Almizani
A Call to Action: Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth Unveils an Islamic Approach to Environmental Stewardship at the United Nations Environment Assembly
Nairobi, Kenya, 27 February 2024 – At a moment where the Earth is facing unprecedented challenges, a ray of hope emerges from the heart of the Islamic world. Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth, a landmark document drafted by leading Islamic scholars from around the globe, presents a comprehensive Islamic outlook on ecological moral responsibility, urging collective action to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and protect our planet.
Al-Mizan is a powerful reminder that environmental stewardship is deeply embedded within the Islamic faith. Drawing upon rich theological and ethical principles, the Covenant outlines a path toward a more sustainable future guided by values of compassion, justice, and interconnectedness.
With its emphasis on the inherent sacredness of creation, Islam has always held environmental protection in high regard. The Qur'an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad abound with verses and guidance urging humanity to act as responsible "khalifahs," or stewards, of the Earth. Al-Mizan restores and reawakens this inherent responsibility, urging Muslims and the international community to rediscover their ecological duty and translate it into tangible action.
The launch of Al-Mizan will be held on the 27th of February as an adjunct to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) with the theme of "Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution". UNEA is the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment. The Covenant reflects on multilateralism as Islam embodies the value of diversity and promotes peace and dialogue between nations and recognizes that environmental challenges are complex and require a multifaceted approach. The launch will be addressed by the President of UNEA along with other high-level representatives of Islamic and other international organizations including H.E Hubertus van Megen, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to UNEP, Kenya and South Africa. It is to be noted that Al-Mizan is seen as an Islamic equivalent to Laudato Si of Pope Francis launched in 2015 seen as the most comprehensive Vatican document to date on environmentalism, ethics, and Christian faith.
Al-Mizan – A Covenant for the Earth is the work of a large group of Muslim eco theologians and scholars from across the globe who come from different Islamic backgrounds and who have extensive experience in faith based environmental and climate work. The initiative is led by the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences and facilitated by UNEP's Faith for Earth Coalition. Other key partners have included the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Uskudar University, Hamad University, Quranic Botanic Garden and Anaq el-Ard. The Covenant in addition to being endorsed by the Muslim Council of Elders, has been reviewed by more than 300 Islamic and international organizations.
Post launch, Al-Mizan will be bolstered by a viable strategy, outlining major priorities, represented by several initiatives including, the Al-Mizan Academy, decade of action, youth council and summit, global award of achievements, setting up of an Al-Mizan network and trust fund, organising global bi-annual conferences, mobilising mosques and community initiatives and much more.
"Al-Mizan is more than a document; it's a catalyst for change," said Iyad Abumoghli, Director of UNEP's Faith for Earth Coalition. "It provides a framework for individuals, communities, and institutions to translate Islamic values into concrete actions."
"While grounded in Islamic principles, Al-Mizan extends its message to people of all faiths and backgrounds. It underscores the urgent need for collective action across the globe, recognizing that environmental challenges transcend religious and cultural boundaries," he added.
Mr. Fazlun Khalid, Founder Director of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES) based in the UK said: "Al-Mizan as a guiding light, inspired by faith and fueled by responsibility, to build a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come".
"Al-Mizan represents a powerful voice, reminding us that the Islamic faith calls for active environmental stewardship," said Dr. Ibrahim Ozdemir, a member of the drafting team.
Al-Mizan includes an impressive list of Islamic values towards planet Earth. Mr. Othman Llewellyn, lead author of Al-Mizan said "Inspired by the concept of fitrah, our innate connection to nature, we pursue excellence (ihsan) in ecology, establishing Hima conservation zones to protect our environment for all generations. Our commitment to ihsan in ecology reflects our belief that environmental stewardship is a sacred trust (Amanah), an obligation bestowed upon us by the Divine."
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Notes for editors
Additional Resources:
www.almizan.earth
https://www.unep.org/al-mizan-covenant-earth
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Date: 28 February 2024 Comments: 0