Environmental Responsibility
Mawlana Hazar Imam has often spoken of the importance of caring for the environment. In Ottawa in 2013, he said, “Our faith constantly reminds us to observe and be thankful for the beauty of the world and the universe around us, and our responsibility and obligation, as good stewards of God’s creation, to leave the world in a better condition than we found it.” Young people today are shouldering this responsibility, and raising awareness of environmental issues, including through the medium of film.
As the impact of climate change intensifies over time, it is the young people of today who will face the worst consequences. To address this urgent issue, the Aga Khan Academies recently held its inaugural Climate and Environment Conference, featuring students from across the Academies network, along with alumni and prominent guests.
Making Paradise: Exploring the Concept of Eden through Art and Islamic Garden Design is the latest exhibition at the Aga Khan Centre Gallery in London, UK. In this interview, its curator Esen Salma Kaya gives an insight into the multi-sensory show, the diverse artists involved, and planning it “from the heart.”
To coincide with World Environment Day, The Ismaili is pleased to present two short films produced by Prince Hussain, demonstrating the natural beauty of the oceans and the delicate ecosystems they support.
A group of Ismaili students from Afghanistan and Tajikistan made the most of a difficult situation when they were unable to return home from the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad during the Covid-19 pandemic. With the abundance of spare time they were suddenly given, the students planned and implemented an organic farm on the school grounds.
In November 2019, Prince Hussain offered a series of guided tours to Ismaili youth and children visiting his photographic exhibit in Lisbon. The exhibition features over 100 photos depicting the beauty, fragility, and diversity of marine life, reflecting Prince Hussain’s ecological and environmental concerns.
Prince Hussain visited the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon yesterday to inaugurate an exhibition of artwork designed by students from the Portugal Jamat’s Talim (religious education) classes, inspired by The Living Sea photo exhibition currently on display at the National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon.
Young climate activist Dilangez Azizmamadova from Tajikistan, was among 100 Green Ticket winners from across the globe to participate in the United Nations Youth Climate Summit in New York today, 21 September 2019.
The faith of Islam teaches followers to care for Allah’s creation, encouraging us to look after the natural resources which have been gifted to us, and not to waste or disrupt the delicate balance of nature. Since we only inhabit the earth for a relatively short time, each of us has a responsibility to leave behind a better social and physical environment for the next generation.
Science has provided humankind with countless advancements, but also the ability to cause damage to the environment. Through awareness, education, and action, small steps at the individual level can lead to collective positive change. In this vein, Ismailis across the United States have taken steps to help sustain the planet’s resources for the future.
Today, climate change affects every country on every continent. It has become a global challenge that requires local engagement. In response, the Jamat in the United Arab Emirates has actively participated in environmental programming in the country, acting as stewards for a sustainable, green future.
Younger generations invariably inherit the earth from those who came before. It is often these youngsters who are leading action to create positive change in their surroundings. Here are some examples of inspiring stories of young members of the Jamat working to introduce sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in their communities.