Green Ummah Blog (GUB) is a research-based platform dedicated to publishing original research that explores the intersections of the environment, the climate crisis, and Islam in ways that are relevant and accessible to both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. Our mission involves curating content that delves into the depths of environmental and ecological history, raising awareness about environmental issues, and offering Islamic spiritual and practical knowledge to tackle the climate crisis while upholding the principles of Green Ummah.
At GUB, we aspire to motivate authors to produce research-based content that is easily understood by the general public. Our goal is to enhance the communal understanding of the climate crisis and provide a wide array of practical solutions.
As climate change affects people across the globe, it is crucial that our approach to the crisis is well-informed and research-driven. Given the limited availability of English-language literature on Islam and the environment, particularly in terms of accessible online content, we welcome contributions from authors of all different backgrounds. While submissions should be written in English, they may incorporate resources from various languages.
The Blog invites authors to submit pieces on the topic of Islam and the environment, addressing, but not limited to, the following areas:
How did Muslims historically perceive nature? What was the relationship between earlier generations of Muslims and the natural world? To what extent did Muslims and Islamic institutions oppose the exploitation of the environment? The objective is to explore the historical interpretations, interactions, and representations of “nature” within the Islamic civilization. It also aims to examine how Muslims and Islamic institutions have shown alignment with environmental protection and the forms of resistance they have engaged in to support the environmental movement. Additionally, this endeavour seeks to analyse the connections established between human and non-human entities by these elements, ultimately enhancing our society’s recognition and reverence for the natural world.
What are the real-world consequences of the climate crisis and how do they impact the global community? How have these consequences specifically affected populations in the Muslim world? The objective is to provide readers with insights into the ways climate change is affecting people worldwide, extending their awareness beyond their immediate surroundings.
What does Islamic tradition say about human responsibilities towards the environment? What guidance can be derived from the Qurʾān, the Prophetic traditions (sunnah), the extensive theological, legal, and spiritual heritage, as well as the experiences of earlier Muslim communities? The aim is to examine the interdisciplinary Islamic tradition in light of contemporary environmental challenges, ultimately facilitating a more comprehensive Muslim response to the urgent environmental crisis.
What initiatives and projects are Muslims undertaking to address the climate crisis and establish sustainable systems and practices? What exemplary models or case studies can guide us in integrating environmental processes within our communities? The objective is to showcase ongoing or past projects in which Muslims have actively engaged in environmental sustainability efforts. By doing so, we aim to raise awareness about the ongoing work within our community, and inspire further initiatives for future projects and programs.
How can we, as a community, proactively address the climate crisis? This section delves into innovative models and frameworks that offer solutions. By identifying the pressing issues within our community and learning from the experiences of academics and practitioners, we aim to create systemic change. Our goal is not to reinvent the wheel, but to adapt and apply existing successful solutions to our unique context. The objective is to explore case studies, research findings, and real-world examples of initiatives that have made a positive impact on environmental sustainability. Whether it is community-led reforestation projects, sustainable agriculture practices, renewable energy programs, or eco-conscious urban planning, we seek to showcase practical solutions taken by individuals and organisations.
Submission Process
To have a piece considered for publication, we invite interested authors to first submit a short query for feedback from our editorial team on whether the topic aligns with the GUB mandate. Queries should:
Queries can only be submitted via email: blog@greenummah.org. Once a query is approved, the editorial team will invite the author to submit a full blog post of 1000-1500 words. After submission, the editorial team will assign two voluntary reviewers to blind-review the piece before making a final decision regarding publication on the GUB.