Definition of Nature in Western Perspective and Islamic Perspective
Nature in Cambridge Dictionary is defined all the animals, plants, rocks, etc. in the world and all the features, forces, and processes that happen or exist independently of people, such as the weather, the sea, mountains, the production of young animals or plants, and growth. Generally, nature defines all the creatures in this world that processes system in its unit. On Saturday, October 22, in the year 4004 BC at six o’clock in the evening God created heaven and earth, and in the days that followed, He created plants, animals, and human beings. This was the opinion of Archbishop Ussher, memorable seventeenth-century Irish church historian . The Islamic view of nature has its roots in the Quran, the very word of God and the basis of Islam. The following passages from the Quran illustrate the relationship between nature and man and how this relationship inspires Muslim scholars to study natural phenomenon, in order to understand God (Wersal, 1995). The following verses also show the way the Quran presents the whole universe: 464 Islamic view of nature and values We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, merely in (idle) sport; we created them not except for just ends. But most of them do not understand (Surah Al-Dukhan 44: 38-39, [Ali, 1989, p. 1289]). Nature is in fact so well-knit and works with such regularity that it is the prime miracle of God, cited untiringly in the Quran. No being short of God could have built this vast and stable edifice.
Relationship Between Man and Nature Based on Holy Quran
Nature is the physical world, that is, the world with which we come into contact through our senses. In the Holy Quran, there are more than 750 verses in reference to natural phenomena. In the most of these verses, the study of the book creation and the meditation upon its contents has been recommended. As confirmed by many outstanding Islamic scholars, the Quran is not a book of natural science, but rather one of guidance and enlightenment. The Quranic reference to the natural phenomena is meant to call man’s attention to the might and glory of the Wise Creator of the universe through quest and meditation upon natural beings and to courage man to be close to Him. From the Quranic viewpoint, natural phenomena are signs of the Almighty, and through the understanding of sins we attain cognition of the Lord of signs: “And one of the signs is that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest in them, and He put between you love and compassion, most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect. And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your tongues and colour; most surely there are signs in this for the learned.” (30:21-22) . From the Quranic viewpoint, the cognition of nature is not a fruitful undertaking except when it helps us to understand the Wise Creator of this world and to attain close proximity to Him. Understanding nature can promote man’s insight towards the cognition of Allah and enables him to better utilize the gifts of Allah for his own eternal felicity and well-being. IMP
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Nature is One of the Blessings of Allah to Human Being
Nature belongs to the group of beings because it was created by Allah s.w.t. The creation of the universe is for human convenience and pleasure. The Word of God s.w.t. which means: “Do you not see that Allah has provided you with all the contents of heaven and earth?” (Surah Luqman: 20). Humans are commanded to utilize and prosper the universe created by Allah s.w.t. Therefore, prospering the universe by taking care of it and utilizing it well is also a worship rewarded by Allah s.w.t. Allah s.w.t. said in the Holy Quran that means: “And He has no ally in His government and He created everything, so He sets for him a certain (certain) rule.” (Surah al-Furqan: 2). Every creation of Allah s.w.t. that has a purpose. God's purpose in making the earth is to make man think of the creation of the earth as perfect and trust in His power. Besides for the convenience of human life in this world and to enable them to learn the knowledge of Allah s.w.t. In addition for humans to use the creation of Allah s.w.t. as a source of sustenance and science to build civilization. Next, to show the power, majesty and wisdom of Allah s.w.t. As a home for mankind and a place where they perform acts of worship to Allah s.w.t.
Nature’s Role in the Ecosystem of Life in the World
Nature plays an importance part in the ecosystem of living in this world. Many of the verses in the Quran mention the existence of order, coordination, and purpose in nature as evidences confirming the existence of the Wise, Omniscient Creator. These verses can be classified into several groups and one of them is that about the purpose itself. Verses that specify that the creation of the heavens and the earth was not in vain but had indeed some purpose behind it. For example; “And He it is Who has created heavens and the earth in truth…” (Surah 6:73). “What! Did you then think that We had created you in vain and that you shall not returned to Us?” (Surah 21:16) . As a human we are making legitimate uses of the means provided by God (for human beings). As in Quran said “And He it is who made the stars for you, that you might follow the right way hereby in the darkness of the land and the sea, truly We have made plain the signs for a people who know” (Surah 6:97) . On the other hand, nature provides many things in our life that help us to survive. Plus, in the current context, the term ecology is also associated with environmental discussions that refer to the interaction of living beings in the natural ecosystem . Humans really need fresh air in life. The Arab community of Mecca used to send their new born children to a quiet, clean and fresh environment. The Messenger of Allah himself is no exception where His Majesty grew up in the village of Bani Saad which has a much better air environment than the city of Mecca. As a result, he grew up as a healthy and well-adjusted teenager . In addition, the wind also plays a role in establishing a natural balance in the air by lowering the heat level and purifying the polluted air with foul odours .
Ways of Understanding Nature on Daily Basis
Nature are also living creature, created by Allah just like human. Therefore, we must try our best to understand nature as how we understand human being. Some Quranic verses tell us about the ways of understanding nature. We begin our discussion with glorious verse “ And God has brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers -you did know anything – and He gave you the hearing and the sight and the heart…” (Surah 16:78). It says that understanding is attained through eyes, ears and intellect. Here, from amongst external senses, only sight and hearing have been mentioned, because they are the main tools with the help of which one acquires knowledge of the physical world. However, one can deduce from the Holy Quran that the senses of taste, smell, and touch are also useful in giving us valuable information about the external world. Here I quote two verses: “So when they tasted of the tree, their shameful parts became manifest to them, and they both began to cover themselves with the leaves of the garden…” (Al-A’raf: 22). “And when the caravan had departed, their father said: Most surely I smell the scent of Yusuf, unless you pronounce me to be weak in judgement” (Surah 12:94). The word Fuw’ad has been interpreted as a means of perception and reasoning . Heart also been mentioned as means of understanding and perception.
