Lesson on TATAKalikasan: Spirituality and Sustainability

Lesson on TATAKalikasan Ateneo de Manila University 

87.9 FM Radyo Katipunan, 11 to 12 a,m, Thursday

  Spirituality and Sustainability  

Ramadan:  A Catalyst for Maintaining Ecological Balance 

                                                             

                                                              Dr Abe V Rotor

Living with Nature - School on Blog

Co-Hosts with Fr JM Manzano SJ, and Prof. Emoy Rodolfo, AdMU

Part 1 -Beneficial and Harmful Religious Practices to Health and

            to the Environment

Part 2 - The Groaning of Creation

Annex A-1 - Ramadan – A Catalyst for Maintaining Ecological Balance

Annex A-2 - Tips for an Eco-Friendly Ramadan Minimize Food Waste

Annex B - Embracing Sustainability During Ramadan: A Holistic Approach 

                  to Spirituality and Environmental Stewardship 

Annex C -  Season of Creation 2024 Theme: “To Hope and Act with Creation”.

Part 1 -Beneficial and Harmful Religious Practices to Health and to the Environment

There are as many casualties in religious wars and conflicts as casualties in non-religious wars and battles in history. Ecological destruction on the other hand, is largely attributed to man's cruelty and indifference to nature, similarly influenced by religious fanaticism. 

                                                              
• Fasting is cleansing, it helps the body stop the accumulation of unwanted substances such as cholesterol, and allows the body to eliminate toxic materials. Fasting heightens awareness on food, its value, taste, discipline, "grace", and the feeling of hunger - which millions of people around the world encounter everyday.    

• Retreat and reflection is therapy, helps the mind and body release tension and do away with the effects of stress. It moderates lofty thoughts and ambition. It brings back idealism, hones ability to discern right from wrong.

• Abstinence conserves animal population especially during the lean months, conserving breeding stocks in order to multiply in the next season. Abstinence increases awareness to the need of becoming less dependent on animal products, and more consumption of plant products.

• To some religions pork is banned. Pork is a carrier of known parasites such as tapeworm, hookworm, and Ascaris.

. Ancient religions regard certain places and trees sacred, thus enhancing their conservation. (Such worship was replaced by later religions, thus losing Nature's protection.)

• The washing of feet is not only ritual, it is also hygienic, getting rid of germs and preventing the spread of diseases.

 

Typical Palm Sunday, blessing of young fronds of coconut, buri, anahaw and oliva.

On the other hand, on Palm Sunday trees are stripped off of their buds, leaves and stems. Whole palm trees are cut down and laid to waste. Potential loss to the coconut industry runs to millions of pesos every year, based on the productive life of a coconut tree of 20 years on the average, and quarterly harvesting of nuts, other uses of coconut notwithstanding. There are plants used on Palm Sunday that are endangered, among them species of Cycad.

 

 

 

There are rituals and practices of various religions that fall in either of the categories – beneficial or deleterious to our environment. It is time to review them in the light of the present environmental crisis.

Here is a short list of other religious practices that should be discouraged.
1. Flagellants inflicting wounds as penitence, source of infection.

2. Religious attires, habits, costumes not suitable to climate and weather conditions.

3. Stagnant communal holy water is breeding place and carrier of many germs causing diseases. (PHOTO)

4. Walking on the knees may result to injury and long term disability.

5. Scents and smoke, mainly from candles and incense, contain poisonous gases like carbon monoxide, specially in closed chamber.

6. Banging head as penitence, and other forms of self infliction.

7. Extreme emotional devotion drains physical and mental strength.

8. Amulets made of toxic and allergenic materials (lead, mercury, nickel).

9. Extreme sacrifice, leading to dehydration, sun stroke, fatigue, neglect of duties.

10. Extreme fanaticism. Don't gaze at the dancing sun, you'll surely lose your sight.

11. Barefoot walking is dangerous, so with bareheaded under the scorching sun..

12. Unruly crowd may result to stampede.

13. Bringing along very young children to crowded church, pilgrimage, procession is dangerous.

14. Don't be deceived or over react to piteous situation, and play the role of a politician.

15. Being pious is not a guarantee, you will be spared of criminal elements, and accidents.

16. Be humble, don't brag with your religion, you'll only court ire, and even fight.

17. Dress simply, decently, avoid ostentatious show of wealth in your devotion.

18. Religion is a way of life, live up with it.

19. Don't preach, don't proselytize, it is better to just live as an example.

20. Never, never associate devotion with suicidal act.

Typical scene of devotees flocking the St Peter Square in Vatican for the pope's blessing. Such huge gathering is being suspended to cushion the spread of the dreaded Corona Virus Disease which has is now declared by WHO as pandemic. ~

