From: Shireen Qudosi
Published November 19, 2009 06:28 AM
ISLAM’S GREEN INITIATIVE
The UK-based the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), in
working with the U.N., recently hosted 200 representatives from nine
major world religions spanning over 60 different religious
organizations.
Baha'i, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Shintoists,
Taoists and Sikhs all gathered at London's Windsor Castle with a united
environmental agenda.
In an era of increasing religious divide, a once little thought of topic
known as "the environment" was able to bring together ancient faith
groups to discuss a modern solution. And with Islam at the forefront of
today's news, Muslim leaders proved Islam’s ability to adapt and meet
new needs.
Under the newfound coalition toward eco-commitment and a Muslim Seven
Year Plan, Medina, Islam’s second most important city after Mecca, is to
serve as a model green city. This move is critical since Saudi Arabia is
essentially, for better or worse, presently the pillar of the Arab
nations.
Medina, "The City of the Prophet", is a strategic start pointing that
has the capacity to really launch a green campaign in neighboring
territories.
The Seven Year Plan was presented by the Sheikh Ali Goma'a, Egypt’s
Grand Mufti, who has already introduced the plan into his own city of
Dar Al Iftaa. Some key initiatives of the Seven Year Plan include:
* Develop and implement a "Green Hajj". With 2-3 million people visiting
Mecca during Hajj alone, transforming the experience into an
environmentally-friendly pilgrimage will reap immediate benefits.
* Construct a "green mosque" and introduce this model for other Islamic
buildings worldwide.
* In the first phase, develop 2-3 green model cities; in the second
phase, adapt ten other Muslim cities to implement the model.
* Integrate eco-awareness into Islamic education.
* Publish "green Qurans", printed on paper procured from sustainable
wood.
* Create a specialized TV channel focused on Islam and the environment.
* Create award and prize systems for excellence in this field.
The ultimate goal here, as with other faith groups, is to radically
redefine faith-based relationships with the environment. While the
"greenie" movement is still seen as a secular front by a number of
conservative groups, the world’s oldest religions with a following in
the billions will be able to bring much needed attention and authority
to an issue that has predated our recognition of it.
Faith groups also realize the inherent relationship they have with the
environment. Islam's Sufi Muslims have long been known to have a deep
reverence for nature.
However, despite regional shifts toward eco-awareness, ARC Secretary
General Martin Palmer accurately points out the difficultly in Islamic
groups face in changing what are essentially government policies. As
Palmer states, essentially Muslims groups will be "saying to Islamic
governments that this is how you should act Islamically." Palmer also
astutely notes that implementing green changes are possible if they can
be proven to be Islamic in nature. In anticipation of this obstacle,
plans are in effect to functionally launce the Muslim Association for
Climate Change Action (MACCA).
With 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, the Seven Year Plan not only paves
the way for increased interfaith cooperation, increased dialogue, but
will also have a considerable environmental impact. With faith as the
new foundation of a green movement, critical eco-issues have a new
audience and a new life force that has the potential to quickly propel
the issue forward — providing not only increased awareness but effective
and long lasting solutions to a growing number of environmental
concerns.
2009. Copyright Environmental News Network To
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