Human Behaviour That Causes the Destruction of Nature
Man’s hands lately cause many destructions to our world. Disasters that plague the world today are the result of irresponsible human acts. The Word of Allah SWT means: 'And whatever causes you to suffer from a distress (or disaster), it is because of what you do (from wrongdoing and sin) and (in that case) Allah forgives most of your sins, your sins.” (Surah As-Shuara; 30) . Allah Almighty created the earth with great rules. The flowing water benefits people, animals and plants. If the system is disrupted, then there will be natural disasters that affect the Sunnatullah's ruling on this life. When natural resources are used in life, there are people who care and care about the ecosystem. Mountains, hills and forests are touted for profit . The chemical waste thrown into the river results in the loss of aquatic life. Environmental air is exposed to various forms of pollution. The word of Allah Almighty in the Quran means: 'There has been a great deal of damage and disasters on land and at sea with what has been done by human hands,' because Allah wants them to feel part of the reward of evils deeds they do it so that they may return (repent and repent).” (Surah ar-Rum: 41). The verse also states that all the damage done to land or to the oceans is due to human actions.
Man’s Ignorance Lead to Unsolved Problem
It is proved that humans are greedy just by looking at the nature nowadays. They belittle or ignore or even rebel against God, because they view the process of nature having self-sufficient causes, normally regarded by them as ultimate. They do not realize that the universe is a sign pointing to something “beyond” itself, something without which the universe, with all its natural causes, would be and could be nothing. The first problem is that people do not take the ordered universe to be a sign or a miracle at all, but rather look fir the interruption or suppression of natural processes in order to find miracles in God. Secondly, the far more importantly, the universe as a sign vanishes into nothing when “put aside” God, for beside God nothing at all has any inherent warrant to exist. That the earth supports people and does not sink, the heavens holding this immense space do not shred is itself miracle. Indeed, there could have been just empty nothingness instead of this plenitude of being, pure inanity instead of this richness of existence, but for the primordial act of God’s mercy. This plenitude of natural being is therefore itself “supernaturally” miraculous and the greatest of all miracles “for those who sincerely ponder and surrender their ears to listen.”. Therefore, it is very important that we make the best use of the resources available to enable future generations to live in a quality environment. However, the question arises as to how responsible we are in preserving this environment. Habits such as dumping garbage everywhere, dumping waste including chemicals directly into the sea and river, releasing factory smoke, filtering through forests, carrying out uncontrolled development activities, doing open burning and a variety of other activities will provide long-term effects on the environment such as rising temperatures, water source pollution, air pollution, floods, landslides, deforestation, flora and fauna extinction and unpredictable climatic changes that are affecting human life .
Man’s Responsibility to Protect Nature from Destroyed
“And (remember) when your Lord spoke to the Angels; Verily I will make you a caliph on the earth. They asked (the wisdom of the decree of the Lord): 'Do You (our Lord) desire to make the earth a calamity and a shedding of blood? God said: Verily I know that which ye know not.”. Allah say: “And (remember) when your Lord spoke to the angels.” (Surah 2:30) . Based on this verse it clearly stated that it is our responsibility to take care on our nature’s condition otherwise who else going to make sure that our Earth’s health? Verse above telling that Allah create human to be the leader that lead the ecosystem in the earth and make sure it is functioning as it is. Allah has given us the trust to be the khalifah on the Earth, yet we are not working as He wanted to. This is the main reasons why natural disaster are occurring everywhere, because of Allah’s wrath. Supposedly, we as the trustee must do a good job looking after the Earth which is dying nowadays, results from human activity. Plus, Allah has guide us by giving us the Al-Quran as manual to follow. In the Quran, Allah told us on how to take good care on nature which has given us many benefits in all perspectives whether health, incomes, shelter, protection etc. Men and nature need each other in order both to survive so why don’t we keep and maintain these huge blessings from the Wise Creator.
Methods on How to Take Care of Nature
Based on the results of study by the scientists, Earth is in a critical state and continue dying day by day. By that, we must act fast to endure this crisis before it reached the climax, which is a nightmare and a big loss to our as humans. First and foremost, most simple step, that is Do not throw garbage on the street, or in the park or natural areas. This preliminary step can prevent the pollution to the river and as a result we can have a clean water source without spending any money to build a filter or whatsoever that cleans the water. Besides, plant native trees and shrubs. By planting trees and shrubs that are native to your area, you’ll be working with the local ecosystem rather than against it . Check with your local nursery, or with your state’s cooperative extension agency, to learn more about the particular varieties of native plants that might thrive on your property. Planting native plants helps with water conservation. Once established, little or no irrigation should be needed for most well-placed native plants. You’ll be increasing the local biodiversity, establishing native pollinator and songbird habitats in your yard . Consider your transportation options. Before you fly, consider the option of driving. If you can drive, consider carpooling, or taking a train or public transportation. If you’re in the habit of driving or flying, you may be using unnecessary fossil fuels and negatively impacting the environment. If you’re going to fly, try to fly non-stop, as this will use less fuel. Consider walking anyplace less than a mile away. Try biking to nearby destinations. Look into telecommuting into work occasionally to conserve energy .
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