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How do British Muslims understand, and engage with, environmental sustainability?
“Thus We have made you to succeed one another as stewards on the earth, that We might behold how you acquit yourselves” (Quran: Surah 10:14)
Islamic beliefs can motivate sustainable practices and concern for the environment at the levels of the household, community and in the broader context of the world and our shared environment. Ideas of stewardship that are celebrated in Christianity and Judaism, are often overlooked in environmental scholarship in relation to Islam. Yet, the environmental messages of Islam are slowly being taken up by a new generation of British Muslim activists who have the credibility and knowledge to demonstrate in practical ways that being a good Muslim includes environmental responsibility and conservation of biodiversity.
Muslims in the United Kingdom face both socio-economic and socio-cultural marginalisation due to ethno-religious identities and migratory backgrounds. This societal marginalisation is reflected in research, policy, practice and engagement around what researchers call ‘pro-environmental behaviour’. Alongside experiences of structural inequality, the British Muslim experience is framed by religious practices and beliefs, and strong ethno-religious community ties.
This conference brings together a unique mix of academics, policymakers and religiously motivated community activists and organisations to draw attention to how faith in Islam influences the practices, behaviours, and lifestyles of Muslims to care for the environment. Our discussions will focus on practical ways in which, often marginalised, Muslim voices can be included in wider debates around the environment, climate change and the green policy agenda.
Conference Aims
Recognize the ways in which Muslims engage in positive environmental practices.
Explore how issues of sustainability and the environment relate to Islamic beliefs and practices.
Engage in dialogue about how Muslims can meaningfully and purposefully be engaged in wider debates around issues of sustainability and the environment.
Each of the collaborating organisations will host a panel of key speakers in the field of Muslims and environmental sustainability to address the following questions:
How do Muslim’s experience and practice environmental sustainability in their everyday lives?
How do British Muslims understand, and respond to, issues of sustainability and environmental concern through community activism?
How can Muslim communities be involved in designing and implementing environmental policy and initiatives?