Maintaining a Healthy Environment as Maintaining God’s Balance and Measure

According to Islam, Creation, which is a sign of God (Ayat Allah), is the book  of which Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) is the author. Thus, it is impossible for man to know Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) without knowing and observing what is in our surroundings. A closer look at al-Asma’ al-Husna (God’s Divine Names) which are found in the Holy Qur’an, reveals that al-Muhit (Who encompasses all things) is one of the ninety-nine names of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). This indicates that Almighty Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) encompasses all things and He is indeed close by, even though we do not comprehend the full significance of these terms.[1]

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says in the Qur’an:

“But to God belong all things in the heavens and on earth: and it is He who encompassed (muhit) all things.”[2]

Thus, the term Muhit also means environment. In a deeper sense, it is always true to say that God Himself is the Ultimate Environment which surrounds and encompasses all things.

Thus, knowledge about the environment becomes important and obligatory as the knowledge of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) or unity of God. Its understanding is instrumental in bringing us closer to God.

Interestingly, all environmental elements are complexly interlocked one to another so as to maintain the equilibrium of environment. It is Sunnat Allah to remain in this condition since it was created by Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) with justice.

If there is injustice in creation, it is impossible to remain in proper and systematic balance. This is because everything that is unjust will deviate from balance and then lead to decay and corruption.[3]

The way this equilibrium and justice was established is only known to Almighty Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).

It is obvious that the proportion, the measure and the balance of nature are known in the Qur’anic context as al-Mizan. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“And He has raised the Heaven; and He has set the Balance (therein) so that you exceed not the Balance. Observe the Balance with proportion, and don’t lose the Balance.”[4]

“Verily, all things have We created by measure.”[5]

The above Qur’anic verses indicate that whatever Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has created in this universe was created in due proportion and measure both quantitatively and qualitatively.

This concept is distinct enough. That is because it gives the values of unity, balance, order and harmony. According to the Mufassirun of the Holy  Qur’an, balance not only governs the structuring of the  universe, it has specified each element with its proper place and defined function.[6]

There is no doubt that this concept, which is set by the Qur’an, must be accepted at all. Now, it is incumbent upon us to clarify the law of conservation of “mass” which states that the total quantity of matter is always constant. In short, man can at best alter the shape and nature of any existence, but cannot make it nil, nor can he add or deduct from the existing amount without a corresponding loss or gain on the other side.[7]

Furthermore, this concept is true if man looks at himself in relation to other things which surround him on earth. He will observe that he lives in constant interaction with other forms of life and the physical elements of the environment, each of which components contributes to the functioning and balance of nature.