Muslims have been asked to encourage their spiritual leaders, imams, to devote this Friday Khutbah or sermon (19th April 2013) to celebrate the blessings, graces and beauty of all of Allah’s creation. Muaz Nasir from Khaleafa who is leading the effort is also hoping to raise awareness amongst Muslim of the environmental challenges facing humanity.

“The ‘Green Khutbah Campaign’ is aiming to challenge Muslims to become stewards of the environment by making changes to their daily routines,” explains Nasir. “Although the evidence of environmental damage is stronger than ever, the public is starting to tune out due to the recent economic crisis and a lack of political leadership. But Muslims cannot tune out from the environmental damage – tuning out would mean that we are disregarding our moral responsibility to Allah’s creation.”

The campaign requests that all Muslims commit to the 3 ‘C’ action plan:

1. Consume Less

2. Conserve More

3. Care for the Environment

Sample sermons and also resources to engage the Muslim congregation have been provided at the Green Khutbah site which includes a link to us. There are also Quranic verses and hadiths highlighting the importance of nature, conserving water, minimising waste and recognising our role as stewards of nature. The site also has a long and useful list of practical actions that Muslims can take to green their mosques and green their lives.

Here are some of the suggestions:

– Help protect the future of nature by calling on governments and other decision-makers to protect our natural heritage.

– Many household items, such as clothing, toys, and furniture, can be donated to social service or religious groups.

– Instead of letting the tap run until the water gets cold, keep a jug of drinking water in the refrigerator.

– Repair leaks in toilet tanks promptly. You can check for leaks from the toilet tank into the bowl quite easily. Put a small amount of food colouring into the toilet tank. If the coloured water appears in the toilet bowl without flushing, you should repair the leak.

For more on Muslim green actions see: 
Green Muslim Blogger Says Spiritual Connection With Nature Is Key (INTERVIEW)
What Can Islam Do for the Environment? Lots, Actually…
Host Greener Iftars at Mosque says Imam Zaid Shakir (VIDEO)
Sharing Eden – Green Teachings From Muslims, Jews and Christians
Sofiah Jamil  Talks Faith, Women and Climate Justice
London Mosques Start Beekeeping Trend – Interview

The post Green ‘Khutbah’ Muslim Sermon Campaign Launches Today appeared first on Green Prophet.

Odeh Al-Jayoussi, the current vice president of Jordan’s Royal Scientific Society, has certainly had an interesting career. As well as working for the International Union for Conservation of Nature, he’s spent time at the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and been a consultant for the United Nations, the EU and the World Bank.

All of these positions as well as his personal experiences have clearly informed his book Islam and Sustainable Development: New Worldviews which explores “a new paradigm of sustainability that is informed by Islamic worldviews and Islamic ecological ethics”. Indeed, the book includes lots of topics and stretches itself a little too broadly with chapters exploring Islamic banking systems, the role of the Muslim artist and the Islamic perspective on evolution. Still, a highly recommended read for those interested in sustainability and particularly those new to Islam’s contribution to the debate so far.

Al-Jayoussi starts by pointing out something that most of us will probably agree with. The current development model isn’t working – more money seems to be spent on aid every year and yet poverty keep rising. With this in mind, he states there is a need for a new model that promotes prosperity without overconsumption and pollution. Again, I would say most of us agree. The model that Al-Jayoussi presents is based on four Islamic principles which are then explored across four chapters.

These principles are:

1) Adl or good governance

2) Ihsan or excellence

3) Arham or social capital and

4) Integrity without corruption or Fasd

Bringing these four principles together is quite new and interesting and whilst he sets out the Islamic backing and advantages of following these principles, I think there are lots of questions left unanswered.

Is this model meant to be universal or specifically tailored to the region? If the latter than great but I got a sense it was meant to be universal which I find problematic for a couple of reasons. What about those religious communities or atheists in the MENA region/globally who want to move away from faith-based models? Where do they fit in? Shouldn’t more localised solutions to tackle the problem of climate change be considered? After all, it was the dominance of the Western development model which seems to have cause widespread problems. Isn’t it time we recognized the value of diversity?

A video featuring Odeh Al-Jayoussi

[vimeo 54954387 w=500 h=375]

Another issue which kept nagging me whilst reading this book is that the huge contrast between the Islamic principles and the way that Islamic countries actually operate.

