By Waziri Isa Adam
The Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, has called on scholars to explore Islamic solutions to climate change.
The Vice Chancellor gave the charge in her remarks yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual International Conference, organized by the Department of Islam and Development Studies, aimed to explore the intersection of Islamic teachings and environmental sustainability.
Professor Liman emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental pollution, citing their devastating impact on global health, food security, and economic development. She highlighted Islam’s emphasis on humanity’s role as vicegerents of Allah, entrusted with protecting the planet’s resources for future generations.
Professor Liman noted that Islamic teachings promote harmony with nature, stressing the interconnectedness of creation. She referenced Quranic verses, including Surah al An’am (6:165), which states, “And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you.” Additionally, Surah al Baqara (2:164) emphasizes, “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth; and the alternation of the night and the day; and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people; and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature; and [His] directing of winds and clouds controlled between the heavens and the earth are signs for a people who use reason.”
The VC expressed concern over the alarming rate of environmental degradation, pointing to the 2024 World Weather Attribution report, which indicates that global warming has intensified extreme rainfall by 20%. She also cited the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ findings on climate change’s impact on public health, food insecurity, and the escalating cost of living in developing countries.
Professor Liman commended the Department of Islam and Development Studies for consistently hosting the annual conference, fostering critical discussions on Islam’s role in addressing environmental challenges. She acknowledged the Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change, launched in Istanbul in 2015, which emphasizes the moral obligation to conserve natural resources.
The conference aimed to provide a platform for scholars to explore Islamic perspectives on environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. Renowned resource persons, paper presentations, and discussions on key themes were featured.
Professor Liman expressed hope that the conference would yield valuable insights, promoting sustainable development, peace, and environmental stewardship. She thanked participants, resource persons, and organizers for their contributions.
NSUK’s commitment to hosting this annual conference demonstrates its dedication to exploring critical issues at the intersection of Islam, environment, and sustainable development.