Unit 3.1
Caring for the Earth is worship: Environmental ethics in Islam
In an age of ecological crisis, what is the Islamic perspective on environmentalism and eco-consciousness? This unit explores the question first with an investigation of the modern, large-scale impact human activities are having on the environment. Students are then given a Qur'anic framework to think through some of our ecological challenges and the moral imperative to be care-takers of the environment. This unit concludes with prophetic advice on how students can care for the environment in their individual lives.
Introduction
Lesson 1
Contributors to the environmental crisis
The first lesson demonstrates how human activities on a global scale increasingly and systematically lead to ecological destruction. Students will analyze their own roles within these systems and how some of our choices are unsustainable.
Lesson plan
Slides
Worksheets
1.1 Worksheet: Contributors to the environmental crisis
Lesson 2
What does the Qur’an say about the environment?
This lesson explores how the Qur’an speaks about the environment in three major themes: as a sign to reflect on, as something put in service of humankind for their benefit, and as a creation that humans are meant to care for and maintain. By the end of this lesson, students will derive three Qur’anic principles that can be applied to improve their own environmental ethics.
Lesson plan
Slides
Worksheets
2.1 Worksheet: Stations - Exploring Qur’anic verses
2.2 Worksheet: Qur’anic verses on the environment
2.3 Worksheet: Fulfilling our responsibility
2.4 Homework: An analysis of stuff
Lesson 3
Prophetic instruction and personal ethics
In the third and final lesson, students will explore the Prophetic principle of moderation. Students are encouraged to apply this prophetic principle to their own lifestyle by analyzing their own choices and how they impact the environment. By studying the lifestyle choices and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ students will learn to cultivate Islamic ethical principles that inform an environmentally-responsible outlook.
Lesson plan
Slides
Worksheets
3.1 Worksheet: Small choices, big impact
3.2 Homework: A call to action
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