Yes, colonialism has a lot to answer for and the author is honest that the framing of these Islamic principles around sustainable development is new but there were a couple of case studies which highlighted the consistent gap. For example, Al-Jayoussi points out the real compatibility between Islam and fairtrade principles. Yet a fairtrade movement emerged without Islamic principles and Islamic economies have played a limited role in the growth of the movement.

I was also worried that ‘a good idea’ wasn’t enough to make it reality. Although the author highlights the model as an Islamic worldview rather than faith-view, he didn’t fully explore its weaknesses or real life applicability. However, there’s a lot for also a lot of interesting bits of history and insights which I think will be referring back to regularly and would be of great interest to new readers exploring the Islam and sustainability nexus.

In terms of the unanswered questions, I got in touch with Al Jayoussi and spoke to him over the phone about these issues. The full interview and his insightful answers will be published shortly so keep an eye out for part two of this debate!

For more book reviews and green faith news see:

Sharing Eden – Green Teachings from Jews, Christians and Muslims
London Mosques Start Beekeeping Trend – Interview
The Eco-Mosque Checklist – 7 Steps to a Greener Mosque
Consumerism, Ecology and the Sabbath

The post Islam and Sustainable Development, A Book Covering These New Worldviews appeared first on Green Prophet.

In no particular order:

1. Senad Hadzic. The Bosnian man (above) who walked 3,600 miles and crossed six borders over 314 days to get to Mekkah in time for Hajj. Putting aside the agonising blisters, seriously cold European weather and having to slum it for almost a year, this actually sounds like a lot of fun… wait a minute. Yep, you got to hand it to Senad Hadzic for the dedication.

2. Water Portraits by photographer Peter Holmes in which he basically dumps the amount of water a person uses in an hour on them based on the national rates of water use. And all in the name of water conservation too. The Moroccan guy above got splashed with 4.5 litres which is actually nothing compared to the literally eye-watering 32 litres the average person from California uses. There were however no second takes which I am sure the subjects appreciated!

3. Rafea – Solar Mama.  An award-winning documentary has being made about the inspiring  woman from Jordan who travelled to India to learn to become a solar engineer. Back in 2011, I spoke to Rafea Abdul Hamid who is the focus of the film, so you may recall that she is in fact still struggling to establish solar power in her village. But you can help by donating via the Barefoot College website. Seriously, you have to consider it for an Xmas present or an new year’s gift (‘cos they really do exist), or maybe for someone’s  birthday…

4. Easkey Britton, a surfing champion and passionate environmentalist, became the first women to surf the Iranian waves. That’s all you need to know.

5. Muslim Beekeepers Start Project in London Mosque. When Kingston mosque in London introduced between 10,000 and 15,000 bees onto its premises last summer, the congregation was naturally quite concerned. Would it be safe? Would bee swarms gather at the mosque? Would it be dangerous for children? However, once local beekeeper Munir Ravalia explained that the beehive wouldn’t be a health and safety risk on the roof, they were pretty eager to find out more…

My top five shout out also goes to some truly inspiring people including: Mario Cucinella and all those working on Gaza’s green schools, the newly formed Arab Youth Climate Movement, the award-winning Iraqi mud architect Selma Samar Damluji, the Jordanian campaigners who worked to stop nuclear power and also Comet-ME for all their hard work under very difficult circumstances. Keep your heads held high.

The post 5 Inspiring Green Prophet Stories and People Of 2012 appeared first on Green Prophet.

We speak to Muaz Nasir about his faith-focused environmental work in Canada and why the Muslim community can’t afford to sideline climate change

“The environment is something everyone should be concerned about as climate change, water scarcity and pollution are issues that do not discriminate based on faith:” That’s Muaz Nasir’s response to what he likes to call constructive criticism that the Muslim Ummah focus its energies on ‘bigger issues’ rather than climate change.

Personally, I can’t imagine a ‘bigger issue’ then the future of our planet but I completely accept that this realisation hasn’t quite reached the wider Muslim community. Ground-breaking policies such as the Muslim Seven Year Action Plan on Climate Change were impressive but as Nasir points out, but they failed to “develop the necessary research or resources that would push the climate agenda into the mainstream Muslim community.”

