Ms. Syed Sabahat Ashraf [1]
The concept of stewardship is pivotal in various religious and ethical frameworks, emphasizing responsible and sustainable management of resources. In Islamic teachings, stewardship, known as “khilafah” or guardianship, holds significant importance as a guiding principle for human behavior towards the environment, society, and oneself. This paper explores the Islamic perspective on stewardship as a comprehensive way of life, examining its roots in the Holy Qur’an, its implications for environmental sustainability, social justice, and personal development. This paper illuminates the profound concept of stewardship within Islamic teachings as delineated in the Qur’an. Going beyond a mere obligation, it presents stewardship as a foundational principle shaping the lifestyle of believers. The exploration centers on Qur’anic verses that underscore the role of humans as custodians (Khalifah) on Earth, elucidating the multifaceted ethical, moral, and practical aspects inherent in this divine mandate. This study aims to unveil the holistic essence of stewardship, emphasizing its integration into the fabric of daily life for adherents of Islam. Through an examination of stewardship as articulated in the Qur’an, this study endeavors to shed light on the profound and encompassing nature of this principle, encouraging a deeper appreciation and incorporation of its teachings into the lives of individuals and communities following the Islamic faith.
Keywords: Stewardship, Khilafah, Islamic Perspective, Environmental Sustainability, Social Justice, Personal Development.
Introduction
Stewardship, which entails the conscientious and moral administration of resources delegated to individuals, holds significance across diverse cultural and belief contexts. It entails acting as a custodian or overseer of assets like time, finances, or other provisions, and has more recently extended to encompass humanity’s duty to nurture and oversee the well-being of the environment.
A recent definition of stewardship is worthy of note:
Stewardship is the responsible use (including conservation) of natural resources in a way that takes full and balanced account of the interest of society, future generations, and other species as well as private needs, and accepts significant answerability to society.
Stewardship is an ethical value that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. The concept of stewardship can be applied to environmental and natural, economic, health, place, property, information, theological, and cultural resources.
In Islam, the concept of stewardship embodies the idea of khilafah, emphasizing humanity’s role as caretakers or trustees of the Earth and its resources. Islam teaches its followers to have concern for their natural surroundings. The Almighty created human beings mainly to perform two vital roles. Firstly, to be His Khalifah meaning vicegerent or steward; and secondly, to be His servant.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” They said: “Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? – whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?” He said: “I know what ye know not.” (Al-Qur’an, 2:30)
Concept of Stewardship in Qur’anic Teachings
Islam is a way of life, which has laid down specific rules of action and obligations to regulate the routine affairs of individuals and communities. One of the key principles of Islam is the universal common good of all creatures. Additionally, Islamic teachings inform the humans that there is a perfect balance in the relationships of all living creatures on earth.
All of those resources upon which life depends have been created by the Almighty as a trust in man’s care. It means that humans were created with a purpose and definite mission in life, to become an obedient servant, and manage the universe according to Allah’s commands.
Qur’anic Verses on Stewardship
HolyQur’an, the revered scripture of Islam, contains numerous verses stressing human responsibility towards the environment and society. In Islamic teachings, followers are urged to perform good deeds without expecting immediate returns, aspiring for divine blessings in the afterlife. Muslims maintain the belief that God designed the universe for the welfare of humanity, and all elements of nature align with His intentions. Allah says in the Qur’an:
And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice),In order that ye may not transgress (due) balance.So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance.It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures:Therein is fruit and date-palms, producing spathes (enclosing dates);also corn, with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling plants.Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny? (Al-Qur’an, 55:7-13)
Humans are regarded as unique beings distinct from plants and animals, hence entrusted with the responsibility to oversee nature in alignment with the divine will of the Creator.Allah said in the Qur’an:
We have indeed created man in the best of moulds. (Al-Qur’an, 95:4)
Humans possess the capability to discern what is virtuous and ought to be pursued, as well as what is wrong and should be refrained from or discarded. Consequently, humans are capable of learning divine guidance from God regarding directives, restrictions, and the worship of their Creator.
We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of our creation.(Al-Qur’an 17:70)
As unique entities, humans are entrusted with the responsibility to oversee the Earth, taking into account the well-being of other living beings. This directive is conveyed in various verses of the Qur’an.Allah says:
Do no mischief on the earth
As unique entities, humans are entrusted with the responsibility to oversee the Earth, taking into account the well-being of other living beings. This directive is conveyed in various verses of the Qur’an.Allah says:
Do no mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good. (Al-Qur’an 7:56)
On that account:
We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land (Al-Qur’an, 5:32)
Muslims engage in virtuous actions to benefit others and the environment, encompassing animals, plants, and the wider universe. If Allah commands kindness towards nature’s flora and fauna, the obligation to exhibit kindness towards fellow human beings is unquestionably more significant. Muslims are instructed to strive for the well-being of humanity in the present and the future, prioritizing goodness over harm. This directive applies to both men and women, as mentioned in the Qur’an:
He that works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof: and he that works a righteous deed – whether man or woman – and is a Believer- such will enter the Garden (of Bliss): Therein will they have abundance without measure. (Al-Qur’an, 40:40)
Islam emphasizes the notion that each person bears responsibility for their own actions and those conducted by their family, underscoring the interrelation between the individual, family, and community. As the individual is within the sphere of the family’s influence, the family’s actions reflect the larger community.As mentioned in the Qur’an:
O ye who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do (precisely) what they are ccommanded. (Al-Qur’an 66:6)
1. Responsibility as Stewards
The Qur’an underscores the belief in humans as stewards or representatives (Khalifah) on Earth, a pivotal component within the ethical and moral structure outlined in Islamic teachings. This notion emphasizes that humans, appointed by God, have the duty to responsibly oversee and preserve the Earth and its resources.The Qur’an says:
He it is That has made you inheritors in the earth: if, then, any do reject (Allah), their rejection (works) against themselves: their rejection but adds to the odium for the Unbelievers in the sight of their Lord: their rejection but adds to (their own) undoing. (Al-Qur’an 35:39)
This verse highlights humans as custodians or representatives (Khalifah) on Earth, illustrating the responsibility given to them by God to oversee and conserve the Earth’s resources.
