Throughout the world, there are a myriad of religions and belief systems that countless followers adhere to, and these religions cover a variety of spiritual topics and concerns that seem to satisfy the billions of religious adherents. It is, however, an injustice to simply state that Islam is a "religion" of this type, offering only spiritual advice, and ignoring the matters of the "real world". Islam, simply put, is more than a religion, it is a way of living life. Amongst the teachings of Islam, established are such religious matters as prayer, charity, helping the poor, promoting good, and so forth, but there are also such practical matters as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, as well as social issues including politics, form of government, and there are even teachings about preserving the environment.

In Islam, the regard for environment can initially be traced back to the Qur'an, the Holy Book of all of the 1.2 billion Muslims around the world. The Quran says: "Verily in the heavens and the earth, are Signs for those who believe. And in the creation of yourselves and the fact that animals are scattered (throughout the earth), are Signs for those of assured Faith. And the alteration of Night and Day, and the fact that God sends down Sustenance from the sky, and revives therewith the earth after its death, and in the change of the winds,-are Signs for those that are wise." Qur'an, 45:3-5

n this "ayah", or verse from the Qur'an, the notion that God has created everything as a modicum to worship him is explained. The environment, plants, animals, and even the Earth itself are created as signs and symbols to recognize the existence of God. As such, if there is any harm or destruction to the environment, the plants, animals, Earth's atmosphere, or anything of the like - it is akin to destroying the signs of God. For a Muslim, to destroy one of the signs of the existence of God, even without knowing it, is the worst kind of sacrilege. In order to protect its followers, Islam has thus emphasized protection of the environment and maintenance of ecological systems throughout its teachings.

An example of preservation of the environment can be traced back to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, the successor to Prophet Muhammad (May God grant peace upon them). There was a time when Imam Ali was performing a job for another individual, which involved some sort of transcription of texts, and to do this job he would work by candle light. As Imam Ali was a well known source of Islamic information, and was perfectly versed in all teachings and rulings of Islam, countless Muslims would often solicit him in an attempt to obtain his advice. Of course, Imam Ali was always able to oblige, even if it meant that he had to halt his work for a few moments. However, before he conversed with the individuals that came to see him, he would always extinguish the candle.

The purpose was twofold: he did not want to use his employer's property (the candle) for reasons unrelated to work, and secondly he wanted to preserve the materials available at the time. This demonstrates the degree to which environmental preservation is taught by Islam. A candle, which has seemingly little environmental impact, was something that Imam Ali took care not to waste. In simpler terms, he was using a system that has only evolved in America in the past twenty years: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. The 3 "R" rule has been something that ecologists have been trying to promote since the early 1980s, however, has been in effect since Islam's inception more than a thousand years ago.

The Prophet's successor attempted to teach, (by example and by word), the need to reduce waste, to save resources, and preserve the environment as far back as 700 C.E.
Of course, the Islamic discourse on the environment is further discussed throughout the Qur'an. As mentioned before, the explanation that all of reality was created to worship God is something that appears constantly throughout Islam. This idea extends through humans, angels, jinns, to plants, animals, and even inanimate objects. Though we do not understand how, everything in the universe, including the components of the environment, participates in making remembrance [dhikr] of God: " The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare his Glory: There is not a thing but celebrates His praise; and yet ye understand not how they declare His Glory! Verily He is Oft-Forbearing; Most Forgiving." Qur'an, 17:44 . There are many verses that mention specific beings that praise God; including the following: "Nay, thunder repeateth His praises, and so do the angels, with awe ." Qur'an, 13:13 and ".It was Our power that made the mountains and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David." Qur'an, 21:79.

The environment is one of the many issues that have arisen in today's society, which has been painstakingly covered by Islam centuries before most scholars began considering the issue. For Muslims, saving the environment is more than a clever coffee table conversation topic, it is a spiritual responsibility. Islam is more than a religion; it is a way of living; a way of thinking; a way to create a better life for all of Earth's inhabitants.