The Qur’an is the primary revelation in Islam, held to be the direct Word of God given to the Prophet Muhammad. The Qur’an affirms that God is the one Creator and Sovereign of the universe, has willed its right order and balance, and that all beings (not only humans) praise and glorify God. God has entrusted the care and guardianship of the Earth, Khulafa, to human beings to be good stewards caring for God’s creation, which we must not damage or waste.
Words of the Qur’an1
In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.
55.1. The Compassionate.
55.2. Has taught the Quran.
55.3. He created man.
55.4. And taught him clear expression.
55.5. The sun and the moon move according to plan.
55.6. And the stars and the trees prostrate themselves.
55.7. And the sky, He raised; and He set up the balance.
55.8. So do not transgress in the balance.
55.9. But maintain the weights with justice, and do not violate the balance.
55.10. And the Earth; He set up for the creatures.
55. 11. In it are fruits, and palms in clusters.
55.12. And grains in the blades, and fragrant plants.
55. 13. So which of your Lord’s marvels will you deny?
2.116. …His is everything in the heavens and the earth; all are obedient to Him.
2.117. Originator of the heavens and the Earth. Whenever He decrees a thing, He says to it, “Be,” and it becomes.
14.32. God is He Who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down water from the sky, and with it produces fruits for your sustenance. And He committed the ships to your service, sailing through the sea by His command, and He committed the rivers to your service.
14.33. And He committed the sun and the moon to your service, both continuously pursuing their courses, and He committed the night and the day to your service.
6. 38. There is no animal on land, nor a bird flying with its wings, but are communities like you.
22.18. Do you not realize that to God prostrates everyone in the heavens and everyone on Earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and the animals, and many of the people
24.41. Do you not realize that God is glorified by whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and even by the birds in formation? Each knows its prayer and its manner of praise. God knows well what they do.
24.42. To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and to God is the ultimate return.
24.43. Have you not seen how God propels the clouds, then brings them together, then piles them into a heap, and you see rain drops emerging from its midst? How He brings down loads of hail from the sky, striking with it whomever He wills, and diverting it from whomever He wills? The flash of its lightning almost snatches the sight away.
24.44. God alternates the night and the day. In that is a lesson for those who have insight.
24. 45. God created every living creature from water. Some of them crawl on their bellies, and some walk on two feet, and others walk on four. God creates whatever He wills. God is Capable of everything.
6. 165. It is He who made you guardians on the Earth, and raised some of you in ranks over others, in order to test you through what He has given you. Your Lord is Quick in retribution, and He is Forgiving and Merciful.
33.72. We offered the Trust to the heavens, and the earth, and the mountains; but they refused to bear it, and were apprehensive of it; but the human being accepted it.
30.41. Corruption has appeared on land and sea, because of what people’s hands have earned, in order to make them taste some of what they have done, so that they might return.
7. 31. O Children of Adam! … eat and drink, but do not be excessive. He does not love the excessive.
25. 63. The servants of the Merciful are those who walk the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace.”
From the Hadith or Traditions
The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: …”The whole earth has been made a mosque for us…”2
Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “There is non amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.”3
Alla’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said ‘This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as that of mine.’ So he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water, caughthole of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his good) deed and forgave him.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving animals?” He replied, “Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate.”4
Endnotes
[1] All selections from Quran in English, translated by Talal Itani, available in multiple formats.
[2] Sahih Muslim 522a; Book 5, Hadith 5, USC-MSA web; Book 4, Hadith 1060 (deprecated numbering scheme)
[3] Sahih al-Bukhari 2320; Book 41, Hadith 1; USC-MSA web (English ) reference, Vol. 3, Book 39, Hadith 513 (deprecated numbering scheme)
[4] Sahih al-Bukhari 2363; Book 42, Hadith 11; USC-MSA web (English) reference, Vol. 3, Book 40, Hadith 551 (deprecated numbering scheme); Collections of Hadith are available here.