786/110
THE ECOLOGICAL catastrophe OF
GLOBAL WARMING
In the light of
"ISLAMIC PERCEPTION"
NAME: Abde-Syedna
TUS
Husain Murtaza Bhai
TR.NO: 2641/S
TAKHAS'SUSS: Fiqeh (islamic jurisprudence)
DARAJAH: Tasea'ah (9 )
th
1
‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم‬
1. INTRODUCTION
At present global warming is one of the most talked about issue all over the world, as it
is the biggest threat to the mankind. People, especially weather experts and scientists are
always busy in discussing about global warming and its effect on the world. Many
seminars, summits and awareness campaigns have been organized in all corners of the
globe to discuss about the consequences of the evil named global warming.
The ecological term of global warming means that the global surface temperatures
have risen chiefly because of a process called Greenhouse effect. In the Green house
effect, certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the Sun acting much like the glass
roof and the walls of Greenhouse. The heat trapping gases are called Greenhouse gases.
They include Methane (CH4) Nitrous-oxide (N2O) Ozone (O3), and a number of
industrial gases. But the gas that has produced the most warming is Carbon
dioxide.1Also, CFC share had been recognized as responsible for both severe damage to
the Ozone layer and potentially exacerbating global warming. 2
The ecological term of global warming could be better understood when elaborated
according to the "five principles of observations ", stated by al-Dai al Ajal Syedna
Ahmed Hamiduddin al -Kirmani RA.:
1. Analysis (Tehleel)
2. Classification (Taqseem)
3. Providing evidence (Burhan)
4. Defining (Had)
5. Presentation of the Structure (Tarkeeb) 3
All these principles could be easily applied in comprehending this concept (of global
warming) with the assistance of the questions framed by Imam Ahmed-al-Mastur AS.
(Refer appendix-1)
2. GLOBAL WARMING ACCORDING TO ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
1
Encyclopedia-WORLD BOOK-(Published in U.S.A)Pg no 232 a/b/c
Brown Paul –"Global Warming" (Published by Universities press 1999 A.D). page no.58
3 Syedna Ahmed Hamiduddin- al -Kirmani R.A.: Ma'asemul Huda: fasal no 54.Pg no 79
2
2
No one has ever discussed about global warming according to Islamic perception,
comprehensively. And the thought which initiated the interest to discuss about the present
environmental disaster of global warming according to Islamic observation, had been
derived from the bayan of al-Dai al-Ajal-Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS :
“The subject of environment seems relatively new today, yet a careful study of the
teachings of the prophets SA will show that this subject has been brought to the notice of
mankind many centuries back. The teachings of Islam can help us in overcoming the
problems of environment4.”
As taste and liking differs from person to person in the same way the perception and
observance towards this ecological crisis also differs. A philosophical stance of
environmentalists differs from the Islamic viewpoint. As philosophical stand-point of
environmentalists dictates that Allah Ta'aala, the Creator, has indeed been proven
wanting in the organization of different aspects of the universe, giving rise to the current
state of events. Imam Ahmed al-Mastur AS states that:
"The explanation of what pain and pleasure follows the souls through their beliefs,
knowledge, ignorance , morality and actions … When a human's deeds are evil and
actions ugly then his soul remains skeptical ,agitated and in pain …..And he who
believes that matters related to the universe have been poorly organized and that the
creator has left such matters on the threshold of languor has embarked upon a belief that
shall prove most detrimental to him. It thus behoves such men to relinquish such
perceptions and abstain from such beliefs"5.
An Islamic perception of the matter encourages such discussions as they are deemed
complimentary to the prestige of Islam, for it is Islam that harbours the capability to
produce viable solutions to such problems as al-Dai al-Ajal-Syedna Mohammed
Burhanuddin TUS states:
"Indeed the Muslim is today called upon to do all this, more than he was ever expected to
render before. Let us therefore endeavor to prove that Allah Ta'aala's Deen is fit for
application in all conditions and that it is a sure resort to be sought after under all
difficulties"6.
Thus, a differentiation between the perceptions of environmentalists and Islam is
subsequently necessitated.
4
Khulasato mujtama'-il- iman (published in 1412 A.H./1991 A.D.) page no.14
Imam Ahmed-al-Mastur A.S -Ikhwanus Safa (vol.3)Pg no 71
6 Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin : Address by al Dai –al – Fatemi Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin tus –
1402AH/1982AD(Colombo)pg no 2
5
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2.1. Environmentalists believe that Allah Ta'aala, the creator of this universe has refused to
intervene in the matter of global warming thus making human intervention the only
option. The Quran states:
Those who assume about Allah Ta'aala an assumption of evil nature, upon them as a
misfortune of evil nature: and Allah Ta'aala has become angry with them and prepared
for them Hell, and evil it is as a destination. (They believe in Allah Ta'aala that which is
not fit to be believed)7.