Tree Planting Builds a Strong Ecological Foundation in Children   

 

 

 

 

 

Acknowledgement: Internet photos

Part 2 - The Groaning of Creation 

Can you can hear the Earth breathing?

Romans 8:18-22 declares that the whole world groans. Creation is in a state of bondage, corruption and futility. Creation's position is strongly negative, yet not described with despair. This passage declares that creation “eagerly awaits” God's future glory.

Can you can hear the Earth breathing? A Reaction to "St. Paul and the Groaning of Creation" -  A Theological-Ecological Perspective.  Presented by Dr AV Rotor in a convocation at St Paul University QC 2005.

                         

Saul falls on Damascus Road, mural (8ft x 8ft) by the author,

 former St Paul University Museum QC 1994

You can hear the earth breathe, old folks used to tell us kids. We believed them.

It was part of our belief and culture on the farm. On some unspoiled landscape. On a patch of Eden, in romantic parlance. Being keen and observant about nature’s ways is as natural as being a farmhand, taking the carabao to the pasture – and back after school before sunset.

Or flying kites at harvest time.  

We would stay late after the Angelus keeping company  with the harvesters building haystacks (mandala) or gleaning some panicles strewn on the field. Then we would go home keeping our cadence with the breathing earth.  A skink dashes here, the bamboo grove creaks in the slightest breeze, a gecko lizard makes a sonorous call.    The crickets are happiest in summer.  The fowls roost on their favorite tree, synchronized by the drooping of Acacia leaves.  

Soon fireflies become visible. They light our path inside our pocket.  It is picturesque of the Gleaners of Millet, or Wheatfield of Van Gogh.  The rustic painting of rural life by our national artist, Fernando Amorsolo, Harvest Time .

When we were kids the “sound of creation” was a beautiful one.  It was a sound of sigh, of relief, of contentment. It goes with kind words, meekness, and joy. Sometimes it breaks into laughter and peals of thunder. 

 
Wheatfield by Vincent Van Gogh 

After harvest the earth takes a break. The bounty we get becomes “Santa Gracia” of the family. Like the body, the field takes a rest we call fallowing. Energy is recharged at the end of a cycle in order to prepare for the next one.

Harvest Time by Fernando Amorsolo 

Summer wears off easily. The rain comes. And we kids would run into the rain, sans fear, sans anything.  It was pure joy. Soon the earth is green once more.  And this is the way our world goes round and around, ad infinitum.  

You can hear the earth under your feet. But it’s a different sound now. It is groaning. It is the sound of pain, of distress, of agony. It is a different scenario.  It’s the opposite.

This is the scenario presented in Sister Bernardita Dianzon’s paper and pictured in the CBCP’s report. It would be painful for one who had lived with the art of Amorsolo or the naturalism of Darwin to see eroded mountains, bald hills, silted waterways, and dried up river beds.  And to live with polluted air, accumulating doses of pesticide, mutated pathogens, genetically engineering food we call Frankenfood. To live in the confines of a world of computers. And rigid institutions.  Yet lose our sense of permanence.  Where is home?  What is the essence of who we are and why we are here?.

Who are we? The paper asks. Where is the humane in human, the kindness  in humankind?   Being in human being? Humanus in Humanity? 

This is the groaning of  creation, a sound that disturbs our sleep. That calls, Don’t go gentle into that good night. Which takes us to the letter of Paul which in part says, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now.” (Rom 8:22)

Paul was the best authority in his time to raise such issue, having traveled far and wide on three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – practically the whole world then. He must have traced some routes of Alexander the Great in his conquest from Macedonia to India and back 500 years earlier.  He knew well the Persian Empire – the biggest empire the world had seen, bigger than the Roman Empire in the height of its power.  He must have known the uniqueness of different cultures – including the barbaric tribes - the Vikings, Ostrogoths Visigoth, the Saxons, Angles, and even the dominance of the Khans of China and Mongolia. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of leaders like Xerxes, Darius, Hannibal. 

