Islam

All pictures on this post have been taken from the Stock Exchange Web site. The author and link to their other work will be under each picture.

("The Rising" by Ozan Uzel.)

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with about 21% of the population following it, according to the Religious Tolerance Web site.

Islam means "peace" or "submission." Muslims are followers of Islam who believe Muhammad was the last of many great prophets sent by Allah (the one and only true God) to give them the Qur'an, or Koran. The Religious Tolerance Web site and the Islamic Center of Tucson say the framework of Muslim life next to the Qur'an is the five pillars, which are:
Faith
Prayer
Concern for the needy
Self-purification
Pilgrimage to Mecca if possible

Here are some links for more information about Islam:
*Alliance of Religions and Conservation
*Harvard Forum on Religion and Ecology
*PBS's "Islam: Empire of Faith"

("She is praying..." by Yi Nam Jahe)

According to the Qur'an, Allah intended people to be stewards, or guardians of the environment, which He created.

(Islam and Ecology: A Bestowed Trust Inviting Balanced Stewardship)


(From "What do Muslims Teach About Ecology?" at the Alliance of Religions and Conservation.)

It still amazes me to find so many religious groups that have put together organizations to help save the environment. It's interesting that people aren't joining secular environmental groups but creating their own based on their beliefs. Here are some links to Islamic groups and projects for the environment:

The Islamic Foundation For Ecology and Environmental Sciences, based in the UK, has practical ways for Muslims to get involved and explains the connection between Islam and the environment.

Islam News on the ARC Web site tells about Islamic groups in Africa and Brittain that have recently started projects to help the environment.