As such, any progress has been slow and the product of hard working individual campaigners rather than national policies. Read on for more about the Muslim-environmental movement in Canada, Nasir’s green Muslim website Khaleafa.com and how he getting mosques to ‘Ban the Bottle’ among other green ideas he is working to implement in the Muslim community – ideas which can spread around the world. 

Firstly, could you tell us a little about yourself, your background and what brought you to the environmental work you at Khaleafa.com?

My name is Muaz Nasir and I am the editor of the Muslim-environmental blog khaleafa.com. I would like to say that I always had a long-standing passion for everything environmental, but it was not until university that I really started to consider myself an environmentalist. Throughout my life I felt I did have a connection with the natural world. I always recycled, conserved energy, enjoyed being outdoors and and had an appreciation for farming; but I never considered myself as part of a larger movement. It was a first-year introductory course in environmental science that spurred my interest that later led me to specialize in the field in both my undergraduate and graduate studies. Since then my professional career has been predominantly in the environmental field within non-profit, private, government and institutional sectors.

How and why did you start off Khaleafa.com?

Over the years I attended many environmental events where I was asked about the Muslim perspective on environmentalism. Many wanted to know what Islam had to say about conservation, animal rights and fair trade, as well what activities the Muslim community was involved in. There were other amazing Muslim environmental websites available, however many were based in Europe or the Middle East, and did not reflect some of the challenges and issues faced in North America. So it was out of this need for discussion that Khaleafa.com was born.

What have been the responses to Khaleafa.com – have you had to face any negative reactions or had to deal with climate sceptics?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive for the most part. I try to keep my articles as neutral as possible, and encourage contributors to base their arguments on facts and to justify their opinions with reference to the Quran, Hadith and Sunnah. This allows readers to formulate their own opinions with the information provided. The articles have been well received and featured on various websites including SuhaibWebb, IslamOnline and recently Productive Muslim.

There has been some negative feedback as well, mainly in the form of constructive criticism but also from individuals who feel that Muslims should be investing their resources to deal with bigger issues facing the Ummah. While I understand the direction they are coming from, my response has been that the environment is something everyone should be concerned about as climate change, water scarcity and pollution are issues that do not discriminate based on faith. We all have a collective obligation to ensure that we leave the planet in better condition for future generations and that we do not waste the resources Allah has blessed upon us.

I understand you are based in Toronto. Could you tell us about the state of the environmental movement in the country with a special focus on its engagement with the Muslim community

The environmental movement has changed considerably over the last several years. In Canada the tar-sands have become a big driver of our economy and there have been ongoing disputes over the creation of new pipelines through sensitive habitats. This has shaped policy development at the federal level and the environmental movement has been on the defensive after the passage of new legislation. Despite this, environmentalism continues to grow within the Muslim community. Islamic organizations are installing solar panels and building community gardens. They are evaluating themselves and asking questions about the food we eat, the waste we produce and the environmental and social impacts of the products we purchase. Young Muslims have played an integral role in the development of this movement and organizations such as CivicMuslims have raised the environmental profile within the community here in Toronto.

What do you think are the barriers holding the Muslim community from fully engaging with the climate change agenda?

I think there is a general lack of awareness of the severity of climate change as well as what actions individuals can do to decrease their carbon footprint. The issue is just not on the radar of many Islamic institutions here in North America as it is in Europe. The Muslim community in Canada is fairly young, so there are understandably competing priorities, such as establishing their families and integrating into the broader society; which often takes precedence over the climate change agenda. This is beginning to change as weather patterns shift and the trends in the climate become more visible.

Proudest moments of Khaleafa so far and why?

This past Spring, Khaleafa.com launched a successful Green Khutbah Campaign to coincide with Earth Day which garnered the support of over 75 Imams/Organizations across North America, Europe and Africa. The campaign posed a challenge to Muslims to become stewards of the Earth by making changes to their daily routines and encouraged mosques, schools, universities and Islamic Institutions in North America to devote their Friday Khutbah to raise awareness on the environmental challenges facing humanity. The campaign was designed to be a local initiative, but it quickly went viral and over the course of only two weeks we had e-mails of support coming in from across the world. It was uplifting to see that one simple campaign had such a large impact globally and it renewed my commitment to the cause.

