Murray State University
The Human Ecology of Islam
Institution
Murray State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Chris Bierwirth
Abstract
Although international curiosity regarding Islam and its influence toward public policy has gained visibility in recent years, its treatment of environmental interactions (i.e., the human ecology of Islam) remains poorly represented in the western and English-language literature. With the understanding that human interpretations of any religion, including the Islamic faith, are dynamic, the goal of this study is twofold: First, to provide an overview of the fundamental sources for Islamic expectations regarding the environment, and second, to cite examples of how these expectations have been applied over time. The holistic nature of Islam has fostered the evolution of a uniquely spiritual but pragmatic environmental model that emphasizes conservation, preservation, and sustainable development. By better understanding this model and its achievements and shortcomings, researchers, public planners, and policymakers throughout the world may gain insight into the successes and failures of their own systems.
The Human Ecology of Islam
Although international curiosity regarding Islam and its influence toward public policy has gained visibility in recent years, its treatment of environmental interactions (i.e., the human ecology of Islam) remains poorly represented in the western and English-language literature. With the understanding that human interpretations of any religion, including the Islamic faith, are dynamic, the goal of this study is twofold: First, to provide an overview of the fundamental sources for Islamic expectations regarding the environment, and second, to cite examples of how these expectations have been applied over time. The holistic nature of Islam has fostered the evolution of a uniquely spiritual but pragmatic environmental model that emphasizes conservation, preservation, and sustainable development. By better understanding this model and its achievements and shortcomings, researchers, public planners, and policymakers throughout the world may gain insight into the successes and failures of their own systems.