Question
Will we be held accountable on the Day of Judgment for wasting natural resources and harming the Earth?
Bottom Line
Don’t be wasteful.
Quick Answer
Yes. Islam teaches that humans are stewards (khalifah) of the Earth and will be accountable for wastefulness and harm caused to the environment. Using resources out of necessity is permitted, but israaf (extravagance and heedless waste) is condemned.
Key Takeaways
- Humans are entrusted as khalifah (stewards) of the Earth. The Qur’an forbids wastefulness.
- The Prophet ﷺ forbade wasting water even at a flowing river. Necessity is allowed, but excess and heedlessness are sinful.
- Modern research confirms that waste harms the planet and human health.
Detailed Answer
Islamic teachings are clear that everything on Earth is a blessing from Allah, entrusted to humans to use responsibly.
Allah says:
“…Eat of their fruit when they bear fruit and give its due on harvest day, and do not be wasteful. Indeed, He does not like the wasteful.”
(Qur’an 6:141)
The Prophet ﷺ also warned against extravagance in resource use. Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with him) once used abundant water for wudu, and the Prophet ﷺ said:
“What is this extravagance?” Sa’d asked, “Is there extravagance even in ablution?” The Prophet replied, “Yes, even if you were on the bank of a flowing river.”
(Musnad Ahmad 7065)
From this, scholars explain that using resources out of need is permissible, but heedless waste is condemned. Examples include:
Water: Needed for wudu and cleaning, but wasting it is sinful.
Deforestation: Cutting trees for essentials is permitted; needless clearing is wasteful.
Air pollution: Driving out of necessity is allowed; polluting without need is wasteful.
Electricity: Necessary usage is fine; leaving lights on needlessly is israaf.
| Not Wasteful | Wasteful |
|---|---|
| Taking a daily shower to stay clean | Running the shower on when no one is using it |
| Running the tap to wash vegetables | Leaving the tap running while chopping or not using the water |
| Using electricity for cooking, studying, or working | Leaving lights, fans, or AC on in empty rooms just to pay extra bills |
| Driving to work or school out of necessity | Keeping the car engine idling for no reason |
Modern Context
Modern research highlights the same principle: overconsumption drives climate change, biodiversity loss, and fresh water depletion. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that one-third of global food is wasted, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that environmental negligence increases health risks such as respiratory and waterborne diseases.
For compulsive behaviors like repeated handwashing, Islam considers this waswas (baseless whispers). Balance is essential, supported by both spiritual guidance and practical discipline.
What This Means for You
Yes, Muslims will be accountable for wastefulness and harm to the Earth. Islam calls for moderation: use what you need, avoid extravagance, and protect the blessings Allah has entrusted to you.
And Allah knows best.
References
Primary Sources
Qur’an
- Al-An’am 6:141 – Allah forbids wastefulness.
Hadith
- Musnad Ahmad 7065 – The Prophet ﷺ forbade wasting water, even at a river.
Secondary Sources
- Ibn Kathir, Tafsir (on Qur’an 6:141) – Explains the prohibition of israaf.
- Al-Ghazali, Ihya ‘Ulum al-Din – On moderation and balance in consumption.
Modern Research & Reports
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Food Waste Index Report 2024 – One-third of food is wasted globally.
- World Health Organization (WHO), Air Pollution and Health Fact Sheet – Links environmental harm to health risks.
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