Recently, Khaleafa.com was nominated for the Brass Crescent Award for “Best New Blog.” It is humbling to be considered alongside such great writers in this category, and to be recognized for all the work we did this past year. The support from friends and family has also been amazing as well as the readers like and share the articles through Facebook. Even if we do not win, I am glad to know that the environmental message is still getting out there.

[Arwa: Polls close on the 21st of October so you can still vote for Khaleafa.com here.]

What you would change if you ruled the world for a day?

That is an ambitious question! There are many things I would like to change in the world such as alleviating world poverty, ending the destruction of our natural areas and eliminating animal cruelty, but a lot of these issues cannot be changed overnight. If I were in charge for one day I would encourage the world to live by the principles of Muhammad (SAW) such as showing respect, humility and integrity towards the environment and their dealings with their fellow man. I really do believe that fostering a closer connection to nature from a spiritual perspective can alleviate the social, environmental and ecological issues that face society today.

Any upcoming plans or projects that we can look forward to?

This fall there are plans to expand the environmental movement into mosques with the launch of the “Ban the Bottle” campaign targeting disposable water bottles in Islamic institutions. This will include providing promotional material, resources and educational tools for organizations considering alternatives to bottled water. There will also be the launch of a new series profiling Canadian mosques and will highlight some of the creative and unique environmental projects that Muslims are already engaged in.

For more on Muslim campaigners see:
What Can Islam Do for the Environment? Lots, Actually…
Host Greener Iftars at Mosque says Imam Zaid Shakir (VIDEO)
Sharing Eden – Green Teachings From Muslims, Jews and Christians
Sofiah Jamil  Talks Faith, Women and Climate Justice
London Mosques Start Beekeeping Trend – Interview
Green Muslims Top ‘Muslim 500’ List

The post Green Muslim Blogger Muaz Nasir Says Spiritual Connection With Nature Is Key (INTERVIEW) appeared first on Green Prophet.

Faiza Hussain, who has started a small online business selling halal and organic skincare products, tells us why she ditched the chemical-laden products she used to love

Like most women, Faiza Hussain’s fascination with creams, lotions and potions started at a young age. As a teenager she had a collection of skincare products she adored but as the years went by, she became a mother and a wife and also began to wonder what exactly was in the products that were going into her skin. After some research, she found out that lots of products contained alcohol and animal fats (including pork substance) as well as chemicals that were known to cause irritation to sensitive skin. So she began to make her own all halal and organic products for her young family. Soon her friends and family were asking for more and so ‘Halal & Organic’, her online shop, was born. 

“Halal & Organic uses alternatives to alcohol such at Ethanol/ Ethyl and animal fats (including that from Lanolin which is a form of halal alcohol derived from animal fats and animal content such as sheep) which are heavily used within the skincare industry,” explains Faiza Hussain who has a BA Human Resource Management. “Some chemicals are known to cause irritation to sensitive skin, whereas others remove natural oils from the skin which is important to keep the skin hydrated preventing dryness.”

The range she put together takes these issues into consideration and is consequently non-alcoholic, animal fat-free, Vegan, Vegetarian and preservative-free. It is also against animal testing and instead uses natural ingredients that are trialled out by volunteers.

As such, Faiza Hussain is keen to highlight that the range isn’t just for Muslims. She explains that it appeals to everybody who is concerned about the kind of chemicals in their skincare products and is eager to give something more natural a go.

The Halal & Organic range includes moisturisers, skin scrubs, oils and also a range of baby products. “We receive great feedback Alhumdullilah and whilst an online store is suitable for now as it is a small business from London, maybe one day (god willing) we’ll open a store or branch out to retailers supporting the same ideas,” adds Faiza.

Halal & Organic joins a growing selection of Muslim skincare ranges that are halal and green. OnePure, which caters mainly to the Gulf consumer is certified halal and Saaf, offers organic skincare products and oils. Samina Pure Makeup is based in the UK and offers natural mineral makeup without the use of harsh chemicals, parabens, alcohol and animal products.

For more on organic skincare see:
OnePure, A First in Halal Eco Skincare Products
5 Things to Avoid to Keep Your Complexion Healthy
Dye Your Hair Naturally with Henna
5 Natural Ways to Keep Your Skin Beautiful

The post Halal & Organic – The Skincare Range That Cares About The Planet appeared first on Green Prophet.