And the declining power of Rome then.  It was when the northern provinces including England were ceding from the centralized authority –All roads lead to Rome.  Rome had grown too big, the Dinosaur Syndrome was creeping in.  Paul knew when to strike with “a book and a sword.”  The message is clear and firm:  To spread Christianity and defend it.  He was a general, and a general again in the name of Christianity.

Creation to Paul is a holistic one – the biological and physical world, the forest and valley, the rivers and the seas, the land on which humanity was born and being nurtured.  The society man built and continues to build.  The culture that shares his society.  The commonalities and differences of people - their achievements, goals and aspirations.

Paul was a realist, with  supreme military background. Thus he was also a strategist, fearless, adventurous.      

Yet the inner man – the Little Prince in him, to recall Saint-Exupery’s famous novel of the same title – is a gentle kind, hopeful and patient. Which makes him an paragon  of change -  persuasive, sincere, and selfless.

I can imagine Paul’s concept and description of  creation.  First he referred to “a creation  associated with labor pain.” The giving forth of new life. The birth of a baby.  The germination of a seed.  The metamorphosis of a butterfly. The rise of a new island. The formation of a valley. The growth of a mountain.  Of a new river or a delta.

 

The sun is born everyday.  Buds are born in spring.  The desert suddenly blooms after an occasional rain. The fields ripen in summer. Even a volcano erupts and enriches the soil in its surroundings.  And there are creatures born with some difficulty.  But it is a groan of joy.  It is a groan of self fulfillment and victory.  It is a groan of happiness which at the end is shared by many.   

Paul and the burning of Rome mural by the author, former St Paul Museum QC  

But why did Paul express frustration on the same subject of creation?  

Paul expressed frustration as a result of man’s disobedience.  “Cursed in the ground because of you.” He said and pointed at man with a warning of Armageddon, “ … you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

But Paul also saw renewal in man’s sinful ways.  He too, was once sinful. But on one dark night on the road to Damascus he changed, a 360-degree turn. His enemies became not only his friends – he became their protector.  And helped preserve and nurture their new faith, increased their numbers even through extreme danger and sacrifice. He was leading them to a new Paradise. The Paradise of Salvation.

We have to understand that, on the viewpoint of both faith and history.  The “loss of Paradise” comes in three phases in the short history of humankind.  The first was when man left the confines of a lush greenery described as a rainforest where he had practically everything for his biological needs and comfort, but it was the dawning of his intellect. Scientists and historians compare  the Africa before and the Africa of today – the shifting of that great forest cover to a grassland where game animals roamed, and finally becoming into a  dry land  – the great Sahara desert – shaping man as Homo sapiens and hunter-gatherer, a life  he followed through many generations, and until now for some cultures.  Until the second loss of that Paradise came once more.  

Again the groaning of creation.

As man formed societies, so with different cultures shaped by each.  Cultures united and cultures clashed because of the conflict of interests, of trade and commerce, of thoughts and ideas. Leading to deeper conflict, this time in politics and religion.  This is the scenario in which Paul founded his mission. The renewal of a paradise of unity and harmony by embracing a common faith – Christianity.  It is Paradise Regained later epitomized by John Milton - the same author of Paradise Lost which he wrote before he lost his eyesight.

Religious wars fallowed after Paul had done his mission.  More people were killed in those religious wars between Christians and non-Christian than all the other wars of history combined. For more than 1000 years the world remained in a state of torpor.  The Dark Ages or Middle Ages was a long period of constant fighting, the Roman Empire fell and dissolved into fiefs and small kingdoms fantasized in love stories, fairy tales and children’s books.

Again the groaning of creation.

Paul must have dreamt of the Renaissance though distant it would happen.  And it did in the 15^th century.  The Renaissance was the crowing glory of the church. The Renaissance is the story of the Church.  It was Paradise Regained Part 2. West met East, but it was not on mutual terms.  Europe invaded and conquered the East, the Orient.  A new era was born – colonization. The ideology of conquest and colonization is clearly biased on the part of the invader and master.  The conquered were made to appear as barbarians and were doomed unless they submit to a foreign master and a foreign god.  Rizal’s books clearly pictured the lives of Filipinos under Spain.  Hawaii, a novel by James Micheners projects a worse scenario. The colonizers were self anointed masters of the world and of god.   

