Issue No: 173
4th October 2013
27th Dhulqadah 1434 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
Self harm:
The intentional harm or direct injury performed to oneself is commonly termed as self harm. Deliberate self harm can be done by skin cutting, substance abuse and other methods of causing deliberate injury to the body.
Are you causing harm to yourself?
What a bizarre question to ask of you? Without a second thought the response to this question would be a resounding NO; in large bold fonts! However is this state true?
Though one is not performing any of the above examples of actions to the body resulting to self harm, yet the reality is that YES, one is still causing deliberate self injury.
And how is that so?
A landmark report released this week by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) a scientific body under the auspices of the U.N. says scientists are certain that humans are the "dominant cause" of global warming.
Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans. The consumer demand and immense industrialisation of the developed world has contributed to pollution, green house effect, depletion of ozone layer. The result of these activities by human has caused climate change.
Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing mankind. The impacts of climate change due to global warming are already happening. Record melting of ice, especially at the Earth's poles is taking place resulting in faster sea level rise. Hurricanes and storms have become stronger whilst floods and droughts have become common. The effects of a changing climate can also be seen in the plant and animal ecosystems.
The IPCC report states that,"..humanity is clearly responsible for more than half of the observed increase in temperatures."
Therefore isn't man causing self destruction to one's own home; the planet earth? Is this not a case of self harm by humans because of the doings of their own hands?
In pursuit of economic benefit, responding to increased consumer demands to satisfy personal and social comforts humans have tended to forget about the environmental crisis that one is causing upon oneself.
Divine Mission for Man:
Behold, your Lord said to the angels: "I am going to place a vicegerent on earth." (Sura al-Baqara 2:30)
Man is effectively a guardian/ a steward of God on this earth; our home. As a trustee he is required to protect and nurture the trust of the environment endowed upon him. Is not caring for the earth an obligation upon man?
Muslims have a duty and responsibility to Allah and the future generations to do all they can do to address the environmental problems. It is more important than ever for muslims and all mankind to cease from causing self harm by way of not caring for our home and the environment.
Having observed the occasion of Dahwul Ardh on 25th Dhulq'adah two days before:
- Have you increased your awareness about your duty of care to the earth as its steward?
- Have you put into practice the 3R's (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle)?
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat