Ecological responsibility

I was invited to gave a talk on ecological responsibility today at the Multifaith Centre at U of T as part of their Faiths Engaging the World Lunch Series.  When I was preparing for the talk, I came across the verse in the Qur’an that describes the slaves of the Most Merciful.

In Surah Furqan, chapter 25, verse 63, it says: 

wa ‘ibaadurahmani lladhina yamshuna ‘ala al ardi hawnan

And the slaves of the Most Merciful are those who walk on the earth easily (gently, with dignity but without arrogance)

What a beautiful verse to describe ecological responsibility; walking on the earth gently, easily, with humility (which are all meanings that can be found in the word hawn).  It’s treading lightly on the earth, with humility.

For a truly humble servant could never destroy, pollute and waste the gifts of his Master.