O you have believed; avoid much (negative) assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin.
(Even the faintest belief of such a nature is deemed sinful).8
Whereas, Islam emphasizes on a pristinely positive attitude towards the problem. An
attitude which denotes that Allah Ta'aala in all his creations is Aadil (just). His creations
are not in-vain. Islam also emphasizes a strong belief that Allah Ta'aala has created
everything in a state of balance and equilibrium. As Allah Ta'aala quotes:
It is the work of Allah Ta'aala who perfected all things. Indeed, He is acquainted with that
which you do.9
Indeed, all things we created with pre-destination. 10
And the earth-we have spread it and cast therein firmly set mountains and caused to grow
therein (something).of every well balanced thing.11
All that we observe in the world damaged and degraded is the product of human
malpractices. As Allah Ta'aala quotes:
Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by (reason of) what the hands of
people have earned so…12
2.2. Secondly, discussions related to the universe draw them closer and make them adhere
with more resolve to ideologies of nature and eventually lead them to the Ilhaad, the
denial of an Almighty creator (atheism). If there is an Allah Ta'aala why has he not
affected any change, imposed any solution? They argue.
Discussions and observances related to the universe strengthen the belief in Allah
Ta'aala and his awe-imbuing creations eventually leading to fortified Tawheed (the
absolute oneness of God).
7 Al-Quran-al-Majeed(Surah Al fatha verse 6)
8 Al-Quran-al-Majeed (Surah Al hojoraat verse 12).
9 Al-Quran-al-Majeed (Surah Annamal verse 88).
10Al-Quran-al-Majeed (Surah Alqamar verse 49).
11 Al-Quran-al-Majeed (surah Alhijr verse 19 )
12 Al-Quran-al-Majeed (surah Arroom verse 41)
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As ecology displays the evidence of the dependence of living species on the specific
environment to which Allah Ta'aala has located for each kind of living species. Thus, the
deep study of ecology precisely explains the fact that Allah Ta'aala alone independent of
everything in the universe and that every other thing visible or invisible survives on
mutual basis. This increases our understanding of Tawheed. But unfortunately the
scientists have failed to discover the core secret of all secrets and discoveries. This has
mystified the whole course of the scientific exploration. Quran tells the ultimate aim of
meaningful scientific exploration.13
"Behold! In the creation of the Heaven and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,there are indeed sign for men of understanding."14
2.3. Scientists and environmentalists assume that-"it is we who uphold the balance of
nature since Allah Ta'aala has refused to do so making it our responsibility to tend to
wellness of the planet". Thus, resulting in an egocentric state of mind and haughtiness.
According to Islam, Allah Ta'aala tends to all matters regarding to the universe. It is He
who has created the universe upon the basis of Fitrat and has further fortified his creation
with the placement of al-Shariat al- Mohammadiyah also constructed upon the columns
of Fitrat. Thus, a life style dictated by the prerequisites of al-Shariat al- Mohammadiyah
is in correspondence with the well being and preservation of the universe, nullifying the
negative impact of human activity. In the word of al-Dai-al-Ajal Syedna Taher Saifuddin
RA
:
15
‫ان النظام اذا يطابق فطرة هللا * استقام على الطريق االيسر‬
"Regulations that correspond with the Fitrat of Allah Ta'aala have a tendency to adhere
with fortitude of the correct path".
2.4. As it is observed that, environmentalists are in the midst of a perpetual search for
enduring, lasting solutions that can sustain the universe.
Whereas Islam, acquiring comprehensive observation, has the capability to provide the
suitable kind of solutions that the current global state necessitates. Thus, regulations of
the universe are dependent on Islam for their upholding.