For us in the Philippines as in most colonized countries, we remained subjects of Spain for almost 400 years.  India was colonized by England; Indonesia by the Dutch; Indo-China by the French, and so on down the line.  Practically all countries in Africa and South America. Asia and the Pacific became colonies and the natives were “living in hell,” as some historians recall, the slavery of mostly Negroes in the US, notwithstanding.  It was Paradise Lost to these countries ruled by the so-called “civilized” masters.

Again the groaning of creation.

Colonialism ended towards the end of the 19^th century and in the early part of the 20^th century.  A new Paradise was born once again – the Age of Nationalism. Liberty, Equality, Fraternity – the trilogy of the French Revolution became the universal cry for Democracy now led by the United States of America.  

Liberty leads the People by Eugene Delacroix

Peace was short-lived.  Two world wars shook mankind in disbelief.  And when the last major conflict ended a new order came out – the Cold War, the polarization of the whole world into two warring camps –  democracy and socialism. If there is a Dark Age here is a Cold War.  Though the latter lasted for 50 years, in both cases, the quality of life was drawn down to a level whereby we ask ourselves, What is rationality?

Again the groaning of Creation. 

If rationality – the power of reason to know what is good and bad, and even know the best and the worst of situations – is the singular gift of God to man, and to no other else among the millions of living organisms on earth, how come man destroys what he builds? Destroys that very thing he calls beautiful?  Destroys other living things, their habitats and the environment itself that he shares with? 

Why should man wreck his only spaceship, the Planet Earth?  And finally, why should man destroy himself, his race, his entire species? It is a shame to our Creator that we, humans are the only species that is destroying its own kind.

What is this rationality that scholars talk about?  What is the meaning of faith? Prayer? Research?  Teaching?  Progress? Values? How can this thing rationality make us true  guardians of God’s creation?

Creation groans.  It  protests.  This time against man.  Man is the enemy of the earth.

I presume that this is the “restlessness” of creation the paper discussed, and it could be that restlessness Paul described as the sin-story of Genesis 3. It is restlessness in man in seeking more and more of what he wishes to have – his want over his need.  

      Utopia Harmony, Robert Owen

The quest for the highest building, the fastest car, the state-of- the art of entertainment, pleasure and comfort.  

  

Quest for a Utopia built from the wealth of the earth. And the restlessness to have more of these even at the expense of others.  And at the expense of Mother Earth.   

All in the name of civilization.

“The ultimate test of any civilization

                                 Is not in its inventions and deeds;

   But the endurance of Mother Nature

           In keeping up with man’s endless needs.”

                            AVR, Light in the Woods.

But what is civilization?  Can’t civilization hear and heed the groaning of creation?

• It is civilization that wiped out the American Indian from the Great Plains.  
• It is civilization that plundered the Aztecs and Mayas Empires.  
• It is civilization that brought the Spanish Armada’s to its final defeat.  
• It is civilization that killed 6 million Jews during the Second World War.  
• It is civilization that built the atomic bomb – and dropped it in two cities to defeat an already defeated enemy.  
• It is civilization that made a clone animal, Dolly the Sheep. 
• It is civilization that threatens the whale and the Philippine Eagle into extinction.  
• It is civilization that is causing global warming and the many consequences destroying lives and properties.  
• It is civilization that is causing today’s fuel crisis and food shortage. Drastic inflation and loss of currency value, the recession of America and consequently the world, ad infinitum.

All these constitute the groaning of creation. Creation gone wild and free. Creation without boundary.  Creation on a global scale.

Man needs a model.  Man needs conversion.

Paul is an embodiment of great men. We find in him the influence of Aristotle, the naturalist-philosopher-teacher, one of the greatest teachers of the world – the teacher of Alexander the Great;   Plato of  his concept of  a Utopian Republic, the asceticism of Stephen the first Christian saint he witnessed while being stoned to death. 

