Islamic Teachings & the “International Day for Preventing Environmental Exploitation in War and Armed Conflict”

November 6, 2024

November 6 – International Day for Preventing Environmental Exploitation in War is observed to protect the environment from harm during war and armed conflicts. We reflect on the importance of protecting the land and natural resources during times of crisis. The UN has designated November 6th to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by war.

The Impact of Armed Conflicts on the Environment

Though humanity has always counted its war casualties in terms of dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, destroyed cities and livelihoods, the environment has often remained the unpublicized victim of war. Water wells have been polluted, crops torched, forests cut down, soils poisoned, and animals killed to gain military advantage.

Furthermore, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has found that over the last 60 years, at least 40% of all internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources, whether high-value resources such as timber, diamonds, gold, and oil, or scarce resources such as fertile land and water. Conflicts involving natural resources have also been found to be twice as likely to relapse.

The UN attaches great importance to ensuring that action on the environment is part of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peace-building strategies because there can be no durable peace if the natural resources that sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed. In 2001, the UN General Assembly declared November 6 of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict (A/RES/56/4).

Islamic Perspectives on Environmental Protection

From an Islamic perspective, the protection of the environment and the prevention of corruption and destruction on Earth is not only a social responsibility but also a religious duty; a sacred responsibility that always rests upon humans, even in emergency situations such as war.

The foundation of respect for nature in Islam

In general, according to the Quran, nature possesses awareness, and there is nothing in the world that does not glorify God. Glorification (tasbih) depends on awareness, and awareness is contingent upon life. God states, “The seven heavens, the earth, and whatever is between them all glorify Him. There is nothing that does not glorify Him and always praise him, but you do not understand their praise and glorification”  [17:44]. 

In addition to this general statement, some verses specifically mention the glorification (tasbih) of certain elements of nature. For instance: “We granted David a favor by commanding the mountains and birds to sing Our praise along with him” [34:10]. God also states, “The plants and trees prostrate before Him” [55:6]. In another verse, “Have you not considered that those in the heavens and the earth, the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, the mountains, the trees, the animals, … all bow down to God” [22:18]. 

It is clear that those who have received and understood these divine messages would never harm nature — every element of which is alive and praises God — even in emergency situations, including times of war. 

Prophetic and Imams’ Guidance on Nature Conservation

Beyond those general principles, there are specific directives from the Prophet and Imams (pbut) that should forever guide Muslims in such circumstances. It is reported that Imam Abu Abdullah (p) said: “When the Prophet (pbuh&hp) would appoint a commander over a military expedition, he would instruct him to first have God-consciousness in his personal conduct, and then extend this to his companions. He would say, ‘Go forth in the name of Allah and for His cause… Do not act treacherously, do not embezzle from the spoils, do not mutilate bodies, do not kill a child or a hermit in seclusion, do not burn palm trees, do not flood them with water, do not cut down fruit-bearing trees, and do not burn crops, as you may later need them. Do not harm animals that are lawful to eat except out of necessity'” (Wasa’il al-Shia, Al-Hurr al-Amili, Vol. 15, p. 59).

In another narration, the same principles are repeated: Imam Abu Abdullah (AS) said, “Whenever the Messenger of Allah (pbuh&hp) intended to dispatch a military unit, he would call them and have them sit before him. Then he would say, ‘Go forth in the name of Allah, with Allah, in the way of Allah, and according to the teachings of the Messenger of Allah. Do not act dishonestly, do not mutilate bodies, do not betray, and do not kill an elderly person, a child, or a woman. Do not cut down trees unless you are compelled to do so” (Wasa’il al-Shia, Al-Hurr al-Amili, Vol. 15, p. 58).

Summary and conclusion

As we see there is a deep-rooted commitment in Islamic teachings to preserving the environment, even during the extreme circumstances of war and conflict. The Quranic verses emphasize that every element of nature praises God, indicating its intrinsic value and sanctity. From mountains to trees, all of creation is portrayed as being in submission to God, inspiring a respect for nature that forbids wanton harm.

Imami traditions reinforce this principle by specifying rules of engagement that prevent environmental destruction in warfare. For instance, commanders were directed to avoid killing children, elderly persons, and women, and to refrain from destroying palm trees, flooding orchards, burning crops, or needlessly harming animals. Such teachings reveal that environmental harm is strictly forbidden, regardless of circumstances. In fact, damaging natural resources, such as contaminating rivers used by the enemy, is not permissible as a military tactic.

The cumulative guidance from these verses, narrations, and the Prophet’s practices underscores a universal principle in Islam: protecting nature is a sacred duty, one that must be upheld at all times, even amidst emergencies like war.

The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, observed on November 6, underscores the critical need to protect our natural resources during times of crisis. Islamic teachings profoundly support this initiative, emphasizing that environmental stewardship is a sacred duty. The Quran highlights the intrinsic value of nature, portraying it as a living entity that glorifies God. Prophetic traditions further reinforce this commitment by outlining specific prohibitions against environmental destruction in warfare. By integrating these Islamic principles into contemporary discussions on environmental protection, we can foster a culture of respect for nature, even amidst conflict, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.