Humanity: Allah's Vicegerent on Earth - Reflections on Our Environmental Responsibility

2026-05-05

Assistant Instructor Abdul Kareem Ali Abdullah

Upper Euphrates Center for Sustainable Development Research - University of Anbar

Praise is to Allah, who created the earth and made it a stable place, the sky a canopy, the water fresh and pure, and the air a mercy and a balsam. Praise is to Allah, who brought out trees from the earth and caused crops to grow therein, and made subservient to us all that is in the universe so that we may live and be grateful, not so that we may spread corruption and be ungrateful.

Indeed, consider for a moment: How many times have you looked at the clear sky and felt at peace? How many times have you breathed fresh air in the early morning and your lungs were filled with life? How many times have you sat by a flowing river, seen a fruitful tree, or heard a bird chirping, and your heart was filled with joy and your soul with tranquility?

This environment is not merely a backdrop to our lives. It is a gift, a trust, and a sign. Every atom in it glorifies its Creator with praise, and every part of it carries a message: that Allah exists, that He is merciful, and that He is beautiful and loves beauty. But humanity... forgot, or pretended to forget. Sitting on the throne of caliphate bestowed upon them by Allah, they came to believe themselves owners, not trustees. They began to deplete the earth, pollute the air, cut down forests, and fill the seas with waste, all in the name of "progress," "comfort," and "prosperity." But the result is a groaning planet and an uncertain future.

What does it mean to be a vicegerent?

When Allah created Adam, He said to the angels, "I will make a vicegerent on earth." {Al-Baqarah} Imagine! Allah places humanity in this great position. Not because we are angels, but because we possess the capacity for both good and evil, and because Allah wanted to test us: would we cultivate the earth or corrupt it?

The word "vicegerent" in Arabic means one who takes the place of another. So, when you are a vicegerent, you are a representative, not an owner. The true owner of the earth is Allah. You are merely a trustee. Just as you rent a house, you are responsible for its cleanliness and maintenance; you have no right to ruin or neglect it.

This understanding changes your perspective on everything. When you throw a plastic bottle in the street, you are betraying a trust. When you leave the tap running and the water is wasted, you are squandering what is entrusted to you. When you cut down a tree for no reason, you are encroaching on what does not belong to you.

Verses that carry profound messages:

Allah Almighty says: “Then we made you successors after them, generations after generations in the land, that We might see how you would work.” {Yunus; 14}  Allah is telling us: Look at those who came before you, how they corrupted things, so Allah destroyed them. Learn from their mistakes and do not repeat them.

The verse, Allah Almighty says: “And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.” {Al-An’am: 165}. The differences between us—wealth and poverty, strength and weakness—are not arbitrary. They are a test. How will you use what Allah has given you?

The most beautiful thing I have read is Allah's saying: “Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession in the land.” Succession is not a predetermined fate for all of humanity. It is a promise for those who believe and do good deeds.

Human Duties on Earth

In the Quran, there are two fundamental obligations for humankind: the first is in Allah's saying: “He has produced you from the earth and settled you in it,” {Hud: 61}. Allah Almighty has asked us to cultivate the earth, not just to build, but to plant, cultivate, and build a civilization that makes life better and more beautiful.

The second commandment is found in the Almighty’s words: “And do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation.” {Al-A’raf: 56} Do not pollute, do not be wasteful, and do not transgress. Allah Almighty has linked our actions to environmental degradation, saying: “Corruption has flourished on land and sea as a result of people’s actions.” {Ar-Rum: 41} Yes, by our own hands. We are the ones who caused it, and we are the ones who can rectify it.

Here, we remember the Sustainable Development Goals pursued by the United Nations, such as clean water, clean energy, climate action, and protecting life both on land and underwater. These are, in essence, a modern interpretation of the duty to “cultivate the earth” and “prevent corruption,” which Allah has commanded us to uphold.

Prophetic teachings for preserving the environment: The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) lived by these principles and taught them to us. He advised us to protect trees, even in times of war, saying: “Do not cut down trees, and do not destroy buildings.” He also recommended planting and sowing: “There is no Muslim who plants a tree… from which a bird, a human, or an animal eats, except that it is considered charity for him.” And the most beautiful thing the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) (PBBUM) said was: “If the Doomsday comes while one of you has a sapling in his hand, let him plant it.” So even if the world were to end, plant a tree.

He (PBBUM) also advised his nation to be kind to animals, saying: “A woman entered Hell because of a cat she had tied up, neither feeding it nor giving it water.” This shows that mercy to animals is part of faith.

Regarding extravagance, the Prophet (PBBUM) saw Sa’ad performing ablution “Wudoo” and said: “What is this extravagance?” Sa’ad asked: “Is there extravagance in ablution?” He replied: “Yes, even if you were by a flowing river.” So even if water is plentiful, do not be wasteful.

What does this mean for you?

You might ask: How do we apply this? Start with simple steps: Don't litter in the street, plant a tree, even in a pot, conserve water, don't harm animals, and teach your children to love nature. These are simple acts, but they will be counted among your good deeds and demonstrate your commitment to preserving and sustaining the environment.

Ultimately,

The Earth does not belong to you. You are only living on it for a short time, and then generations will come after you. What will you leave them? A green forest or a barren desert? Clean air or deadly toxins? Clean water or polluted water?

Remember: You are Allah's vicegerent on Earth. Allah has entrusted you with this universe. So be trustworthy. Be a righteous vicegerent. Because in the end, Allah will ask you: What did you do with what I entrusted to you?

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