The value of the world (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
The value of the world
Introduction
Muslims hold a profound belief that the world possesses special significance because Allah created it. This fundamental understanding shapes how they view their relationship with the natural environment and their responsibilities towards it. For Muslims, the world is not simply a resource to be used, but rather a sacred creation that deserves care and respect.
This foundational belief influences every aspect of how Muslims interact with the natural world, from daily practices to major environmental decisions.
Awe and wonder
Allah's magnificent creation
The concept of awe and wonder lies at the heart of how Muslims perceive the world around them. When Muslims observe Allah's creation of the universe, they experience deep amazement and reverence. This sense of wonder encourages them to worship Allah and fills them with a profound sense of duty to care for His creation.
The Qur'an beautifully expresses this divine creative power:
Qur'anic Reflexion:
"And it is He who spread the earth and placed therein firmly set mountains and rivers; and from all of the fruits He made therein two mates. He causes the night to cover the day. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought." (Surah 13:3)
This quotation demonstrates Allah's power in creating the universe and highlights the amazing complexity and beauty of Allah's design. It encourages Muslims to worship Allah and provides them with a sense of duty to care for His creation.
Responsibility
Human duty towards creation
Muslims understand that Allah has given the world to humanity as a gift, but this gift comes with significant responsibilities. The world ultimately belongs to Allah, and humans have a duty to care for it properly. This responsibility stems from the Islamic belief that everything in creation has been entrusted to human care.
Critical Understanding: The world belongs to Allah, not to humanity. Humans are merely caretakers who will be held accountable for their stewardship.
The Qur'an reinforces this concept of human responsibility:
"And to Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and earth. And those near Him [i.e. the angels] are not too proud to worship Him" (Surah 30:26)
This verse emphasises that Allah has ultimate ownership over all creation, which reinforces the idea of Allah giving humanity dominion over the Earth.
Khalifah (stewardship)
The role of trustee
The concept of khalifah is central to Islamic environmental ethics. This Arabic term means being a steward or deputy who has a responsibility to care for the universe. Muslims understand themselves to be trustees or representatives of Allah on Earth, rather than absolute owners of natural resources.
Understanding Khalifah:
The term khalifah comes from the Arabic root meaning "to succeed" or "to follow after." It implies that humans are temporary caretakers who will one day answer for how they managed Allah's creation.
The Qur'an clearly establishes this principle of stewardship:
Extended Qur'anic Teaching:
"The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them - if you would be certain. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death. He is your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers. But they are in doubt, amusing themselves. Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke. Covering the people; this is a painful torment. Our Lord, remove from us the torment; indeed, we are believers. How will there be for them a reminder [at that time] while there had come to them a clear Messenger. Then they turned away from him and said, 'A madman taught [by others].' Indeed, We will remove the torment for a little. Indeed, you [disbelievers] will return [to disbelief]. The day We will strike with the greatest assault, indeed, We will take retribution. And We had certainly tried before them the people of Pharaoh, and there came to them a noble messenger, [Saying], 'Render to me the servants of Allah. Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger.' And [saying], 'Be not haughty with Allah. Indeed, I have come to you with clear authority. And indeed, I have sought refuge in my Lord and your Lord, lest you stone me. But if you do not believe me, then leave me alone.' And [finally] he called to his Lord that these were a criminal people. [Allah said], 'Then set out with My servants by night. Indeed, you will be pursued. And leave the sea in stillness. Indeed, they are an army to be drowned.' How much they left behind of gardens and springs. And crops and noble sites. And comfort wherein they were amused. Thus. And We caused to inherit it another people. And the heavens and earth wept not for them, nor were they reprieved. And We certainly saved the Children of Israel from the humiliating torment - From Pharaoh. Indeed, he was a haughty one among the transgressors. And We certainly chose them by knowledge over the worlds. And We gave them of signs that in which there was a clear trial. Indeed, these [disbelievers] are saying, 'There is not but our first death, and we will not be resurrected. Then bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful.' Are they better or the people of Tubba' and those before them? We destroyed them, [for] indeed, they were criminals. And We did not create the heavens and earth and that between them in play. We did not create them except in truth, but most of them do not know. Indeed, the Day of Judgement is the appointed time for them all - The Day when no relation will avail a relation at all, nor will they be helped - Except those [believers] on whom Allah has mercy. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful."
This emphasises how humans are on Earth as trustees or representatives of Allah on Earth. This reinforces the view that the world does not belong to humans and they have a duty of stewardship to care for it.
Dominion
Authority with responsibility
Muslims believe that humans were made different from all other parts of Allah's creation, as they were given responsibilities and duties to care for the world and for each other. This concept is called dominion - having power over what Allah created for them.
However, this dominion comes with important limitations and responsibilities. Muslims believe they have a responsibility to use this power over Allah's creation wisely and responsibly, meaning they should take care of it and not exploit this precious resource.
Key Principle: Dominion is not about exploitation, but about responsible stewardship. Power over creation must be exercised with wisdom and accountability.
The Qur'an establishes human authority over creation:
"It is He who has made you successors upon the earth." (Surah 35:39)
This quotation reinforces the idea of Allah giving humanity dominion over the Earth.
Practical Application of Dominion:
The concept of dominion includes understanding that humans should care for plants and animals responsibly. When a Muslim plants a tree or sows a field and humans and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity from the Muslim who planted it.
This demonstrates how dominion translates into positive action that benefits all of Allah's creation.
Practical implications
These Islamic teachings about the value of the world have practical consequences for how Muslims should behave towards the environment. The principles of awe and wonder, responsibility, khalifah, and dominion work together to create a framework for environmental stewardship that emphasises:
- Caring for creation rather than exploiting it
- Recognising Allah's ultimate ownership of all things
- Acting as responsible trustees of natural resources
- Maintaining the balance and beauty of Allah's creation
- Being mindful that they will be held accountable for their stewardship
Integrated Approach:
These principles work together to create a comprehensive Islamic environmental ethic that balances human needs with respect for Allah's creation.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Muslims believe the world is special because Allah created it, inspiring awe and wonder
- The concept of khalifah means Muslims are trustees or stewards of Allah's creation, not owners
- Dominion gives humans authority over creation, but this comes with the responsibility to care for it properly
- Qur'anic verses establish both human responsibility and Allah's ultimate ownership of all creation
- Muslims have a duty to care for the world and will be held accountable for their stewardship on the Day of Judgement