Forest Fires Serve as Reminder of Islam's Teachings on Protecting Nature and Life

Forest fires in Indonesia have blanketed parts of the country in thick haze, creating hazardous air quality and severely reducing visibility. In Palembang, South Sumatra, the smog dropped visibility to under 50 meters on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with air quality entering the "dangerous" category by evening and morning.

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Environmental preservation is not merely a form of concern for nature, but also part of hifzh an-nafs or guarding the soul, which is one of the main objectives of Islamic law.

The fires have not only devastated natural landscapes but also pose a significant threat to human life. Islamic jurisprudence views environmental protection as integral to safeguarding human existence, a concept known as hifzh an-nafs, or the preservation of the soul. This is considered one of the primary objectives of Islamic law.

Scholar Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi, in his book "Islam Agama Ramah Lingkungan" (Islam, an Environmentally Friendly Religion), explained that preserving the environment is directly linked to the second objective of Sharia, which is the protection of life. He stressed that environmental degradation, pollution, and excessive resource exploitation ultimately endanger human lives. The Quran emphasizes the sanctity of life, stating that killing one person is akin to killing all of humanity, and saving one life is like saving all of humanity.

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Environmental damage, pollution, and excessive exploitation of resources ultimately endanger human lives.

The article highlights Islam's strong stance against actions that harm human life, equating murder to the second gravest sin after associating partners with Allah. This religious perspective underscores the profound connection between environmental stewardship and the preservation of human well-being, framing ecological care as a vital religious duty.

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Whoever takes a life without [just cause] - except for murder or corruption [on earth] - it is as if he had taken the lives of all mankind. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved all of mankind.