As a Muslim… I am done with climate change — it’s a load of rubbish! (Part 1)
By: Khalil Yusuf Charles
Tags: Climate Change, Islam, Muslim, Climate Change Deniers

Although the title of this article implies I am a climate change skeptic or denier, I am not. If you read it again, and the rest of the article, you will realise the title reflects my decision to disengage with the issue of climate change as it is currently presented.

I am hoping, by the end of this short read, you will come to the same conclusion: Muslims practicing our religion, in the best way we can, takes precedence over choosing sides in a politically charged debate with disinformation about climate change on both sides.

Hence, supporting climate change could prove as futile as denying that it exists. Studies show the vast majority of those convinced by the climate change argument are not prepared to change lifestyles to help slow down the increase in global warming and CO2 emissions.

Certainly, if we do nothing as Muslims to practice the recommended lifestyle to improve the well being of people and our planet, it would be a gross dereliction of our duty.

It is our duty to worship Allah in the way shown to us by the Prophet (pbuh). That involves improving lives by mapping out the middle path and establishing balance and justice in the world. Our religion makes us leaders in the fight to prevent the negative effects of misusing and abusing the resources of the planet.

Muslim should avoid waste, behave ethically, manage clean water and make good use of resources not because of climate change, but because it is central to our faith! In other words, keeping things in moderation is part and parcel our practice of worshiping Allah. We should not need young Greta Thunberg, a 15 year old climate activist, to tell us what to do. Nor do we need to follow climate change activists in practices that appear to contradict our faith.

Muslims are advised to eat from what is good, lawful and not be excessive. Vegetarianism nor veganism nor eating vast quantities of meat are, therefore, not from our tradition

It would be a huge mistake to change the Muslim way of life brought to us through the example of the Prophet (pbuh) and replace with the lifestyle advocated by climate change activists and the like. We must, however, return to Islam by being less wasteful, less spendthrift, practicing sobriety for the sake of Allah

Our own agenda cannot be confused with the agenda of climate change advocates or deniers. Allah tells us that wastefulness is from the devil and the Prophet (pbuh) warns us against eating excessively, wasting food or using water excessively; even when making our ablutions. It is our collective duty not to sow chaos and disorder but to reform bringing about beauty and harmony.

Whatever the truth behind the issues of climate change, I frankly do not care! There are many contradictions and scaremongering tactics used on both sides. Our duty to maintain our dignity as Muslims and to push and practice our own values as they relate to protecting the environment.

O Allah! For now on, I promise to do everything possible to better practice my Deen. From today, I will be less wasteful, I will stop polluting the planet and I will better follow the practices of the Prophet (pbuh). Ameen

In part two, I will explore how best Muslims can follow the example of the Prophet (pbuh) to make the world and the planet a better place!