As we enter the blessed month of Ramadan, it is important to remember that this month is not just about refraining from food/drink for one month, but it also teaches us about reducing our overall consumption, ultimately to preserve the bounties of our beautiful planet.

The Bahu Trust have released an easy to read booklet and ‘Guide to an Eco Conscious Ramadan’, authored by Kamran Shezad. It highlights many important reminders including-

The Prophet’s ﷺ simple fast:

In comparison to how our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم fasted, we should reflect on our own fasting. We may spend the entire day refraining from food and water but in its place it is common practice that we end up cooking a lot more during Iftar times. It is also common occurrence to consume electronic gadgets, regularly going shopping and using our cars more often.

Globally, overconsumption of food and other resources is destroying the planet, it is increasing the rate of climate breakdown and creating more air pollution. It exhausts the planet’s life support systems like the ones that provide us with fresh water and leaves us short of materials critical to our health and quality of life.

There is an immense deepness and importance in the relationship between the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم ,Ramadan and using this month as a catalyst for the how we continue to live our lives.

How you can reduce waste in food, energy, water and transport:

Food is a blessing from Allah Almighty. The Quran teaches us to not only enjoy the food He has provided for us but also to make sure we are not spreading ‘corruption’ on earth through our food habits.

Whilst we refrain from food and drink during the day in the month of Ramadan, quite often we still use excess water without realising. This may be through excess food preparation, washing and even when performing ablution. Water is a finite resource that is under pressure everywhere. Water wastage has a detrimental effect on our environment.

We don’t see it but our cars are an invisible danger to others. Fasting in the month Ramadan is important because it helps in cleansing our thoughts, our hearts, our minds, our bodies and our souls. If we are contributing towards polluting ours and other people’s lungs, we lose the essence of what we are trying to achieve in this blessed month. Please take some time to consider the potentially harmful effects of our vehicles fumes every time we unnecessarily take our car to the mosque or to the shop.

Charitable Giving & using Zakah to support people impacted by climate change:

During Ramadan, Muslims support so many wonderful causes around the world to help those in need. However, although we give so much in charity, on the other hand our lifestyles are a significant factor in causing climate change. As a consequence of this, it is the poorest in the world who are suffering the most. Climate change causes floods, famines, droughts, displacement, disease and death for these people.

The power of dua:

Quite often we pray for our worldly desires, we pray to Allah Almighty to give us success in our work, our families, we pray for people around us and even those who lack justice around the world. At a time when the earth is suffering from deforestation, melting ice caps, ocean pollution, loss of biodiversity, we should also remember that every living creature should also be remembered in your duas. Pray for the
trees being cut down in greed, pray for the fish suffering in polluted oceans, pray for species that are on the brink of extinction. Also don’t forget the poorest amongst us who are most impacted, those who are suffering as a result of famine and drought, affected by flooding and those who are displaced and forced to leave their homes as a result of climate change.

Click here to access the free resource on how to have an Eco Friendly Ramadan 2022.

We encourage you all to go through it with your family, children and community to share the benefits of these valuable reminders.