In the magnificent tradition of Islamic civilization, gardens have always held central importance, representing not only aesthetics and tranquility but also embodying deep spiritual and environmental meanings. Today, when all humanity faces a biodiversity crisis and species on Earth are rapidly becoming extinct, this historical heritage of Islamic gardens is emerging with a new and unique purpose. This article presents a completely modern concept: using Islamic gardens as biodiversity banks, which can be given the permanent and sacred status of Waqf to create safe havens for rare plants, animals, and insects for humanity. This concept combines religious devotion, environmental science, and social institutional structures in a way unprecedented in history. The permanent and inalienable nature of Waqf, when combined with biological conservation, gives birth to a powerful institution that can guarantee species protection for centuries. This article explores various dimensions of this revolutionary concept and shows how Islamic gardens, which were models of paradise in history, can now become means to protect paradise on Earth.

In the current era of human history, the biodiversity crisis is a tragedy affecting our food, health, economy, and even culture. The threat of millions of species becoming extinct has mobilized scientists, governments, and NGOs, but the role of religious institutions and traditions in this struggle hasn’t been fully explored yet. Islam, as a comprehensive way of life, considers nature protection an essential part of faith. In the Holy Quran, Allah says: “We did not create the heaven and the earth and that between them in play” (Al-Anbiya: 16). This verse clarifies the seriousness and purposefulness of the universe. Elsewhere, it states: “There is no creature moving on the earth, nor a bird flying on its two wings, but are communities like you” (Al-An’am: 38). These verses make it clear that all creatures are part of a divine system with their own place and purpose. Islamic gardens, reflecting these teachings, are not merely recreational spaces but living images of this cosmic balance. Therefore, the biodiversity crisis is essentially a moral and religious issue, and Islamic gardens can offer a unique religious-scientific model for solving this crisis, where every plant, every bird, and every insect becomes practical expression of protecting Allah’s signs.

Waqf is Islam’s magnificent institution that transforms voluntary donation into permanent charity. It’s a legal and social innovation that dedicates property or land to God’s path in such a way that its principal capital remains intact and its income is continuously spent on good deeds. Historically, Waqf has been used for mosques, hospitals, madrasas, and water springs. But its permanent and inalienable nature can make it an ideal tool for environmental protection. When a garden or forest is designated as Waqf, it becomes protected from commercial pressures, land speculation, and generational changes. It becomes a legal shield that prevents this land from being used contrary to its purpose for centuries. In the context of biodiversity conservation, this Waqf concept can take the form of an “ecological Waqf” or “biological Waqf.” This means a garden or natural area can be dedicated not only for humans but for all Earth’s creatures. This is a covenant that the current generation makes with all future generations and also with all of Allah’s creatures. This concept transforms environmental protection from temporary planning into a permanent, sacred covenant spanning generations.

Throughout history, Islamic gardens have always been understood as earthly interpretations of paradise. Whether the gardens of Alhambra in Andalusia or the gardens of Taj Mahal in India, their structure always included the philosophy of four streams (four rivers), exactly matching the description of paradise. These gardens weren’t merely royal displays but masterpieces of modern irrigation systems, botanical knowledge, and environmental harmony. These gardens contained not only local species but also rare plants imported from distant regions, giving them the status of early “botanical archives.” When Mughal emperor Babar came to India, one of his first works was constructing Persian-style gardens, which were not only aesthetic but also scientific experiments with the local environment. These historical gardens were actually early prototypes of “biological banks,” where species were collected, protected, and propagated. Today, when we face biodiversity crisis, we can give a new form to this historical model by combining it with modern scientific knowledge. This spiritual and scientific heritage of historical Islamic gardens teaches us that paradise isn’t only in the afterlife, but protecting it in this world is also our responsibility.

The modern scientific concept of biological banking is generally limited to frozen seed storage, DNA samples, and laboratories. But Islamic gardens as biological banks provide this concept with a living, dynamic, and three-dimensional environment. In a Waqf garden, species are preserved not as specimens but as living units that remain in continuous interaction with their environment and continue evolutionary processes. This garden becomes an “in-situ” conservation sanctuary where species remain protected in their natural habitat. For example, an Islamic garden can preserve rare butterfly species of the local area, seeds of wild flowers, and lineages of local trees. Simultaneously, this garden can also serve as “ex-situ” conservation, where species from regions endangered due to climate change or urban expansion can be safely cultivated. Thus, these gardens become living libraries where every plant, every bird, and every small organism is a living book containing the complete genetic code and ecological knowledge of its species. This living library is not only a treasure for scientists but also a practical center for the general public, especially the new generation, to learn about biodiversity importance.

