“Islamic Eco-Jihad” is a powerful movement that revives classical Islamic environmental principles and applies them to modern ecological crises. The term “jihad” here reclaims its broader meaning of “struggle” or “striving” in the path of God, specifically referring to the struggle to protect God’s creation. This conceptual framework is deeply rooted in the 13th century, a period when Islamic civilization developed sophisticated environmental policies and technologies during the Abbasid Caliphate and other contemporary Muslim states. The ecological wisdom of this era emerged from a synthesis of Quranic principles, Prophetic traditions (Hadith), and empirical scientific inquiry, creating what we might now recognize as an early environmental ethic. Today, as Muslim communities and nations face severe environmental challenges, from water scarcity in the Middle East to deforestation in Southeast Asia, this historical legacy offers both practical solutions and spiritual motivation for sustainable living.

The 13th century was a period of peak Islamic civilization, witnessing remarkable advancements in environmental protection. During the Abbasid Caliphate, particularly under Caliph Al-Nasir, comprehensive environmental protection policies were implemented. These policies included measures for water conservation, forest restoration, and urban waste management. The caliphate introduced the concept of “Haram” – designated areas for the protection of natural resources. These areas included forests, water reservoirs, and mineral resources with usage restrictions. 13th century Islamic scientists also made significant contributions to environmental science. Botanists like Ibn al-Baitar worked on plant species conservation and their usage methods. His book “Al-Jami li-Mufradat al-Adwiya wa al-Aghdiya” introduced Islamic principles of botanical conservation. This era also saw revolutionary changes in agriculture, with improved water use efficiency and land conservation methods.

Water conservation held central importance in 13th century Islamic civilization. The Quran establishes water as a fundamental necessity of life, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prohibited water wastage. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers formulated comprehensive water conservation policies. These policies included protection of underground water reservoirs, river cleaning, and implementation of modern irrigation systems. In Islamic Spain, the “Saqifa” system was introduced – an organized method of water distribution. This system ensured fair water distribution with strict penalties for wastage. 13th century Muslim experts also worked on improving water quality. They discovered physical and chemical methods of water purification and ensured clean water supply in urban areas.

Forest protection held special importance in 13th century Islamic environmental policies. The Quran describes trees and forests as signs of Allah, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared tree planting as continuous charity. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers introduced comprehensive laws for forest protection. These laws included restrictions on deforestation, tree planting campaigns, and wildlife protection measures. During the Abbasid Caliphate, the concept of “Haram” areas was introduced specifically for forest protection. These areas had complete bans on tree cutting and provided protection for wildlife. 13th century Muslim scientists also discovered scientific methods of forest conservation. They researched protection of different tree species and their propagation methods, laying the foundation for modern environmental science.

13th century Islamic cities presented enviable examples of environmental management. These cities had advanced systems for waste management, air purification, and noise pollution control. Cities like Baghdad, Cordoba, and Cairo were famous for their environmental protection standards. 13th century Muslim experts introduced urban planning principles that ensured environmental protection. These principles included protection of green areas, establishment of public gardens, and separation of industrial areas from residential zones. Special systems for urban waste management were introduced, including waste recycling and energy generation from waste methods. 13th century Muslim scientists also worked on improving air quality and discovered methods to control industrial pollution.

13th century Islamic civilization introduced sustainable agriculture principles that remain relevant today. The Quran emphasizes land protection, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) favored farming as a profession. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim agricultural experts discovered methods of land conservation and sustainable farming. These methods included maintaining soil fertility, improving water use efficiency, and crop rotation systems. 13th century Muslim scientists promoted the use of organic fertilizers and warned about harmful effects of chemical fertilizers. They discovered natural treatments for plant diseases and introduced alternative methods to pesticides. This era saw the establishment of agricultural research centers where new crops were developed and farming methods improved.

13th century Islamic civilization introduced modern waste management methods. The Quran declares cleanliness as half of faith, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged environmental cleanliness. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers established comprehensive waste management systems. These systems included household waste separation, recycling processes, and methods of energy generation from waste. Garbage dumps in urban areas were organized, and methods of waste reuse were discovered. 13th century Muslim scientists studied the environmental impacts of waste and discovered methods to reduce them. They also worked on industrial waste management and introduced pollution control methods.

