Doha, Qatar: Many environmental initiatives follow a secular Western model – but, according to Dr. Joseph Lumbard, an Associate Professor of Quranic Studies at the College of Islamic Studies at Qatar Foundation’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University, this often neglects the religious dimension that is essential for balance and harmony.
Speaking about modern sustainability models, Dr. Lumbard says: “We often adopt foreign concepts without critically analyzing them through the lens of our identity and values.
“As Muslims, we must assess these ideas in relation to the Qur’an and Sunnah, as they form the foundation of Islamic thought. Without this evaluation, we risk adopting models that contradict divine principles, which are crucial for preserving our relationship with the environment.
“Over the past 30 years, thousands of environmental initiatives based on secular ideologies have been launched, yet environmental degradation continues to accelerate. Persisting on this path only deepens corruption and pollution.
“What we need is a new, holistic model. Islamic teachings offer this – not just for Muslims, but for all – providing sustainable solutions rooted in harmony with human nature and the natural world.”
As part of its commitment to fostering sustainable practices, Qatar Foundation (QF) offers advanced academic programs in environmental sustainability, including master’s and doctoral degrees in sustainable energy through Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Science and Engineering.
These programs focus on innovative research that addresses critical sustainability issues. Additionally, QF has launched Green Island – a recycling hub and edutainment platform designed to help bring people together to minimize environmental impact on the planet.
"As Muslims, our role is not to imitate other societies, but to rediscover the wisdom of our teachings and heritage to find fundamental solutions to today’s global challenges, including the environmental crisis,” says Dr. Lumbard. “The Qur'an entrusts us with this immense responsibility."
In its efforts to generate knowledge in this field on a national level, Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, also a member of QF, has introduced its Education, Ethics and Faith program.
This initiative fosters shared values around sustainability and environmental stewardship, strengthening the human-nature connection. By raising awareness and promoting environmental literacy, the program encourages personal growth, social responsibility, and global citizenship – all rooted in sustainability principles inspired by religious values.
"The Qur'an refers to two types of signs: the revealed verses in scripture and the natural signs in creation,” Dr. Lumbard explains. “Both are manifestations of God’s greatness and wisdom. The Qur'an warns against distorting or altering these signs, whether the divine word or the natural world.”
Dr. Lumbard emphasizes that environmental protection is not just a material responsibility – it is a religious and ethical duty that reflects our relationship with God. "The corruption and pollution of the earth arise from our failure to recognize God's signs, a consequence of weak faith and spiritual decline,” he says. “The heart is the vessel through which we perceive divine signs, but when it is sealed or veiled, we lose the ability to grasp true meaning. The natural disposition (fitrah) upon which God created humanity serves as the foundation, wherein a pure heart remains connected to nature and humanity."
He explains that preserving the purity of our natural state fosters alignment with God’s creation, allowing a deeper understanding of His signs in the universe.
"When one recognizes God’s signs, they are naturally inclined toward environmental stewardship, honoring their agreement with God,” he says. “Conversely, straying from this can lead to actions that disturb the balance God has established. In this way, environmental challenges reflect broader spiritual and intellectual neglect.
"The path to environmental restoration begins with spiritual renewal. The purity of the heart and the clarity of one’s natural disposition restore human harmony with nature, deepen commitment to divine teachings, and foster a pursuit of balance. Only through this can we achieve true sustainability."