The success of any biological bank depends on effective water management, and Islamic gardens have a glorious tradition of water management. In historical Islamic gardens, water was viewed not only as a necessity but as a sacred element. The underground irrigation system of “Qanat,” water access to heights through “Saqiyah,” and water storage through “Hauz” – all these techniques were based on Islamic principles of water conservation and equitable distribution. Today, when water crisis has engulfed the entire world, these traditional techniques can be presented as a new model by combining them with modern science. Waqf gardens can integrate modern systems for rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and greywater recycling methods with traditional designs. The purpose is not only water conservation but creating a micro-climate suitable for various species. Ponds and fountains not only enhance garden beauty but also provide habitat for various aquatic life, insects, and birds. Thus, water management ceases to be merely a technical matter and becomes an important pillar of biodiversity conservation, also practically implementing the Islamic principle “do not waste” (Surah Al-An’am: 141).

In this era of globalization, local cultures along with local biological species are rapidly disappearing. Islamic Waqf gardens can prove to be a strong fortress against this trend. Every region has its specific flora and fauna that have been part of local culture, food, medicine, and craftsmanship for centuries. An important purpose of Waqf gardens can be identifying these local species, protecting them, and promoting their cultivation. For example, “Peacan” trees in Pakistan’s Sindh province or “Sheesham” forests in Punjab, which are rapidly disappearing, can be secured in Waqf gardens. This is not only environmental protection but also cultural heritage preservation. The process of local species restoration is both scientific and social. Traditional Ecological Knowledge of local farmers, elders, and women can be used combined with modern science. These gardens can become a source of pride for local communities, who can play an important role in protecting their land and identity. Thus, Waqf gardens not only become means of species protection but also keep regional cultural identity alive, which is a healthy reaction against globalization’s uniform cultural pressure.

An important aspect of making Waqf gardens biological banks is their educational and research capacity. These gardens can become practical centers for school, college, and university students to learn natural sciences. Students coming here can not only learn names of plants and animals but also directly observe ecological system interrelationships, pollination processes, and food chains. These gardens are powerful means to promote “Urban Ecological Literacy.” Research-wise, these gardens can prove to be treasures for biologists, environmental experts, and even medical practitioners. New medicines can be discovered from rare plants, insect behaviors can be studied, and climate change effects can be researched. The permanent status of Waqf provides a stable foundation for long-term research projects, which is often lacking in current commercial or governmental research centers. Thus, these gardens become knowledge centers that not only advance science but also include spiritual and ethical aspects, completely different from purely material science.

For any project’s lasting success, local community participation is extremely important. The concept of Waqf gardens holds a unique position in this regard because the spirit of Waqf itself is based on collective welfare and community partnership. Local people can participate in this project in several ways: they can dedicate part of their land as Waqf, provide traditional knowledge, voluntarily maintain gardens, or give financial donations. Cultural and religious events in gardens, such as annual flower exhibitions, bird nest building competitions, or environmental lectures, can bring together different segments of the community. Thus, the garden doesn’t remain merely an environmental project but becomes a center of social harmony and mutual cooperation. This spirit of community participation actually revives the original spirit of Waqf, where every individual considers themselves owner of this shared welfare project. It is this sense of ownership that can keep a project alive for centuries. When a child sees a tree planted with their own hands growing up, or an elder passes ancestral knowledge to the new generation, this is the emotional and cultural connection that elevates Waqf gardens from merely an environmental project to a living cultural heritage.

A single Waqf garden is important in its place, but this concept’s true power emerges when these gardens form a global network. Islamic countries worldwide and Muslim communities within them can establish Waqf gardens in their respective regions, which can connect with each other to form a global “biological corridor.” These corridors can assist natural processes of bird migration, insect spread, and plant seed exchange. This network can be made more effective through modern technology. For example, information about species present in all Waqf gardens can be collected in a central database. Bird movement can be monitored through satellite tracking. Seed, cutting, and knowledge exchange between different gardens can be promoted through online platforms. This global network will not only work for biological conservation but will also become a means of mutual cooperation, harmony, and peace among Muslims worldwide. This is actually forming a practical and positive Ummah, united under a common purpose.