3. INFERENCE:
Imam Ahmed al-Mastur AS states (describing the belief of atheist scientists):
13
Syed Qmm Kamoonpuri Phd: Seeing the invisible God in the visible nature: Pgno155
Al-Quran-al-Majeed)Surah Aale-Imraan 3:190)
15
Al-Dai-al-Ajal Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA: Fuyuzofasafa tilAql
14
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"The working of beliefs and faiths i.e., some are painful to the souls of their believers and
skeptical for them…."16
So, the philosophical perceptions and beliefs of environmentalist lead them to the
incurrence of the wrath of Allah Ta'aala justifying severe penalty, in tandem with the
psychological and spiritual sense of uncertainty (that results from such beliefs). As stated
by al Dai al-Ajal Syedna al-Mu'ayyad al-Shirazi RA:
17
‫فهم النفوس عناء لهم * معن وما الهم اال العذاب‬
Imam Ahmed al-Mastur AS states (describing the Muslim belief):
"Now, the one who believes that the creations has a wise, forbearing, omnipotent,
philanthropist, forgiving, merciful, creator; and he has manifested the world in the best
system, and has stratified the hierarchy of the creation on the best wisdom. He did not
leave any loopholes in it, and no secret within the earth and the sky is concealed from
him and that believer does not see (believe) any mal-adjustment that is, the creation of
Rahman, then his soul is always tranquil and peaceful from the pains of the dissent faiths
and the pains of falls beliefs, and from the darkness of overlapping ignorance. And he is
in comfort of souls, and the soul is comfortable and safe with him. He does not intend
evil for anyone, and does not consider himself superseding them, and does not claim
upon them for any right, and does not complaint for any injustice, and the world does not
get any harm from him… this is the perfect description of our honored brethren." 18
So, the Muslims and exchange for their faith and belief in the superiority and prestige of
Islam are blessed with the bounteous gift of serenity and peace. As Allah Ta'aala quotes
in Quran-e-majid:
"It is He who sent down serenity and tranquility in the hearts of Mumeneen
(believers) that they would increase in faith along with their faith (present) faith".19
So, one who follows the principles of Islam and follows the luminous path guided by
Auliyaulllah AS will acquire reward of tranquility in both materialistic world & Akherat.
16
Imam Ahmed-al-Mastur A.S Ikhwanus safa (vol 3) Pgno71
Mohammad Kamil Husain,"Diwan ul Mu'ayyad fi 'din Dai Doat Taqdeem Tehqeeq" (Darul Muntazir,Lebanon ,first edition-1996)
18
Imam Ahmed-al-Mastur A.S, Ikhwanus Safa (vol 3)Pgno73
19
Al-Quran-al-Majeed (Surah Fateha verse 4)
17
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Beirut
APPENDIX-1
DISCRIPTION OF THE ECOLOGICAL TERM "GLOBAL WARMING"ACCORDING
TO THE QUESTIONS FRAMED BY IMAM AHMED AL MASTUR (A.S)
1. HAL HOWA (IS IT)? Not all human activities contribute to global warming. Some
things that people do actually have a cooling influence on earth's surface. For example,
many aerosols enter the atmosphere from automobile exhaust and factory smoke. The
aerosols encourage the formation of clouds. Both aerosols and clouds reflect the sun's
heat back into the space, exerting a cooling influence on earth's surface. But researchers
estimate that over all, human activities have caused far more warming then cooling.1
*(Global warming can cause global cooling: By Jeff Poling
Scientists announced in the July 21, 1999, edition of the journal Nature findings that
suggest that global warming can sometimes lead to cold weather or even a worldwide
freeze.Scientists have long known that a severe cold spell occurred after the end of the
Pleistocene glaciation, approximately 8,200 years ago. The cause, however, has been a
mystery. The authors of the Nature article write that the centuries long cold spell might
have been caused by meltwater from the disappearing glaciers, cooling the North
Atlantic. The Laurentide Ice Sheet covered parts of North America with ice up to two
miles thick for more than a million years. When the Earth began to warm 10,000 years
ago, it retreated back toward the poles. The ice sheet left in its wake at least two lakes
containing more water than the Great Lakes combined.In the Hudson Bay, ice held the
water in place like a plug in a bathtub. When the plug finally melted, trillions of gallons
gushed into the Labrador Sea, flowing out at 100 times the rate water leaves the
Mississippi.
The conclusions of the authors are the result of a study by University of Colorado
and Canadian researchers who examined evidence of this huge flood in the Hudson Bay
region of Quebec and Ontario.