Khaleafa, an Eco Islam blog created by Muaz Nasir, has been nominated for the Brass Crescent ‘Best New Blog’ Award

Over the last year, I’ve stumbled across lots of great posts from the Khaleafa blog exploring the Islamic approach to environmentalism on my internet travels. As such, it’s great to hear that the site has been nominated for the annual Brass Crescent ‘Best New Blog’ Award. Created by Toronto-based Muaz Nasir, the site looks at green topics ranging from healthy eating, the environmental movement in America, eco-Islam and also hosts green inter-faith events. If you’d like to see the site win ‘Best New Blog’ then you have until the 21st of October to cast your ballot!

Writing on the blog, Muaz Nasir said it was humbling to be considered for the category alongside such great writers and hoped for the continued support of the blog’s readers. The Brass Crescent Awards were created in 2004 with the purpose of promoting the best writing across the Muslim web. The awards have now grown to be the most anticipated within the Muslim blogosphere.

Khaleafa.com was created with the goal of “reigniting the discourse surrounding the Islamic approach to environmentalism” and has had contributions from academics, religious scholars and activists within the Muslim community. As well writing about the importance of environmental action, the site has brought together community activists to explore how they implement environmental initiatives in a diverse society.

“The term ‘Khaleafa’ is the Arabic term for steward and represents the sacred responsibility that has been bestowed upon us by Allah. The concept of stewardship is the inspiration of this project and has formed for the foundation for discussion of the environmental ideals already present within the Islamic faith.”

Khaleafa also ran a successful Green Khutbah Campaign to coincide with Earth Day which garnered the support of over 75 Imams/Organizations across North America, Europe and Africa. This campaign encouraged mosques, schools, universities and Islamic Institutions in North America to devote their Friday Khutbah (sermon) to raising awareness on the environmental challenges facing humanity. An interfaith event was also hosted recently by Khaleafa to highlight the sanctity of water and provide practical information to help faith groups preserve water. The event drew over 50 attendees from a variety of congregations and faith groups.

Polls close end of day Sunday, October 21, 2012! 9 pm (Mon) PST, 12 am (Tue) EST, 5 am (Tue) GMT. To cast your ballot- click here.

For more green Muslims see: 

Cambridge’s Eco Mosque Granted Permission (PHOTOS)

Iftar Guide – Breaking the Ramadan Fast Sustainably

Film Review: ‘The Blessed Tree’ – An Interfaith Meeting Under The Shade of Nature

The post Khaleafa: New Green Muslim Blog Nominated For Prestigious Award appeared first on Green Prophet.

Years after it was first announced, the Cambridge eco mosque has finally received planning permission.

Back in 2010, we reported that the Cambridge Muslim community was planning to build Europe’s first eco mosque which would minimise carbon emissions and maximise the role faith has to play in environmental protection. Years on and the plans which were drawn up by Marks Barfield Architects have finally been approved. The mosque committee is now in fundraising mode and has already raised 19% of the money needed to build the mosque – or as they put it, 67,832 of the 350,000 bricks needed to construct the mosque have been paid for.

The Muslim Academic Trust, the UK charity promoting the new mosque development said they were delighted that their plans had been approved. “This is wonderful news for Cambridge,” said Tim Winter, Chair of the Trust, who has been leading the project since the site was bought in April 2008. “Cambridge is one of Britain’s great international cities, welcoming thousands of overseas students and academics every year, many of them of Muslim heritage. It’s tragic that there is still no significant purpose-built mosque to accommodate this community… Now a solution is in sight.”

The mosque will incorporate many green features including a large community garden which will be created by world-leading landscape designer Emma Clark. As Tim Winters explains, this will be a much needed green lung and oasis for the run-down part of Cambridge.

The mosque will also include a teaching zone for the entire community, a cafe with a garden terrace, an art exhibition space and a performance area.

The Trust added: “Reflecting Islam’s contribution to contemporary debates over sustainability, the mosque will incorporate significant design features which will minimise carbon emission and emphasise the role of faith in promoting responsible management of the earth’s resources.” These include heat pumps, water recycling, natural ventilation and lighting and a sedum roof. They will also be dedicated areas to support the nesting of local bird species and facilities provided for cyclists.

To support this project and donate, go to Cambridge Mosque is Moving.