A touch of Paul is in Gandhi (photo right) philosophy of attaining peace through non-violence, in Saint Mother Teresa’s passion to help the poorest among the poor, 

in Lincoln’s heroic struggle in abolishing slavery, in Maximillian Kolbe’s sacrifice by exchanging place with a doomed fellow prisoner, a father of young children, in a Nazi concentration camp.

Paul must have inspired Nobel Prize Awardee Wangari of Kenya (photo) in planting 40 million trees to reforest denuded and eroded watershed, and the advocacy of Fr. Nery Satur who was killed while protecting the forests of Bukidnon.

There is Paul in the online lessons in ecology, Paul in the syllabus in Philosophy of Man, in the books and manual about caring the sick. Other than the pages of the bible, more than a half of which he wrote or caused to be written, Paul is among the most read saints of the church of all times, indeed truly a doctor and a general of the faith.  Paul is in the temples of worship, Christian or non-Christian. Paul is in every Paulinian sister or teacher and student.  

Paul set a new horizon of sainthood, he an apostle – in fact, the greatest of them all, yet he was not one of the original apostles – because he never saw Christ, never walked with Him, never talked to Him – in person. Yet Christ was his way, his constant companion.  Christ was always in his heart and mind and spirit – and in fact, he gave himself and his life to Him.  

Which challenges the church and us today.  Around 10,000 saints - 30,000 to 50,000 including the lesser saints and the blessed ones - are venerated as soldiers of Christ and keepers of the faith.  The concept of sainthood took a new turn with the case of Kolbe (photos above) -   that of sainthood for charity. 

Along this line is the recent canonization of Mother Teresa, now Saint Teresa of Kolkota.

But we have yet to have a saint for Nature the expression of God on earth, the environment.  Indeed there are heroes for Mother Earth featured by Time and cited by governments, private organizations and civil society. Among them, Rachel Carson (photo),  Jane Goodall, EC Schumacher, including present leaders like Al Gore and Michael Gorbachev (photo below) among many others.  

But looking back to Paul, the investiture for sainthood is only by Heaven and it is for the glory of God.  If that glory is the preservation of His creation, the protection of His face on earth, if that glory means relief from groaning arising from pain, loneliness, hunger, sickness, thirst, imprisonment, then that person who, like Paul, deserves the honor. He could be the first saint for the cause of the environment.

The earth actual breathes, the old folks used to tell us kids.  I still believe it does. Acknowledgement: Internet images

ANNEX A - 1

Ramadan – A Catalyst for Maintaining Ecological Balance
Kamran Shezad
April 12, 2023

Allah has created the planet with a specific balanced system for us to live in and prosper. Surah Ar Rum (30:30) highlights the importance of preserving this system and warns humanity against the unbeknownst damage that they are causing to the natural balance that exists in the universe. The system that Allah has created for us is essential- it provides us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and countless other blessings. However, it is imperative that we do not take these blessings for granted and acknowledge the ways in which our collective lifestyles are causing damage to the planet by disturbing the natural balance of the world.  

Globally, overconsumption of food and other resources is destroying the planet, it is increasing the rate of climate breakdown and creating more air pollution. It is exhausting the planet’s life support systems like the ones that provide us with fresh water, leaving us short of materials critical to our health and quality of life.

The Lessons of Ramadan

Allah Almighty chose the blessed month of Ramadan to surround us with His countless blessings and to appreciate His bounties. Ramadan empowers worshippers to focus their minds on the devotion to their faith through prayers, expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness and helping the needy. In this month we have a greater urge and desire to perform good deeds. However, in this era of modernity, the focus seems to have shifted from the vast benefits of fasting to a more materialistic outlook, for example, what to buy, where to eat and how much to eat. In Ramadan, we tend to become more extravagant when it comes to food and the use of resources. Wastage levels escalate due to a variety of factors ranging from a commercialisation of the holy month to the generosity of hosts who produce too much food for events.

As Muslims, we should work towards the conservation of Earth’s ecosystems, ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations, while maintaining a balance between

humans and nature. The Prophet (saw) emphasised that the act of giving up food and drink loses its significance without personal mindfulness and evaluation.

“How many fasting people are there whose fasts consist of nothing but hunger and thirst?”

