Take Care of the Earth — For She Is Your Mother

Introduction

Every year on the 22nd of April, the world observes International Mother Earth Day — a reminder of our collective responsibility to care for our planet. As the Earth continues to suffer from pollution, deforestation, and climate change, the call to action becomes ever more urgent. Oceans are drowning in plastic, temperatures are rising, and natural disasters are displacing millions.

In the face of this global crisis, Islam offers timeless guidance rooted in reverence for the Earth and its ecosystems. Over 1400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) conveyed a powerful message that resonates with our modern environmental concerns.

«تَحَفَّظُوا مِنَ اَلْأَرْضِ فَإِنَّهَا أُمُّكُمْ»

“Take care of the Earth, for she is your mother.”

(Al-Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 7, p. 97)

This brief but profound hadith urges Muslims to develop a respectful and caring relationship with the Earth. By likening the Earth to a mother, the Prophet (PBUH) highlights both its nurturing role and our duty to protect it.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Teenagers and Young Adults

1. The Earth Deserves Care Like a Mother

The Prophet’s comparison—«فَإِنَّهَا أُمُّكُمْ» (for she is your mother)—elevates the Earth’s status, showing that environmental care is not optional but a spiritual responsibility. Just as we owe love, respect, and care to our mothers, we must treat the Earth with compassion and protection. Harming the environment is akin to harming something sacred and life-giving.

Practical Challenge:

Start a “Green Habit” this week—such as using a reusable water bottle, reducing plastic, or planting a tree—and share your commitment with others.

2. Think Long-Term, Not Just Immediate Gain

Youth are often encouraged to act quickly, but this hadith encourages reflection. A mother nurtures with future generations in mind—so too must we act in ways that protect the Earth not just for today, but for tomorrow. Your choices now shape the world your children will inherit.

Practical Challenge:

Reflect on one personal habit that negatively impacts the environment and research one alternative that benefits future generations—then make the switch.

3. Every Action Counts

The command «تَحَفَّظُوا» (be mindful) encourages awareness and attentiveness in daily habits. Whether it’s wasting water, overconsumption, or littering, each small act can either harm or help the environment. Even seemingly insignificant decisions can contribute to collective harm or healing of the Earth.

Practical Challenge:

Track your energy or water usage for a week and set a goal to reduce it by 10%.

4. Let Nature Teach You Humility and Responsibility

When the Prophet said «فَإِنَّهَا أُمُّكُمْ» (for she is your mother), he was not only honouring the Earth, but also encouraging us to learn from it. Just as a mother nurtures without asking, the Earth provides generously—yet she too has limits and can be harmed. Recognising this balance helps young people develop humility, responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for the blessings around them.

Practical Challenge:

Pick one local environmental issue (like littering, excessive water use, or food waste) and lead a small initiative among your friends to address it.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Parents

1. Be a Role Model in Environmental Responsibility

Children learn not only by what we say but by what we do. The Prophet’s words remind us that «تَحَفَّظُوا مِنَ اَلْأَرْضِ» (Take care of the Earth) is a commandment that must be demonstrated in action. Show your children how to recycle, reduce waste, or conserve energy in everyday life.

Practical Challenge:

Designate one day this week as a “Green Family Day”—turn off extra lights, walk instead of drive, and reflect together on how to better care for the Earth.

2. Teach Children the Earth Is a Trust (Amanah)

Islam teaches that we are stewards (khalifah) of the Earth, and children must grow up with this concept. The hadith’s imagery of the Earth as a mother helps build emotional attachment to the planet. When parents talk about the environment in spiritual terms, it deepens a child’s understanding of responsibility.

Practical Challenge:

Tell your children a story (real or fictional) about someone who cared for the environment, and help them write down their own “Green Promise” to follow.

3. Teach Gratitude Through Nature

By introducing children to the wonders of nature—the trees, rivers, animals—they develop love and appreciation for it. Explain to them that Earth, like a mother, gives selflessly, and it is our duty to protect her. This fosters both environmental consciousness and spiritual gratitude.

Practical Challenge:

Plan a nature walk or picnic with your children and use the time to talk about how the Earth sustains us.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. Teach Practical Ways to “Take Care of the Earth”

Imams have a unique platform to educate and inspire. Use the Prophet’s words—«تَحَفَّظُوا مِنَ اَلْأَرْضِ» (Take care of the Earth)—to encourage action through sermons and community programmes. Discuss recycling, reducing food waste, and conserving water from an Islamic perspective.

Practical Challenge:

Dedicate a Friday khutbah or community session this month to the theme of environmental stewardship in Islam, supported by relevant verses and hadiths.

2. Connect Environmental Responsibility to Worship

Caring for the Earth is a form of ibadah (worship). Just as we cleanse ourselves before prayer, we must also purify our surroundings. Remind communities that the Earth is part of our spiritual journey and a witness to our deeds.

Practical Challenge:

Organise a community clean-up or tree-planting event, and open it with a du’a and reflection on this hadith to spiritually ground the activity.

The Last Word

The Earth sustains us, feeds us, and shelters us—just like a mother. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in his timeless wisdom, reminded us that this sacred relationship must be honoured and protected. On International Mother Earth Day, let us return to this Prophetic guidance, reflect deeply on our habits, and renew our commitment to safeguarding the Earth with love, respect, and a sense of divine responsibility.

May we each take steps, big or small, to protect our shared home—and may Allah (SWT) accept our efforts as acts of worship and guardianship.