water resources.
Everyone is welcome to get on the Green Ramadan “bandwagon” by contacting them at [email protected].
Want to know more about greening Ramadan? Read:
Green Prophet’s Guide To Greening Your Fast
Chicago Muslims Launch Green Ramadan
Jordan Bankrolls Cheap Vegetables for Ramadan
Author: Maurice Picow
Maurice Picow grew up in Oklahoma City, U.S.A., where he received a B.S. Degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, Maurice embarked on a career as a real estate broker before making the decision to move to Israel. After arriving in Israel, he came involved in the insurance agency business and later in the moving and international relocation fields. Maurice became interested in writing news and commentary articles in the late 1990’s, and now writes feature articles for the The Jerusalem Post as well as being a regular contributor to Green Prophet. He has also written a non-fiction study on Islam, a two volume adventure novel, and is completing a romance novel about a forbidden love affair. Writing topics of particular interest for Green Prophet are those dealing with global warming and climate change, as well as clean technology - particularly electric cars.
I contacted the Green Ramadan bandwagon! Props for me, haha.