(Ihya Ulum al Din – Book of fasting)

Essentially, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on this question: what is the point of the physical act

of fasting if our actions and words go unchanged? While there are many values that Muslims strive

to adhere to in their daily lives, the values of environmental consciousness and stewardship should be particularly relevant during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Consumerism & Ramadan

Unfortunately, the consumer world is taking advantage of Ramadan and Muslim’s are falling into this trap. There are countless ahadith about how we should use the months of Rajab and Sha’ban to prepare for the blessed month but are we really following this advice?

The months in which more focus should be shifted towards spirituality and devotion to Allah, seem to have become more about buying power. The corporates are taking control of us and are easily able to influence us inadvertently making Ramadan a commercial exercise.

A Guide to an Eco Conscious Ramadan

As part of efforts to educate and empower the Muslim community, I have developed ‘A Guide to an Eco Conscious Ramadan’ to help us with our thought process, to make better climate friendly choices and to recapture the true essence of Ramadan. The guide goes beyond just food and drink and has some wonderful guidance on waste management, water conservation, transport, charitable giving, the power of prayer, how the Prophet (saw) fasted and much more. My inspiration for creating this is my religion of Islam, which is inherently environmental and shows concern for everything around us.

As Muslims we have been given the role of stewards, therefore we have a huge responsibility to protect our natural resources. Let us use the blessed month of Ramadan (and the eco guide) as a catalyst for showing responsibility in our consumption and for everlasting changes towards a better and environmentally sustainable future. ~

Annex A-2 - Tips for an Eco-Friendly Ramadan Minimize Food Waste

Yes, we understand. In the heart of Ramadan, where every Iftar (the meal with which Muslims break their fast) carries the weight of tradition, food takes the spotlight. Yet, amid the culinary delicacies, the burden of meal preparation can weigh heavy (those tasked with the responsibility of cooking can relate). Sadly, this holy month often witnesses a global issue: an excess of uneaten food. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have seen successful community initiatives to redistribute excess food to those in need, a practice that can be emulated elsewhere.

Meanwhile, kindly spare a thought and a prayer for those in parts of the world suffering from hunger and a lack of clean water. Food is a basic need, but a huge chunk of unprivileged people have been denied this right. The least we can do is minimize food waste and help in whatever way we can.

Embrace Sustainable Eating

A plant-based diet primarily focuses on consuming plant foods, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, rich in antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Notably, this dietary approach boasts a lower environmental impact compared to meat and dairy consumption.

Dania Jukaku, a Clinical Dietician at Bounceback Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE, emphasises the significance of consuming a plant-based diet for maintaining energy levels during fasting in Ramadan. She recommends integrating plant-based proteins, fibre, and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium into Suhoor meals to complement the fasting-induced anti-inflammatory effects. Dania further shares a few quick and nutritious plant-based meals that you too can try:

Smoothie: Blend berries and banana with nut milk, then add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed and chia seeds, and a touch of honey for sweetness.

Breakfast wrap or sandwich: a whole grain tortilla or quinoa bread filled with scrambled eggs, beans, onions, and peppers, topped with avocado.

Soup: Enjoy a comforting bowl of soup with beans or chickpeas, lentils, and vegetables such as mushrooms. Pair it with a crisp, green, leafy salad like tabbouleh for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The principle of avoiding waste—time, energy, resources, money, or food—is deeply ingrained in Islam. During Ramadan, large gatherings often lead to excessive plastic waste from food packaging, cutlery, and decorations. There is a dire need to opt for sustainable alternatives: paper or bamboo cups, using bagasse (sugarcane fibre) as a biodegradable material, and reusable stainless steel cutlery, even on a smaller scale, like at home. Additionally, make a conscious effort to segregate dry and wet waste; prioritize recycling and reuse, especially with items like clothes, is vital to curbing waste generation. Furthermore, consider investing in durable decorations that can be used year after year.

Farah Ruknuddeen, MPA (Masters of Public Administration and Policy) from Los Angeles, USA, highlights the need for embracing "Green Ramadan" practices, encompassing reusing wherever feasible, minimising extravagance during iftars, and incorporating more plant-based foods into our meals. She adds that her family's journey towards sustainability in their daily lives and consumer choices has been guided by small and consistent steps to implement knowledge for the betterment of themselves and those around them.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Farah shares, "We derive immense joy from crafting some of our Ramadan and Eid decorations, with each passing year adding a new piece to our collection. My children hold a deep sentimental attachment to these homemade treasures. The dedication and time invested in crafting each item fosters a profound sense of care and appreciation, resulting in cherished memories that we eagerly anticipate revisiting year after year."

