On Balance

NEW 'COVENANT FOR THE EARTH' LAUNCHED AT UN ENVIRONMENT ASSEMBLY

An Islamic Environmental Charter, called 'Al-Mizan:Covenant for the Earth' (was launched today, 27th February 2024, at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi.

Arising out of a recognition for the need for spiritual guidance on current environmental challenges and reconnecting them with the teachings of Islam, Al-Mizan (meaning 'balance' or 'justice') is based around Islamic teachings that emphasize the balance, harmony, and stewardship of the Earth, and the principles which grew out of a holistic expression of life established by the Prophet Muhammad. Al-Mizan: Covenant for the Earth stresses the interconnectedness of all creation and calls upon individuals and communities to recognize their responsibility as stewards of the Earth and to act in ways that preserve and protect the natural world.

There are an estimated 1.8 billion Muslims in the world (around a quarter of the world's population) and the covenant's authors, a core team, convened by UNEP's Faith for Earth Coalition and comprising of top Islamic scholars and organisations, co-authored Al-Mizan to fill the need for an inclusive cultural platform in the Islamic world and to illustrate to each person individually, why and how they should be contributing towards resolving global crises. The charter also highlights the importance of culture and religion in driving behavioural change and demonstrates how Islam can be a driving force for sustainable development and environmental care.

"Environmentalism is deeply embedded in the veins of Islam. It is about personal behaviour and how it manifests itself in association with others and also about being considerate in our relationship with the natural world and other sentient beings."

Just like Pope Francis' encyclical 'Laudato Si', published in 2015, Al-Mizan is a global call to heed the cries of the earth whilst seeking to inspire billions of people from all religions in all parts of the world to tend to 'Our Common Home'. Al-Mizan calls Muslims and non-Muslims alike to embrace their role as custodians of the Earth and to work together for the future for all beings.