The Inner Dimension of Going Green: Articulating and Islamic Deep-Ecology

The Islamic interaction with nature has been clearly constrained and directed by foundational ethical precepts such as mercy, moderation, and gratitude, which, when systematically understood and applied, result in ecological health. But ethical precepts refer ultimately to human nature, and therefore ecological health is rooted in psychological health. From this deep-level perspective, environmental degradation could be understood as an attitude-problem. This psycho-ecological approach toward preserving and enhancing environmental health is explored in this paper via an analysis of a number of key aspects of Islamic intellectual history and their relevance for re-articulating and re-applying authentic Islamic environmental ethical values in today’s world. Thus, the author refers to the Deep-Ecology of the Islamic faith.