Energy Conservation

Implementing simple yet impactful changes consistently in our daily routine can bring about significant change. Start by being mindful of energy usage—turn off lights, appliances, and gadgets when not in use, and don't forget to switch off power sockets to prevent energy wastage. Opt for energy-efficient LED lights over traditional incandescent bulbs; not only do they consume less energy, but they also have a longer lifespan, saving you money in the long run. Harness natural light by opening curtains and blinds during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting and minimising your carbon footprint.

Water Conservation

Water is an extremely precious resource, as life forms depend on it in several ways. According to UNICEF, approximately four billion individuals, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of the global population, endure severe water scarcity for at least one month annually. The need for water conservation is crucial now more than ever, especially in countries facing water shortage issues, like Yemen, Palestine, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and South Africa, among others. We can play a role by using water sparingly during ablutions, fixing any leaks in our home, and, if possible, practicing rainwater harvesting. Simple measures can lead to substantial water savings.

Charity and Community Initiatives

Every human is tested by Allah in different ways; while these trials may seem insignificant to some, for those enduring them, they represent a daunting reality. Ramadan is a time of giving and compassion, particularly towards the underprivileged. It is a time when hearts soften and empathy thrives, inspiring Muslims to take concrete actions to uplift those in need. In the context of Green Ramadan, giving back to the Earth is a form of charity that benefits everyone, from cleaning our surroundings and participating in tree-planting initiatives to enjoying nature walks, feeding birds and animals, and embracing plastic-free iftars. Engaging in these eco-friendly community initiatives fosters a sense of unity and responsibility towards the environment while enriching the spirit of Ramadan.

Educate, Reflect, and Act

Education serves as a potent catalyst, laying the foundation for understanding the significance of eco-friendly practices and their positive impact on the environment. Through introspection, we assess our habits, ensuring they resonate with our values and contribute to the well-being of our planet. Whether it's disseminating tips, ideas, or insights on social platforms, scrutinising our consumption habits, or engaging in communal endeavours, each effort brings us closer to fostering a greener Earth.

"As an educator for nearly six years, I've made it a priority to instill in my students the importance of reducing plastic usage, supporting local products, and advocating for environmental responsibility. This Ramadan, I'm encouraging my students and friends to avoid plastic containers during iftars, opting instead for paper alternatives to minimise pollution,” shares Hiba Zohra, Teacher, Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion
Observing a greener Ramadan isn't just about shrinking our environmental impact; it's about honouring and fulfilling our duty as caretakers of the Earth—a fundamental value deeply ingrained in Islamic teachings. While we fast, pray, and strive to do more good deeds with an intention to please Almighty Allah, let's also pledge to make choices that safeguard and cherish our planet for generations to come. By adopting these practices, believers can ensure that their Ramadan observance fosters a planet that's healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable. Let this Ramadan mark the beginning of a lifelong dedication to eco-conscious living, inspiring communities worldwide with our positive example.

Annex B - Embracing Sustainability During Ramadan: A Holistic Approach to Spirituality and Environmental Stewardship

Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf

Top 100 Sustainability Voices in the Middle East. Named "Most Dynamic Entrepreneur Diversifying the Economy from Saudi Arabia in 2024" By Entrepreneur Gulf. Climate Action specialist, Researcher & Public Speaker.
Published Mar 1, 2025

Introduction

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims around the world, marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. While this period is primarily a time of spiritual growth, it also offers a unique opportunity to practice and promote sustainability. As we fast from dawn until sunset, we can reflect not only on our spiritual state but also on our relationship with the environment. In this blog, we will discuss how the values of Ramadan align with sustainable practices and offer tips on how to make our observance more eco-friendly.

The Intersection of Spirituality and Sustainability

At its core, Ramadan encourages a sense of mindfulness. Fasting teaches us self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy for the less fortunate. These values can be extended to our stewardship of the Earth. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all creation inspires us to care for the planet, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

1. Mindful Consumption

Fasting during Ramadan encourages us to reflect on our eating habits. Consider these ideas to transform your consumption patterns:

· Plan your Meals: Before Iftar (the evening meal to break the fast), plan your meals to minimize waste. Opt for seasonal and local produce, which is often more sustainable and supports local farmers.