2. Maintaining Balance and Justice
Maintaining balance and justice in stewardship requires the responsible administration of resources alongside ensuring impartiality, fairness, and safeguarding the environment. This encompasses refraining from exploitation, extravagance, and disproportionate resource usage. Islamic teachings advocate for fair resource allocation, sustainable methodologies, and responsibility in fulfilling the role of stewards (Khalifah) on Earth.The Qur’an says:
Do no mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good. (Al-Qur’an 7:56)
The verse emphasizes the prohibition of disrupting or causing disorder in the world after God has established order. In Islam, stewardship covers not just environmental issues but also includes ensuring social justice and fair allocation of resources. Zakat, the mandatory charitable contribution, functions as a method to combat poverty and inequality, demonstrating the idea of stewardship in promoting an equitable society.
3. Caring for the Environment
Within Islamic teachings, the responsibility for the environment originates from the conviction that the natural world is a reflection of God’s creation, entrusted to humanity’s care. Both the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stress the significance of environmental stewardship and humanity’s ethical duty towards the Earth and its resources. Allah says:
And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said: “Strike the rock with thy staff.” Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah, and do no evil nor mischief on the (face of the) earth. (Qur’an, 2:60)
This verse highlights the significance of responsibly managing natural resources, refraining from reckless exploitation, and avoiding wastefulness or misuse of the Earth’s blessings.
4. Conservation and Moderation
Islamic teachings advocate for moderation in consumption, urging its adherents to utilize resources prudently, shun excessiveness, and exercise self-control. This principle encompasses economic transactions, social engagements, and environmental preservation, emphasizing the significance of achieving a harmonious balance in various aspects of life.The Holy Qur’an states:
O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters. (Qur’an 7:31)
This verse encourages temperance and dissuades extravagance in consumption, stressing the importance of moderation and equilibrium in resource utilization.
5. Caretakers of Nature
The Qur’an highlights the designation of humans as custodians (Khalifah) on Earth. This notion signifies the responsibility bestowed by God upon humans to conscientiously safeguard and nurture the natural world. It involves the preservation and protection of Earth’s resources, encompassing water, air, plant life, and wildlife. The Qur’an states:
There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end. (Qur’an 6:38)
This verse symbolizes the interdependence among all living creatures and urges humans to acknowledge and honor the natural world as communities similar to their own.
6. Trusteeship of Resources
Islamic teachings stress that humans are entrusted as guardians (Amanah) of the resources granted by the Divine. This viewpoint fosters a sense of responsibility, reminding Muslims that they will be held accountable for their utilization, protection, and distribution of these resources. As mentioned in the Qur’an:
It is He Who produceth gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for Allah loveth not the wasters. (Qur’an,6:141)
This verse warns against squandering and excessive use of resources, emphasizing the significance of prudent consumption. As custodians, Muslims are urged to responsibly oversee various resources—whether wealth, natural elements, or knowledge—acting with wisdom and integrity. This involves refraining from extravagance, avarice, and wastefulness, while ensuring equitable and ethical distribution within societies and among individuals.
7. Caring for Future Generations
Islamic teachings advocate for believers to leave behind a beneficial legacy for future generations. This encompasses conserving the environment, upholding social justice, and passing on a world enriched with knowledge, compassion, and moral principles. The Islamic viewpoint regarding the welfare of future generations stresses the significance of leaving a constructive legacy, supporting ongoing acts of charity and knowledge, advocating sustainability, and ensuring the welfare and ethical upbringing of upcoming generations.
Allah says in the Qur’an: Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law). (Al-Qur’an,17:33)
These verses, among others in the Qur’an, highlight the ethical and moral obligations held by humans as caretakers of the Earth. They underscore the values of preservation, temperance, fairness, and responsibility in managing and safeguarding resources while fostering harmony and equilibrium in the environment.
Conclusion
The concept of stewardship within Islam, epitomized by khilafah, presents a comprehensive framework that guides individuals towards ethical and responsible conduct. Its diverse applications encompassing environmental sustainability, social justice, and personal growth highlight its relevance in addressing modern global challenges. Embracing stewardship principles enables individuals to contribute to a harmonious relationship with the environment, advocate for fairness in society, and nurture a well-rounded lifestyle. Adhering to these principles fosters a deeper bond with both the Creator and the creation, cultivating inner peace and spiritual contentment. This connection contributes to holistic well-being, encompassing mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. In essence, the concept of stewardship in Islam provides a guiding ethos for ethical living, with its application extending to various facets of life. It encourages individuals to nurture a balanced relationship with the environment, society, and oneself, promoting a sense of responsibility, equity, and spiritual fulfillment.
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[1] Research Scholar Ph.D, Department of Religious Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, India, Email: syedsabahat.ss@gmail.com