Islam emphasises stewardship of the Earth, teaching believers to view nature as a sacred trust from God.
However, the global environmental crisis presents significant challenges for Muslim societies, many of which are exacerbated by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and the impacts of climate change.
For British Muslims, these issues manifest in unique ways that intersect with both their faith-based values and their socio-cultural contexts.
As a result, British Muslims often face challenges in balancing traditional customs with modern environmental concerns, with the annual observance of Ramadan being a key example of unsustainable attitudes and practices.
To explore these issues further, The New Arab spoke with Kamran Shezad, the Director of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and asked him what British Muslims can do to make Ramadan more ‘green’.
Sadek Hamid for The New Arab: My first question is, how can British Muslims incorporate principles of waste reduction to make Ramadan more sustainable?
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and gratitude. However, it is also a period when waste levels tend to rise, particularly in food, water, and plastic consumption.
By incorporating waste reduction principles, British Muslims can make Ramadan more sustainable while fulfilling their role as stewards of the Earth.
One of the most effective ways to reduce waste during Ramadan is by minimising food waste at Iftar and Suhoor.
Planning meals in advance and only buying what is needed can prevent excessive food purchases. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged moderation, and these teachings should also apply during the month of Ramadan.
In line with the Sunnah, serving smaller portions at Iftar and Suhoor can help reduce leftovers, while any excess food should be stored, repurposed, or shared with neighbours, food banks, or community initiatives.
Additionally, using leftovers creatively, such as turning overripe fruits into smoothies or soups, can further minimise waste.
Sustainable eating habits can also play a role in reducing waste.
Cutting down on meat consumption during Ramadan is a simple yet impactful change, as meat production has a high environmental impact. A key aspect of sustainability is reducing plastic waste.
Many Iftar gatherings rely heavily on disposable plastic plates, cups, and cutlery, which contribute to environmental pollution.
Bringing a refillable water bottle to the mosque instead of using single-use plastic bottles can also make a significant difference.
Choosing sustainable packaging when shopping and encouraging mosques to adopt plastic-free policies will further support a greener Ramadan.
What role can mosques and Islamic centres play in promoting eco-friendly practices during Ramadan?
Mosques and Islamic centres play a crucial role in shaping the values and behaviours of Muslim communities, making them key drivers in promoting eco-friendly practices during Ramadan.
By incorporating sustainability into religious activities and leading by example, mosques can encourage worshippers to adopt greener habits in their daily lives while fulfilling their duty as stewards of the Earth.
One of the most effective ways mosques can contribute to sustainability is by reducing food waste at Iftar gatherings.
Many mosques host daily or weekly community Iftars and tend to be very good at ensuring that any leftover food is distributed within their congregation.
Another key area for improvement is reducing plastic waste.
Ramadan events frequently involve disposable plates, cups, and cutlery, which contribute significantly to environmental pollution.
Mosques can act by switching to reusable or biodegradable alternatives for serving food and drinks, encouraging worshippers to bring their own reusable bottles and utensils, and installing water stations instead of distributing plastic water bottles.
During Ramadan, mosque attendance increases, leading to higher car usage and parking congestion, which contributes to carbon emissions.
To address this, mosques can encourage worshippers to walk, cycle, or carpool to Iftars and Taraweeh prayers, provide bicycle parking spaces, and even set up a mosque carpool system to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
In what ways can faith-inspired teachings about nature and stewardship in Islam be leveraged to inspire British Muslims to adopt greener habits during Ramadan, such as conserving water and energy?
Mosques can also use their platform to educate the community about environmental responsibility. Khutbahs can include messages about sustainability, linking it to Islamic teachings.
Ramadan workshops on eco-conscious living can be organised, and Ramadan eco-guides can be distributed to offer practical tips for reducing waste.
A ‘Green Ramadan’ challenge could be launched to encourage families to adopt one new eco-friendly habit each week or even each day of Ramadan.
With increased prayer activities, water consumption in mosques rises significantly. To promote mindful water usage, mosques can install water-saving taps or sensors in Wudu areas and place signs reminding worshippers that the Prophet ﷺ performed Wudu using a mudd, 700ml of water.
Spreading awareness is crucial in making a lasting impact. Encouraging mosques and imams to deliver sermons on sustainability can educate the community on the importance of waste reduction during Ramadan.
Organising eco-conscious Iftars that promote minimal waste and sustainable food choices can serve as an example for others.
Teaching children about waste reduction through composting, mindful eating, and reducing plastic use will help instil eco-friendly habits from a young age.
How can British Muslim communities engage in pro-environmental attitudes during and after Ramadan?
One of the most significant barriers is the perception that environmental concerns are secondary to religious obligations.
However, Islam emphasises care of the Earth and encourages sustainable living.
To overcome this, imams and religious leaders should make connections with those with environmental knowledge and jointly explore how to integrate environmental messages into Friday sermons and Ramadan talks, linking sustainability to Quranic verses and Hadiths.
Another key challenge is cultural norms surrounding food and hospitality.
Many Muslim households associate Ramadan Iftars with abundance, which can lead to over-purchasing, food waste, and excessive use of plastic at Iftar gatherings.
To shift these habits, communities can promote the Prophetic practice of moderation, encouraging families to prepare smaller portions in line with the Prophetic way of eating at Suhoor and breaking fast at Iftar.
Economic barriers can also make sustainable choices less accessible, particularly for low-income families.
Many eco-friendly products, such as organic food and biodegradable packaging, can be more expensive. To make sustainable living more affordable, families can be encouraged to buy in bulk and share meals, which helps reduce costs and food waste.
Additionally, mosques can organise food-sharing networks or partner with charities to redistribute surplus food to families in need.
For sustainability efforts to be effective, they must also be accompanied by safe and inclusive conversations about climate issues.
Some Muslims may feel disconnected from environmental discussions, especially if they perceive sustainability as a Western-centric or privileged concern.
To ensure inclusivity, environmental activism should be framed within Islamic teachings and social justice, highlighting how climate change disproportionately affects low-income and vulnerable communities worldwide.
Engaging young Muslims through leadership opportunities in eco-friendly projects can help make sustainability relevant to their faith and daily lives.
What innovative projects have British Muslim environmental activists implemented in previous years to tackle sustainability challenges during Ramadan?
There are an increasing number of initiatives that can be replicated locally, such as the Ethical Iftar by Green Deen Tribe, which hosts the Ethical Iftar Challenge, the Plastic-Free Ramadan by Bahu Trust, and the Ramadan Green Guide by MCB.
For those who want to learn more about international Muslim-led efforts in raising environmental consciousness and sustainability, visit the website of Ummah for Earth.
Dr Sadek Hamid is an academic who has written widely about British Muslims. He is the author of Sufis, Salafis and Islamists: The Contested Ground of British Islamic Activism
Follow him on X: @SadekHamid
