Ancient Wisdom On Nature And The Climate Crisis

DR. ASLAM PARVAIZ is a teacher with a passion. Coming from the Islamic tradition, he integrates the wisdom of the Quran with a scientific attitude toward Nature, the environment, and our responsibility as human beings. In November 2020, DR. PARVAIZ was interviewed by ELIZABETH DENLEY and KAMBIZ RAVAN from the Heartfulness Institute.

- ELIZABETH DENLEY and KAMBIZ RAVAN

ED: Welcome, Dr. Parvaiz. Since we first met a few years back, I have been touched by your passion for integrating modern scientific approaches about Nature and our current climate crisis with the wisdom traditions of the Quran and Islam. Why is this so important for you?

AP: It’s not science per se, but the need to have a scientific attitude. My passion is for Muslims all over the world to understand the logic behind the practices in the Quran. Whatever is happening around the globe today in the name of Islam is not what is offered in the Quran, which is a book for the entire humanity.

What you find there will depend on your capacity, your willingness, and your desire to know and internalize the teachings. While I challenge the way people currently practice Islam, my approach is not at all controversial, as it is based on the Quran.

ED: Can you please tell us about the importance of Nature, ecology, and the environment in Islam?

AP: I would start with the first verse of the Quran, which says that God created the Earth for all living beings. Second, the Quran says that if you wish to count the bounties of God, you will not be able to do so. Nature has gifted us all with countless bounties in the form of resources. Third, the Quran says that whatever resources are there, they are to be distributed amongst us all. All creatures in the Universe reflect the creativity of God. Fourth, the Quran defines the position of humankind as the custodians, the khalifa, with the role of protecting the environment and protecting the Earth’s resources.