As a Muslim environmentalist, professor, and activist for over three decades, I have always held a deep respect and hope for the younger generation. When I read Zayna Syed’s piece, An Islamic Case for Climate Action: Can the Earth Testify Against Us?, I was reminded once again of why I place my trust in the future of this movement. Zayna is an exemplary reflection of that hope.
Her insightful analysis and ability to connect climate change with Islamic teachings on stewardship (khalifah) and responsibility highlight her intellectual depth and her passion for making a real difference. Zayna’s work resonates with my own long-held belief that the younger generation is crucial in driving the urgent change needed to address environmental challenges, particularly through the lens of faith and ethics.
Zayna’s thoughtful and well-researched approach demonstrates that the youth today, like her, possess the knowledge and the conviction to lead on this vital issue. I am truly encouraged by her voice in this global conversation, which reaffirms my belief that the future of environmentalism is in capable hands.
As a core member of Al-Mizan, I am confident that through their ideas and actions, they will bring the message of Al-Mizan to life and leave behind a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations.
A very important topic! I would view our faith based advocacy for Palestinian freedom and an end to colonization and apartheid as a direct link to improving climate change, despite it being an indirect consequence. I think a lot about the colonizers breathing in the air of exploded bombs and decaying bodies, and wonder how in their selfish land grab they fail to see the destroyed Earth and people they leave behind. Just yesterday we watched their non-native forests go up in ashes in an ironic backfire of their supposed interest in the Earth’s health. Politics and religion are directly intertwined with the biggest impacts on climate change. Many people I know ask: what difference does it make if I use a reusable straw when 5000 pound bombs are falling constantly, setting us all back by more than a gazillion plastic straws?
Thank you for this important comment Sarah! I wanted to include a few paragraphs about emissions from war. Alas, the essay was too long already!
Militaries contribute about 5% of global emissions, although I am sure this is an undercount. That's more than aviation, yet there's more focus on reducing flights than there is on war. Unfortunately, if the sanctity of human life can't convince people to stop war, I doubt that climate change will (as I am sure we all agree). It shows how climate again acts as a "risk multiplier." After the genocide ends inshallah in Gaza, how will the bombs affect the ability to produce crops, especially at a time when weather patterns are already changing? I also heard from someone in Gaza last year that the trees produced fruit at an unusual time. They saw it as a blessing from God. I am still thinking about this, and there is a lot more to be researched on the topic.
I also wanted to write about how solar energy has given Palestinians (and others) a form of energy independence. When the Israeli government wants to force Palestinians to leave their villages, it withholds or destroys services such as electricity and water. Instead of leaving, I saw how some Palestinians in Al Naqab have used solar panels to fill in the gaps.
Actually, I have a draft of an op-ed connecting the climate crisis to Palestine. I never published it but wanted to draw on a few concrete ways they are connected... Would be happy to share if you are interested :)
Thank you for writing this important piece. As a global health student also studying a little bit of sustainability on the side, this came at the perfect time. I’ve been thinking a lot about how Islam can fit into all of this and that my religion can be a source of strength in the environmental movement and environmental justice movement overall. 🌱✨
As a Muslim environmentalist, professor, and activist for over three decades, I have always held a deep respect and hope for the younger generation. When I read Zayna Syed’s piece, An Islamic Case for Climate Action: Can the Earth Testify Against Us?, I was reminded once again of why I place my trust in the future of this movement. Zayna is an exemplary reflection of that hope.
Her insightful analysis and ability to connect climate change with Islamic teachings on stewardship (khalifah) and responsibility highlight her intellectual depth and her passion for making a real difference. Zayna’s work resonates with my own long-held belief that the younger generation is crucial in driving the urgent change needed to address environmental challenges, particularly through the lens of faith and ethics.
Zayna’s thoughtful and well-researched approach demonstrates that the youth today, like her, possess the knowledge and the conviction to lead on this vital issue. I am truly encouraged by her voice in this global conversation, which reaffirms my belief that the future of environmentalism is in capable hands.
As a core member of Al-Mizan, I am confident that through their ideas and actions, they will bring the message of Al-Mizan to life and leave behind a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations.
Zayna, thank you!
ibrahim Ozdemir, Istanbul
A very important topic! I would view our faith based advocacy for Palestinian freedom and an end to colonization and apartheid as a direct link to improving climate change, despite it being an indirect consequence. I think a lot about the colonizers breathing in the air of exploded bombs and decaying bodies, and wonder how in their selfish land grab they fail to see the destroyed Earth and people they leave behind. Just yesterday we watched their non-native forests go up in ashes in an ironic backfire of their supposed interest in the Earth’s health. Politics and religion are directly intertwined with the biggest impacts on climate change. Many people I know ask: what difference does it make if I use a reusable straw when 5000 pound bombs are falling constantly, setting us all back by more than a gazillion plastic straws?
Thank you for this important comment Sarah! I wanted to include a few paragraphs about emissions from war. Alas, the essay was too long already!
Militaries contribute about 5% of global emissions, although I am sure this is an undercount. That's more than aviation, yet there's more focus on reducing flights than there is on war. Unfortunately, if the sanctity of human life can't convince people to stop war, I doubt that climate change will (as I am sure we all agree). It shows how climate again acts as a "risk multiplier." After the genocide ends inshallah in Gaza, how will the bombs affect the ability to produce crops, especially at a time when weather patterns are already changing? I also heard from someone in Gaza last year that the trees produced fruit at an unusual time. They saw it as a blessing from God. I am still thinking about this, and there is a lot more to be researched on the topic.
I also wanted to write about how solar energy has given Palestinians (and others) a form of energy independence. When the Israeli government wants to force Palestinians to leave their villages, it withholds or destroys services such as electricity and water. Instead of leaving, I saw how some Palestinians in Al Naqab have used solar panels to fill in the gaps.
Actually, I have a draft of an op-ed connecting the climate crisis to Palestine. I never published it but wanted to draw on a few concrete ways they are connected... Would be happy to share if you are interested :)
You should definitely publish! As Allah creates life from death, He can make Gaza and the Muslim lands flourish in more ways than one 🤲🏽🌹
Thank you for writing this important piece. As a global health student also studying a little bit of sustainability on the side, this came at the perfect time. I’ve been thinking a lot about how Islam can fit into all of this and that my religion can be a source of strength in the environmental movement and environmental justice movement overall. 🌱✨