subject

Islam - Harmony with Nature

topic

Conservation

grade

Three

time

30 minutes

objective

To enable students to understand the islamic view of conservation in nature.

instructional material

Read “The Island of the Animals” by Denys Johnson Davies

 

INTRODUCTION

Muslims are told that God created the planet Earth (and all its resources for man) in two days and the rest of the Universe in four days :

“For those who asked God, the Lord of the worlds, has created the Earth, set it on mountains and blessed it in two days and calculated its resources (provisions) in four full days.” (41:9-10)

“He has created cattle to provide you with clothing, food and other benefits.” (16:15)

“And He is the One who sends the wind, out of His compassion, to bring you good news, and sends down from the sky pure water for bringing dead land to life and for providing drinking water for many cattle and people.” (25:48-49)

Muslims are also told that God has entrusted us with managing the planet’s resources, living in harmony with our environment, and with other inhabitants of the Earth.  We are the ones who will be held accountable for what we do :

“With their own actions, people will cause pollution (harm, imbalance, damage, impurity, spoilage) in the land and the sea, so that God will make them taste the fruits of their deeds in order that humans not repeat their mistakes.” (30:41)

God has provided mankind with the resources needed to lead a healthy and happy life on the planet, provided that humans take care of the limited materials, animals, and other resources.  Man has the knowledge to correct mistakes, but must be able to take action as a society.  

DEVELOPMENT

Read “The Island of the Animals” by Denys Johnson Davies

REINFORCING ACTIVITIES

Ask students to draw their favourite part of the story.

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