Fazal Pathan/Mumbai

The Creator bestowed humanity with the remarkable gift of intellect and made us the protectors of this earth. But unfortunately, the same human being has started sacrificing nature for his own selfish motives. Against this backdrop, an important seminar on 'Environmental Protection' took place in Mumbai.

A special conference on the theme 'One Humanity, One Habitat' was organised by the Wisdom Foundation. Leaders of various faiths, scholars, and thinkers came together on a single stage and spoke about the teachings of environmental conservation in their respective scriptures.

Detailed discussions were held on the moral and spiritual traditions of various religions at this conference. There was a consensus among the attendees that even though the frameworks of religions differ, every religion has shown the path of respecting and protecting nature. It was firmly stated that all living beings in the world have an equal right over every creation of the Creator; hence humans cannot claim absolute ownership over this earth.

At the beginning of the program, Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali, Director of the Wisdom Foundation, expressed her concern over the ongoing environmental degradation and the severe crises caused by it in current times.

Zeenat Shaukat Ali said, "Given the damage being done to the environment and the immense threats it poses to human life, it was necessary to bring leaders of different faiths on one platform now. We took this decision to remind people of their duties and responsibilities towards nature."

Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi, Vice President of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, presented several important instances from the Holy Quran and Islamic history to the audience.

He said humans have been made protectors and not the owners of nature. Maulana Rizvi said, "The Holy Quran clearly tells humanity that this earth is not your personal property, but a sacred trust (Amanat) given to you. For the one who is handed a trust, protecting it honestly becomes their greatest duty."

Citing a significant law from the time of Prophet Muhammad, he further said, "When laws were formulated in the second year of Prophet Muhammad's Hijrat, a clear rule was made. Even if the Muslim army or people conquer a city or place and enter it, the trees, plants, greenery, agriculture, and crops there must not be harmed at all. This gives us the biggest lesson in environmental protection."

Maulana Muhammad Arif Umri, Vice President of Jamiat Ulema Maharashtra, delivered a highly emotional message from the Hadith. He said that the trees and vines in nature are a reflection of the Almighty.

Speaking on the importance of tree plantation, Maulana Umri said, "It is said in the Hadith Sharif that if you have a sapling in your hand and you are about to plant it in the ground, and just then you see that Doomsday is near, even knowing that there is no time left for that sapling to grow into a tree, you must still plant that sapling in the ground."

Referring to the blessings in nature, he further added, "The Holy Quran says that places where there are rivers, trees, and greenery are called places of blessing. This nature is a blessing given to us by the Almighty, and it is our religious and moral responsibility to value this blessing."

Keshavchandra Das, Treasurer and scholar at ISKCON Gurgaon Chowpatty, explained the philosophy of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in simple, everyday language. He very aptly presented the relationship between nature and humans.

Making everyone realise their responsibility, Keshavchandra Das said, "In the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, the earth is called our mother and the human being is called her son. Taking care of one's mother, not committing atrocities against her, and not harming her is the primary duty of every son. Instead of thinking about what we can extract from nature all our lives, everyone should think about what they are giving to this world and nature."

Bishop Evelyn De Silva underlined the importance given to the environment in the Christian tradition. She stated that the Christian community worldwide celebrates this period every year as a pledge to save the environment.

Speaking about the global initiative for environmental conservation, Bishop De Silva said, "Christian brethren across the world celebrate the festival of nature every year between September 1 and October 4. A special theme is decided for this every year. This year, taking up the concept of 'Water of Life', we are creating environmental awareness among the people."

Mentioning the Pope's stance, she concluded by saying, "The current Pope Leo has given a massive message to the world. If we do not protect this environment and nature, we will be considered sinners in the court of God."

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This conference amplified the respect for nature in the minds of the attendees. Everyone unanimously echoed the sentiment that instead of merely talking about nature in speeches, one must practically protect the environment by adopting the teachings of their respective religions. This unique initiative by the Wisdom Foundation is receiving praise from various sections in Mumbai.