Commending the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in raising awareness and educating people about environmental issues and climate change
Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi: Protecting the Earth and preserving the environment is a religious, moral, social, and humanitarian duty.
Under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders has placed a great concern for environmental issues and confronting the negative impacts of climate change since it is one of the major global challenges threatening life on this planet. With respect to that, the Council's stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair organized a seminar titled 'Humans and Environmental Protection' by Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, also known as ‘The Green Sheikh’, Environmental Advisor to the government of Ajman and Vice Chairman of Al Ihsan Charity Association.
At the beginning of the seminar, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi emphasized that there are seven fundamental elements governing the relationship between humans and the Earth. The first is monotheism, which holds the highest status and is the essence of existence. He explained that the second element is that humans are successors on Earth, entrusted with its development and preservation to ensure its continuity for future generations. He referred to the statement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, that "our approach, heritage, and legacy are about sustaining resources for future generations."
The Green Sheikh further added that the third element is sincerity in work, which creates a sense of satisfaction that serves the Earth and further preserves it. The fourth element is the verses of the Holy Qur'an, all of which were revealed for contemplation and reflection on the signs indicating the greatness of the Creator in the Earth and the heavens. The fifth element is justice, moderation, and balance in everything, which serves as the true measure of ethics. The sixth element is equilibrium, and the seventh is goodness, which he noted as the highest level of justice itself.
Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi pointed out that many people overlook that we are not living on this planet alone and that there are billions of other humans and an even greater number of other creatures that share our ecosystems. He affirmed that it is our duty as humans to preserve the Earth and sustain its resources, in order to protect everyone who lives on it.
The Green Sheikh expressed his gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Almighty Allah which is one of the most important factors for the sustainability of these blessings. He emphasized that the first and most important factor for sustainability is gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Almighty Allah, whether as individuals or communities. Security and tranquility are a blessing that must also be preserved, along with kindness among other things.
The Green Sheikh also presented a video highlighting the story of goodness towards the environment, drawing inspiration from the efforts of the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who showed great concern for the Earth for the benefit of future generations, who in turn have carried the banner of protecting the Earth and followed his approach in caring for and preserving it.
Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi concluded by addressing the relationship between religions and laws of the environment, affirming that there is a close relationship between religions and the preservation of the environment. He praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in raising awareness and educating people about environmental issues and climate change, emphasizing the need to unite all efforts to protect and preserve our planet as a religious, moral, social, and humanitarian duty.
