Environmental Management and Sustainability: Quranic Paradigm

Abstract

Environmental management and protection has become a global challenge in contemporary times. Man‟s enactment of modern science and technology has led him to exploit the natural resources. The violent manipulation of the natural bounties by modern man is causing disorder, disturbance, degradation and imbalance in ecological system of Earth. No doubt, Modern science and technology has made man`s life easy, luxury and comfortable. But on the other side, natural ecological system of planet Earth has been degraded severely. Current condition of environmental degradation is an enormous peril to human life and other living beings. Use of fossil fuels for energy needs is one of the main causes of current environmental issue. Latest environmental research reports show that life of present humans and future generations is at the risk of climate change consequences. Therefore, it is the very need of time to take effective measures to solve alarming issue of environmental changes. Environmental management has been included in seventeen sustainable development goals (SDGs) issued by UNO. No doubt, International Community has focused on climate change, environmental protection, natural resources management, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihood in modern times. However, religious guidance can play a solid role to protect Earth planet and its ecological system. Islam is an eco-friendly religion. Holy Quran is a divine scripture that provides comprehensive guidelines and precautions for management of natural environment. Various Quranic verses strictly prevent anti-eco activities (Fasad) and mismanagement of environment. The man has been made vicegerent of Earth by Allah almighty. So, it is the very duty of man tocare of Earth planet and manage its environmental conservation. The main objective of the study is to elucidate the Quranic paradigm of environmental management and sustainable development in modern times. The research work provides a comprehensive analysis of environmental conservation management and sustainability in the light of Quranic perspectives.