The short answer
The Qur’an describes human beings as khalifah, trustees or stewards, on the earth, and describes the natural world, rain, growth, animals, the sea, as signs pointing to its Creator. It condemns waste and excess, forbids corruption on the earth, and says that corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what human hands have done.
A little more context
The Prophet is reported to have forbidden wasting water even when washing beside a river, to have encouraged planting trees even on the eve of the end of the world, and to have established protected zones for grazing and wildlife. Muslim organisations today draw on these sources in work on climate and conservation. As with every tradition, the gap between teaching and practice is real.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 2:30 Placing a steward on the earth.
- Qur’an 7:31 Eat and drink, but do not be excessive.
- Qur’an 30:41 Corruption on land and sea because of what human hands have earned.
- Qur’an 6:141 He does not love the wasteful.
- Sunan Ibn Majah 425 Do not waste water, even at a flowing river.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.