A strong legal and administrative structure is essential for any Waqf project’s success. Biological Waqf gardens will require a comprehensive framework ensuring transparency, accountability, and stability. This framework should include both Waqf’s Sharia principles and modern environmental laws. Establishment of a trustee board, including religious scholars, scientists, local community representatives, and legal experts, can oversee administration. A transparent accounting system can be established for Waqf income, which can come from donations, tourism, or garden products (such as fruits, seeds, honey). Simultaneously, security arrangements for garden protection, such as organic cameras, volunteer guards, and local community monitoring, will also be necessary. This legal framework will ensure that Waqf gardens don’t fall prey to commercial or political interests and remain true to their purpose for centuries. This is actually protecting a sacred trust, whose account will be given in the afterlife, and this awareness will create honesty and hard work spirit in administration.

The struggle for biological conservation is actually for future generations, so active youth participation in it is extremely important. Waqf gardens can become attractive centers for the young generation combining innovation, technology, and spirituality. Youth can play important roles in this project by running social media campaigns, creating mobile applications for gardens, and using drone technology to monitor rare species. Scouts and youth clubs can organize various activities in gardens, such as photography competitions, bird nest building workshops, and environmental camps. For youth, these gardens can not only provide career opportunities (such as horticulture, environmental science, tour guiding) but also develop leadership qualities in them. When a young person plants a rare plant with their own hands and sees it growing, love and responsibility for nature develops in them. It is this passion that can awaken environmental awareness in coming generations and prepare them to become Earth’s guardians.

The concept of Waqf gardens as biological banks isn’t merely a religious or environmental project; it can also become a powerful means for peace and interfaith harmony. Biodiversity conservation isn’t an issue limited only to Muslims; it’s humanity’s shared goal. Non-Muslims can also be invited to Waqf gardens so they can learn about environmental protection aspects in Islamic teachings. These gardens can become centers for interfaith dialogue, environmental conferences, and cultural festivals. When people of different religions and cultures gather for a common purpose, mutual prejudices and misunderstandings are removed. These gardens can actually become peace ambassadors, conveying the message that nature protection is our shared human responsibility. Thus, this project transcends religious boundaries to create a spirit of serving all humanity, perfectly matching Islam’s universal message.

This concept of Islamic gardens as biological banks can emerge as a global environmental model in coming times. As the world descends deeper into environmental crisis, the importance of traditional and local knowledge systems is increasing. This Islamic model based on environmental ethics, combined with Waqf’s permanent status, can offer an alternative path for environmental experts worldwide. This model can prove that there’s no contradiction between religion and science; rather, they can solve humanity’s great problems together. In the future, we might see this concept not limited to gardens only but extending to forests, riverine areas, and marine protected zones. The concept of “Marine Waqf,” where a sea portion is dedicated for biological conservation, is also possible. All this can take the shape of a global movement led by Islamic countries, with all humanity participating. This is actually a way to give practical shape to Islam’s message of peace and balance.

This concept of Islamic gardens as biological banks presents a unique combination of religion, science, and social institutional structure. It’s not only an effective solution to biodiversity crisis but also a means to revive Islamic civilization’s magnificent tradition in the modern era. The permanent status of Waqf provides stability to this project, while gardens’ spiritual and aesthetic importance helps it find a place in people’s hearts. This project reminds us that Islam isn’t limited to a few worships only; rather, it provides guidance in every aspect of life, including our relationship with our Earth and all its creatures. Future generations might wonder what treatment we gave to our Earth, but if we implement this concept today, they will remember us as Earth’s guardians. This will be our living gift to all future generations and all of Allah’s creatures, proving our faith responsibility.

Islamic Gardens as Biodiversity Banks | Waqf-Based Ecological Conservation Model

This comprehensive analysis covers all aspects of using Islamic gardens as biodiversity banks, from Waqf institutional framework to community participation, and from water management to global networking for ecological preservation.