Independent research showed that global temperatures dropped significantly within
several hundred years of the flood. Until this study, nobody could pinpoint if these two
events were connected, said the study's lead author, University of Colorado geologist
Don Barber. The scientists used radiocarbon dating of clams in the flood sediment, and
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other evidence, to correlate the two events. The Atlantic Gulf Stream normally acts like a
conveyor belt to deliver warm tropical water to temperate regions. By adding so much
cold fresh water in such a short time, the flood shut down the Gulf Stream, said Richard
Alley, a climate expert at Penn State University.Temperatures in Greenland and Europe
dropped by 6 to 15 degrees for at least 200 years, according to ice core data. The authors
conclusions demonstrate how global warming can, paradoxically, provoke a global
freeze. If a modern glacier such as the Greenland Ice Sheet melts as a result of rising
temperatures in the next century, it could trigger a similar flood and climate fluctuation,
the researchers said.
*If global warming is occurring then sea-surface temperature should also be increasing,
hurricane frequency should be on the rise, and polar sea ice should be melting. Seasurface temperature in the Gulf of Alaska has increased about 3% over the past 30 years.
Hurricane frequency in the western Atlantic appears to have increased about 3% over the
past 150 years. And, the Arctic sea-ice extent has decreased about 5% over the past 25
years. Note, within the general trends, however, shorter period oscillations occur.
Hurricane frequency is the most variable, with 30-40 year periods of lower and higher
frequency. This has become particularly noticeable since about 1995 when a sudden
increase in the frequency of hurricanes hitting the southeastern U.S. followed a 30-year
period of lower hurricane frequency. These shorter period oscillations are normal in most
geophysical phenomena and are evident in the sea-surface temperature and Arctic sea-ice
extent as well, although with less fluctuation. Based on these limited observations, it
appears likely that global warming seems to be occurring over at least the past 30-50
years. (http://www.icr.org/article/3233.com/) 3
2. MAA HOWA (WHAT IS IT)? Global surface temperatures have risen chiefly because
of a process called Greenhouse effect. In the Green house effect, certain gases in the
atmosphere trap heat from the Sun acting much like the glass roof and the walls of
Greenhouse. The heat trapping gases are called Greenhouse gases. They include Methane
(CH4) Nitrous-oxide (N2O) Ozone (O3), and a number of industrial gases. But the gas
that has produced the most warming is Carbondioxide.1
Scientists have studied several ways to limit global warming the most obvious method
is to limit Carbon dioxide emissions. Another method, called carbon sequestration
involves preventing C02 from entering the atmosphere or removing Co2 already there.
A third method, Geo engineering involves altering the environment in the ways that may
counteract warming.1
Government action on global warming: in an effort to limit global warming, most
countries have agreed to the Kyoto Protocol, an International treaty aimed at cutting
emissions.2
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3. KAM HOWA(HOW MUCH IS IT)?: Scientists estimate that earth's average surface
temperature rose by about 1.4 Fahrenheit degrees (0.76 Celsius degrees) from the mid
1800's to the early 2000's.1
Scientists have also compared the influences of various human activities on earth's
climate with the influences of certain natural processes. They estimated the strength of
these influences in the 2000's relative to their values in the mid-1700's, before the rapid
growth of industry. They found that, in the 2000's human activities-mainly green house
gas emissions-produced more than 10 times the warming influence of the only significant
natural process-changes in the sun's energy output.1
4. KAIFA HOWA (HOW DOES IT OCCURS)? :(( EFFECT is an element of "kaifa
howa"-as stated by Syedna Ahmed HamiduddinR.A in ARRISALATUL
WADIYAH)*.So, the impacts of global warming are as follows:
Effects on plant and animal life, rise in sea level, rapid change in the Arctic, harm to
ocean life, changing weather patterns:( more killer storms),widespread extinction of
species, destabilize Plankton in Oceans, disappearance of coral reef 4, and massive crop
failures .5
5. AIYO SHAIIN HOWA (WHAT IT IS FROM)? They (Scientists) also predict that, if
warming continues unchecked, rising temperatures will have a damaging impact on
human society and natural environment.1
Researchers have linked global warming to a number of potentially damaging effects
on living things and their ecosystems. An ecosystem consists of a community of
organisms along with its physical environment. Global warming is also raising sea level.