For more on Eco Mosques see:
5 Spectacular Eco Mosques Of the World
The Eco-Mosque Checklist: 7 Steps To A Greener Mosque
All New Mosques In Qatar Will be Eco-Mosques

The post Cambridge’s Eco Mosque Finally Granted Permission (PHOTOS) appeared first on Green Prophet.

From vegetarian recipes to cutting out plastic, Arwa puts together a Green Iftar Guide to make your Ramadan a little more eco-friendly

Ramadan is a time of reflection, spiritual re-focus and self-improvement. It’s a time to look back on the person you are, the way you live your life and to think about bad habits you want to leave behind and new habits you want to embrace. As such, trying out a green could be the first step you take towards a more ethical and environmentally-friendly life. Realising the waste that occurs during Iftar (breaking of fast) and doing something to tackle it will hopefully inspire you to take more green action in your everyday life. Whether that is growing your own food, using more sustainable forms of travel or limiting your waste – this green step during Ramadan will inshalla be the first of many.

What I want you to ask yourself is whether these were as green as you would have liked? Did you throw away food? Did you use Fairtrade goods where you could? Are you cutting down your meat intake and trying new scrumptious veggie recipes? Have you been avoiding plastic cups and plates even though they ease your post-Iftar washing up load? Want to do better? Well, here’s our Green Iftar Guide to help make those next 23 Iftars a little greener.

1. Cut Food Waste

At a time when we as Muslims are supposed to remember the many blessings that god has bestowed upon us, it amazes me how much food we are still throwing away. In the United Arab Emirates alone, it is believed that 500 tonnes of food are wasted every year during Ramadan. And yet, there are simple steps that everyone can take to stop this mountain of food being thrown away. Don’t ever shop when you are hungry, buy less, cook less (around a third less then you think you need), store your food properly and don’t make fresh food when you have perfectly yummy leftovers that just need a little freshening up.

2. Bring Your Own Plate

Styrofoam-filled bins are a familiar sight at most mosques during Ramadan as public Iftars tend to involve piles and piles of plastics cups, plates and cutlery. As plastic is hugely toxic to the land where it is eventually dumped, however, we need to change our reliance on it. The best way to avoid plastic is to ask people to bring their own plates and cutlery. Not only does this cut out the plastic but it also means you can have better control over your portions and can avoid overeating. If you live in the US, you can also rent out this Zero-Waste Iftar kit from DC Green Muslims.

3. Embrace FairTrade

Trade justice is an important principle in Islam and Muslims have a responsibility to ensure that they do not consume products that contribute towards injustice. However, very few make sure that the food they buy has been traded fairly – you can change that this Ramadan by trying out FairTrade products like dates, almonds, juices and fruits. In the Qur’an it reads: “Give full measure and full weight in justice, and wrong not people in respect of their goods” (11:85). So why not support Fairtrade during your Iftar and raise awareness of the importance of ethical consumption and fair trade in the Muslim community.

4. Go Vegetarian

Despite popular belief, vegetarian dishes don’t have to be dull. In fact, not eating meat means that you have to get a little creative and include lots of bean, nuts and vegetables into the mix. If you want to keep to the Middle Eastern theme, there are some great traditional veggie dishes such as Mujadera, Tabbouleh and that’s not including a plethera of lovely hot soups, sticky sweets and yummy pastries. Check out our guide to the best vegetarian Ramadan recipes from the Middle East.

5. Eco-Mosque Checklist

To help build on your green Iftar actions, you could look at greening your local masjid and raising the environmental-awareness of your local community. The best way to start is with an inclusive green message during a khutbah or through posters at key areas of the mosque. Hosting green events or even green Iftars to get people talking about the issues in a more open and friendly environment is also a great idea. The next steps could include looking at water and energy usage in the mosque and cutting that down as well as encouraging people to travel to prayers using more sustainable modes. MADE, a UK-organisation which is leading a campaign for an ethical and FairTrade Ramadan is also hosting ethical Iftars in London, Birmingham and (possibly) in Manchester too. See here for the full details.

Please let us know how your green Iftar goes and Ramadan Mubarak!

For more on having a green Ramadan see:
Vegetarian Ramadan Recipes From the Middle East
Ramadan Food Waste and Green Tips for Cutting It Down
Break Your Ramadan Fast with FairTrade
The Eco-Mosque Checklist – 7 Steps To A Greener Mosque
Embracing A Greener Ramadan

Image of compost fruit via Shutterstock.com. : Image of Madrassah in Bukhara, Uzbekistan via Shutterstock.com :: Top image of Harira Traditional Maghreb Soup via Shutterstock.com

The post 5 ways to uplift and green your Ramadan Iftar (fast) appeared first on Green Prophet.