·

Cook Smart: Use ingredients efficiently and creatively by incorporating leftovers into your next meal. This practice not only reduces food waste but also challenges your culinary skills.

· Portion Control: Avoid overloading your plates. The principle of moderation not only aligns with the teachings of Ramadan but also helps to reduce waste.

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle



During Ramadan, communal gatherings become more frequent, and you may find yourself with an abundance of food items and packaging. To minimize your environmental impact:

· Eco-Friendly Packaging: If you’re gifting food or inviting others to break their fast, consider using reusable containers or compostable materials instead of single-use plastics.

·Address Food Waste: Make a conscious effort to repurpose leftovers and ensure that anything that can’t be saved is composted. Educating yourself and your family about the impact of food waste can turn this into a family project.

· Donation: If you find yourself with excess food, consider donating it to those in need rather than letting it go to waste. Many community organizations are eager for food donations, especially during Ramadan.

3. Sustainable Community Engagement

Ramadan is a time for community and family. Here are ways to engage sustainably:

· Community Clean-ups: Organize or participate in local clean-up drives. This promotes environmental responsibility and strengthens community bonds.

· Green Iftar Gatherings: Host eco-friendly Iftar events where guests share plant-based dishes. This not only promotes sustainable eating but also introduces your community to new recipes and ideas.

· Awareness: Use your gatherings to raise awareness about sustainability issues. Simple discussions about water conservation, reducing plastic use, or supporting renewable energy can spark interest and motivate action.

4. Spiritual Reflection and Connection to Nature

The essence of Ramadan is about reflection and reconnecting with one’s self, faith, and the world around us.

· Nature Walks: Incorporate nature walks into your Ramadan activities. Use this time for self-reflection while also appreciating the beauty of the environment. Walking can help you connect spiritually and inspire gratitude for nature. 

· Meditate on Creation: Take time to appreciate the natural world and consider how your actions impact the environment. This can deepen your spiritual practice and foster a sense of responsibility towards the planet.

Conclusion
As we observe Ramadan's teachings of self-discipline, gratitude, and community, let us also commit to sustainability. By making conscious choices during this holy month, we can reflect our values not only in our spiritual practices but also in our actions towards the environment. Through mindful consumption, reducing waste, and deepening our connection to nature, we can honor both our spiritual and ecological commitments. Embrace this Ramadan as a time to grow in faith and to nurture the Earth we inhabit—a true manifestation of compassion for all creation.

Conservation of endangered species involves various levels of protection and categorization. These categories include:

1. Least concern: Species not currently at risk of extinction.
2. Near threatened: Species close to being classified as vulnerable.
3. Vulnerable: Species at risk of becoming endangered.
4. Endangered: Species facing a high risk of extinction in the near future.
5. Critically endangered: Species at extremely high risk of extinction.
6. Extinct in the wild: Part of the species survives only in captivity.
7. Extinct: No longer in existence.

Annex C - Season of Creation 2024 Theme: “To Hope and Act with Creation”. 
Laudato si: On the care of our common home (One Family, One Earth)Laudato si' is the second encyclical of Pope Francis, subtitled "on care for our common home". In it, the Pope criticizes consumerism and irresponsible economic development, laments environmental degradation and global warming, and calls all people of the world to take "swift and unified global action.

 There are seven goals (areas of focus): 

• Response to the cry of the earth; 
• Response to the cry of the poor; 
• Ecological economics; 
• Adoption of sustainable lifestyles; 
• Ecological education;
• Ecological spirituality; and
• Community resilience and empowerment.

What is the meaning of the Season of creation? The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home.

How long is the Season of creation? Christians around the world are invited to give particular attention to praying and caring for God's creation as part of the global Season of Creation, observed from September 1 to October 4 every year, feast day of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology. It is an annual ecumenical celebration world wide.

What is the prayer for the Season of creation? Let us pray: God of all creation, Your spirit dances throughout the earth. You give drink to the trees, shade for the birds, bread for the hungry, you bring life and make all things holy. Flood us with your grace,  so we may sow seeds of love, justice and beauty, and reflect your kingdom here on earth. 

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