Animal protection held special importance in 13th century Islamic environmental policies. The Quran describes animals as God’s creation, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught kindness to animals. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers introduced laws for animal protection. These laws included restrictions on hunting wild animals, protection of pet rights, and conservation measures for rare species. 13th century Muslim scientists discovered scientific methods of animal conservation. They established wildlife protection areas and started conservation programs for rare species. This era saw the establishment of animal treatment centers and introduction of modern care methods.

13th century Islamic civilization introduced modern methods of water resources protection. The Quran establishes water as the source of life, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized protection of rivers and seas. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers formulated comprehensive policies for water resources protection. These policies included river cleaning, water pollution control, and aquatic life conservation measures. 13th century Muslim scientists worked on improving water resources quality. They discovered physical and chemical methods of water purification and warned about harmful effects of water pollution. This era saw the introduction of modern water resources management systems including organized water distribution and protection of water reservoirs.

13th century Islamic civilization introduced principles of air quality protection. The Quran describes air as God’s mercy, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of breathing clean air. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers took measures for air quality protection. These measures included controlling industrial pollution, promoting greenery in urban areas, and encouraging clean energy use. 13th century Muslim scientists studied air quality and discovered methods to improve it. They examined the health impacts of air pollution and introduced methods to reduce it. This era saw the introduction of urban planning principles that improved air quality.

13th century Islamic civilization introduced modern methods of public health protection. The Quran emphasizes cleanliness and health importance, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) introduced principles of medical hygiene. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers formulated comprehensive policies for public health protection. These policies included establishment of cleanliness systems, controlling disease spread, and public health protection measures. 13th century Muslim doctors studied the relationship between environment and health. They examined the health impacts of environmental factors and discovered methods to prevent disease spread. This era saw the establishment of hospitals and introduction of modern public health protection systems.

Mountains and natural sites protection held special importance in 13th century Islamic environmental policies. The Quran describes mountains as signs of Allah, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized protection of natural sites. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers introduced laws for protection of mountains and natural sites. These laws included restrictions on mountain cutting, protection of natural sites, and organized tourism methods. 13th century Muslim scientists studied mountain ecology and discovered methods for its protection. They introduced methods for forest protection in mountainous areas and water resources management. This era saw the establishment of designated areas for protection of natural sites.

13th century Islamic civilization introduced principles of plant and vegetation protection. The Quran describes plants as God’s blessing, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged tree planting. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers took measures for plant and vegetation protection. These measures included protection of rare plants, establishment of botanical gardens, and conservation programs for medicinal plants. 13th century Muslim botanists studied different plant species and discovered methods for their protection. They promoted the use of plants in herbal medicine and highlighted the importance of their conservation. This era saw the establishment of botanical research centers where new plant species were discovered.

13th century Islamic civilization gave special importance to environmental protection of religious sites. The Quran emphasizes purity of mosques and religious sites, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged cleanliness of religious sites. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers took measures for environmental protection of religious sites. These measures included mosque cleanliness, promoting greenery around religious sites, and public cleanliness programs. 13th century Muslim scholars worked on theological foundations for environmental protection of religious sites. They compiled Islamic principles of cleanliness and protection of religious sites and gave them practical form. This era saw the establishment of special funds for protection of religious sites.

13th century Islamic civilization introduced environmental education programs. The Quran emphasizes importance of knowledge and education, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged acquisition of knowledge. In light of these teachings, 13th century Muslim rulers started environmental education programs. These programs included education of environmental sciences, public awareness campaigns, and environmental protection training. 13th century Muslim scholars developed environmental education curricula. They made environmental sciences part of religious education and created public environmental awareness. This era saw the establishment of environmental sciences departments in madrasas and universities.

13th century Islamic environmental policies remain highly relevant and beneficial in today’s era. These policies not only provide practical methods of environmental protection but also have strong theological foundations. Facing modern environmental challenges, particularly climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, much can be learned from these historical policies. The concept of Islamic Eco-Jihad actually presents a comprehensive approach that combines religious devotion, scientific research, and practical actions. In the future, these policies can be adapted to modern requirements and implemented not only in Muslim countries but throughout the world. For this, it is essential to promote environmental education in Islamic countries, develop integrated policies, and ensure public participation.