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Abstract
Islam is the fastest growing religion in today’s world followed by a huge population of over one billion and is practiced virtually in every country of the world. Islam gives practical solution to the problems faced by man in every sphere of life. Islam has given guidelines and solution to the contemporary issues including environmental conservation and its safeguard. Environment protection is an important aspect of Islam. Being Guardians and Khalifah of Allah(SWT) on the Earth, it is the responsibility of Muslims to take care of the environment in a proactive manner. Islam advocates environmental protection and conservation. The articulation of an Islamic environmental ethics in contemporary times is all urgent and need of the hour because Western-style conservation efforts do not fit all cultural and philosophical traditions of the world. The Islamic attitude towards environment and natural resource conservation is not only based on prohibition of over-exploitation but also on sustainable development. The religion of Islam through its teachings and philosophy chalks out the principles for the conservation of environment. The Qur’an through its verses has time and again warned not to be extravagant, to maintain peace and harmony among mankind and with other creations. Similarly there are scores of ahadith by Prophet Muhammad (SAAS) that ordain treating environment & its components with proper care and respect. The world today is facing mounting global environmental challenges of various forms and if these are not taken care of, the future of the earth’s ecosystem and the human race will be in danger. Various steps have been taken to mitigate this imminent crisis which may spell doom to the flora and fauna of this planet. Islam being a practice oriented religion offers an opportunity for an effective environment friendly approach that will help in translating environmental protection theory into practical steps as Muslims will consider it as their religious duty and obligation. The Islamic principles stress on the fact that a Muslim is duty bound to take utmost care of the environment and adopt practices that will contribute to sustainability of the environment. Many Muslim Organizations has been set up to counter the problem of environmental degradation. They have been working tirelessly following the principles laid by Quran and Sunnah for the betterment of the environment. They are trying to educate Muslim Communities in the light of Islamic principles so that these communities can bring about the desired change in the lifestyle of people which will result in sustainability and conservation of environment and resources.