Frequently Asked Questions – Living Green Series
The Living Green Series takes us through our responsibilities towards green living and environmental stewardship. In this segment, the panel speakers answer some frequently asked questions.
At the end of the panel, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Leslie Adams, and Ustadh Amjad Tarsin answer some questions about environmentalism and living green.
Why isn’t environmentalism a more prominent issue in the Muslim community?
Every community goes through developmental stages, especially when they are a minority group. In terms of the Muslim community, the priority of the first generation immigrants were financial security, as well as building religious centres for their children’s sake. Similar to voting, these relatively new communities are addressing them a generation later, after their more pressing needs have been fulfilled.
Is there a connection between sin and environmental damage?
Yes, because sin comes from heedlessness, which is lack of concern. A lot of environmental damage comes from lack of concern and carelessness. For example, so much water and food is wasted because of our carelessness because we don’t realise the impact of what we are using.
How can we find out whether our smartphones, and other products, have been ethically produced?
Before buying anything, we should do our research as much as possible and find out whatever we can about that material. In addition, we should make an effort to seek change ourselves. For example, we could write to companies to express our concerns, and share our research within our social circles.
About the Series
What is the place of green and environmental stewardship in Islam? How does the Qur’an view concern for the environment? What is your responsibility towards the environment? Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin and Shaykh Ali Hani answer these are other critical questions by citing several prophetic traditions emphasising environmental consciousness and awareness.
Resources for Seekers
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/articles/featured-articles/seekershub-toronto-retreat-2018-planting-seeds-of-faith/