In addition, it is rapidly affecting the Arctic region. Global warming may also alter
weather patterns and affect human health around the world. Scientists project that these
effects will intensify and spread with further warming.1
6. AIN HOWA (WHERE IS IT)? : Global warming is an increase in the average
temperature at earth surface2 *
In the Green house effect, certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the Sun
acting much like the glass roof and the walls of Green house.1
7. MATA HOWA (WHEN DOES IT OCCURS)?: People often use the term global
Warming to refer specifically to the warming observed since the mid- 1800's.1
Researchers have also found that most of the temperature increase occurred from the
mid-1900 to the 2000's.1
Scientists predict that earth average surface temperature will rise an additional 2.0 to
11.5 Fahrenheit degrees (1.1 to 6.4 Celsius) by 2100.
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8. LIM HOWA (WHY IS IT)?: Natural processes have caused earth climate to change in
the distant past. But scientists have found strong evidence that human activities have
caused most of the warming observed since the mid -1900's.1
The increase in Co2 levels comes chiefly from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and
natural gas) to produce energy and for transportation. Fossil fuels contain carbon, and
burning them creates Co2. Co2 levels also rise due to the clearing of land. Trees and
other green plants remove Co2 from the air photosynthesis. Thus, as land is cleared and
forests are cut down, more Co2 remains in the atmosphere.2
Tobacco growing, curing, and smoking, all add to the greenhouse effect and global
warming.1
Waste breakdown; Carbon dioxide and methane is released during the decay of food,
vegetation and paper dumped in landfills. The same thing occurs when sewage wastes
break down.1
Carbon dioxide emissions from burning gasoline for transportation.2
Increase in usage of chemical fertilizers on cropland .2
(Sources of appendix-1):
1.ENCYCLOPEDIA-"WORLD BOOK" - (Published in U.S.A) Pgno 232 A/B/C/
2. Paul Brown" GLOBAL WARMING-CAN CIVILIZATION SURVIVE?" (Published by Universities press 1999 A.D) Pgno58-70
3. Larry Vardiman, PhD" Evidence for Global Warming"
(http://www.icr.org/article/3233.com/).
4. INDIA AND CLIMATE CHANGE (article of "alive magazine" Nov 2009)
5. Alan Townsend and Robert Howarth "FIXING THE GLOBAL NITROGEN PROBLEM" (Article from "SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN MAGAZINE"2010)
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APPENDIX-2 (MINDMAPS)
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http://www.maple3.com/2008/03/11/g
lobal-warming-mind-map/
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF FATEMI SOURCES
1. Al-Quran-al-Majeed
2. Imam Ahmed-al-Mastur A.S Ikhwanus safa (vol 3) Pgno71
3. Imam Ahmed-al-Mastur A.S Ikhwanus Safa (vol 3) Pgno73
4. Al- Dai- al-Ajal-Syedna Ahmed Hamiduddin- al -Kirmani R.A.: Ma'asemul Huda: fasal
no 54.
Pg no 79
5. Al- Dai- al-Ajal Syedna Ahmed Hamiduddin- al -Kirmani R.A: Arrisalatul Wadiyah
(published in 1429A.H/2008A.D)
6. Al-Dai-al-Ajal Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA: Fuyuzo Falsafat il Aql
7. Al- Dai- al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS: Address by al Dai-al -Fatemi Dr
Syedna Mohammed BurhanuddinTUS1402AH/1982AD (Colombo) pg no2
8. Al- Dai- al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS "Khulasato mujtama'-iliman"(published in 1412 A.H./1991 A.D.) page no.14
2. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF NON-FATEMI SOURCES
1. Townsend Alan and Howarth Robert "FIXING THE GLOBAL NITROGEN PROBLEM"
(Article from "SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN MAGAZINE"2010)
2. Brown Paul–"GLOBAL WARMING" (Published by Universities press 1999 A.D).
Pg no.58
12
3. Encyclopedia-WORLDBOOK-(Published in U.S.A) Pg no 232 a/b/c
4. INDIA AND CLIMATE CHANGE (article of "Alive magazine" Nov 2009)
5. Kamil Husain Mohammad,"Diwan ul Mu'ayyad fi 'din Dai Doat Taqdeem Tehqeeq"
(Darul Muntazir- Beirut, Lebanon, first edition-1996)
6. Kamoonpuri Syed Qmm PhD: SEEING THE INVISIBLE GOD IN THE VISIBLE
LAWS OF NATURE: Pgno155
3. WEBLIOGRAPHY OF NON-FATEMI SOURCES
1. Vardiman Larry, (Phd) EVIDENCE FOR GLOBAL WARMING.
http://www.icr.org/article/3233.com/ (accessed on 21/3/2010)
2. Poling Jeff," GLOBAL WARMING CAN CAUSE GLOBAL COOLING".
http://www.dinosauria.com/jdp/news/freeze.html(accessed on 21/3/2010)
3. Buzan Tony,"MINDMAP OF GLOBAL WARMING"
"http://www.maple3.com/2008/03/11/global-warming-mind-map/( accessed on
21/3/2010)
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