Environmental activist, green deen, Green Prophet, urban strategist and Islamic author Ibrahim Abdul-Matin passed away in California on June 21, 2023. He was only 46 and leaves behind a wife and children. Abdul-Matin interviewed several times on Green Prophet leaves legacy of deepening democracy and environmental advocacy.
Abdul-Matin wrote the book Green Deen: What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet, worked as a Senior Fellow with Interfaith America and New Yorkers for Clean Power, and with the NYS Advisory Board member of the Trust for Public Land.
He was a proud eco-Muslim and loved sharing his love for the planet. As an intro to his popular book, he writes: “Muslims are compelled by their religion to praise the Creator and to care for their community. But what is not widely known is that there are deep and long-standing connections between Islamic teachings and environmentalism.
“Green Deen draws on research, scripture, and interviews with Muslim Americans to trace Islam’s preoccupation with humankind’s collective role as stewards of the Earth.
“The Earth is a mosque.”
Deen means “path” or “way” in Arabic. And in his exploration Abdul-Matin offers dozens of examples of how Muslims can follow, and already are following, a Green Deen in four areas: waste, watts (energy), water, and food.
At last, people of all beliefs can appreciate the gifts and contributions that Islam and Muslims bring to the environmental movement. Proceeds from the sales of his book will go toward supporting his family.
Here is an excerpt from our inspiring interview with green deen Ibrahim in 2010:
Why do you believe that Muslims have an important role to play in combating climate change?
Because it’s our God given duty. Allah has entrusted human beings with the planet and all that’s in it. Creation is not ours – it’s Allah’s and He has made us responsible, as the best of Creation, to take care of it. Allah has generously given us these things and that we cannot forget to be grateful. We also must serve with justice and not destroy, pillage, or hurt any of the things He has provided.
What one person or group or way of thought has inspired your Green Deen?
Definitely my father. He grew up on a farm in southern Virginia and has deep connections to the land. He’s spent the last 15 years in upstate New York and frequently takes trips into the woods, the mountains, to simply exist among Allah’s creations and praise Him. My father prays outside a lot – he says that it’s good to be reminded of what we’re a part of and who to be thankful to.
What do you think is holding back Muslims from doing more for the planet (particularly in the Muslim world)? And what can be done to tackle these constraints?
I think it’s the same reason as the old woman in Memphis. Muslims need to feel compelled spiritually to make dramatic changes in their lives. They need to feel like Allah has commanded them to do something – that’s what “Green Deen” is about. I argue that Allah has told us that protecting the planet is a major priority in our practice of Islam.
If you could get Muslims to do one thing for the environment, what would it be?
Become advocates for worldwide clean water. Muslims need to pay attention to and get involved in issues that don’t just affect them – but affect everyone. We are stewards of the Earth. Not just stewards of Muslims. Water is every creature’s most basic need for survival. Our Prophet taught us to not waste water while making wudu, even if we live next to a flowing river. Our Holy City of Mecca exists because of the Well of Zamzam.