Green iftars, and sustainable ways Muslims can approach the holy month of Ramadan.

The holiest month of the Islamic year, Ramadan, occurs in a new month every year because the Muslim calendar follows the lunar cycle, not the sun. This Ramadan, many Muslims are looking at a new dimension of the month: our impact on the earth.

This is particularly important as we learn more about the effects of climate change, dwindling resources and, most importantly, decreasing access to fresh water around the world, which is a growing concern in many Muslim communities and countries.

Muslims believe that God has asked them to abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. In addition to fasting, Muslims around the world aspire to attain spiritual contentment and come closer to God through increased prayer, meditation, helping others and self-reflection.

While fasting is the most well known aspect of the month, it is also a time to be more aware of the universal principles of mercy, compassion and respect for the Earth that our faith teaches.

In the Quran, God states that he has placed humanity as a “vicegerent on Earth” (2:30). Accordingly, Muslims believe that humans are called to protect, cherish, care for and respect the Earth and all of God’s creation within it. This theme was echoed in the life of the Prophet Muhammad. In one of his famous sayings, he states that even if the end of the world comes when you are in the middle of planting a tree, you should continue to plant it.

Sustainable iftars and mosques

During Ramadan, Muslims in the United States have been finding ways to make Ramadan more “green”, or environmentally sustainable, and reduce their impact on the earth. Nightly iftars, when Muslims break the fast, play an especially important role in this.

Throughout Ramadan Muslims gather for community iftars every night, with larger gatherings usually held at local mosques, sometimes with hundreds of individuals in attendance. Many Muslims have begun holding “Green Iftars,” also referred to as “Zero Trash Iftars”, which provide an alternative to discarding hundreds of pieces of disposable plates, cups, utensils and even food. Groups that implement the practice of “Green Iftars” make use of reusable or recyclable materials and aim to avoid any waste.

Some mosques, like Dar Al Hijrah and Adams Center, both located in Northern Virginia, educate their congregates on the importance of environmental sustainability and have set up recycling programmes to educate their members.

Other Muslims take a more personal route, striving to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily lives. Many individuals follow the Prophet’s advice that Muslims should only fill one-third of their stomachs with food, with one-third reserved for liquid and the final one-third for air, minimising the amount they consume.

Many also make conscious efforts to conserve water to the last drop, especially during the ritual ablution (called wudu) that Muslims perform before prayer. The conservation of water is a recurring theme within Islamic teachings.

In addition to avoiding wasteful practices regarding food and water, many Muslims also take stock of material possessions, reflecting on what is really needed and how our consumption patterns affect the world around us.

The Prophet emphasised to his followers that the act of giving up food and drink loses its significance without personal evaluation. Essentially, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on this question: what is the point of the physical act of fasting if our actions and words go unchanged?

While there are many higher values that Muslims strive to adhere to in their daily lives, the values of environmental consciousness and stewardship are particularly relevant during this month.

Now is the time for us to encourage ourselves, and those around us, to be the best possible stewards of the earth and to live as individuals who are compassionate and respectful toward the diverse and beautiful aspects of God’s creation. As humans, we are responsible for the world around us and we have a duty to strive to make the changes we wish to see.

If all of us, regardless of our faith tradition, were able to take stock of our personal connection with nature, and our consumption patterns, surely the world would be a different and much better place.

This article was written in 2012 by Ryan Strom, then the Communications Manager for Green Muslims, a DC-based organisation that seeks “to provide a unique and organic source of environmental leadership, inspiration, awareness, and direct action within Muslim communities.” 

Update by Green Prophet editors 2023: this calendar from Green Muslims in 2022 lists some ideas for each day of the month. Not much has changed in the world with what we can do, since then. A few we pulled out:

• Green your investment portfolio – invest in companies that create renewable energy, for instance.
• Plant a vegetable garden, or start a community garden.
• Join your mosque’s green team or start one.
• Eat less
• Look for more natural home cleaning projects.

The post Sustainable Ramadan how-to guide appeared first on Green Prophet.