What does the Quran say about the environment?

The Quran teaches that the earth belongs to Allah, that people are its caretakers, and that spreading corruption on land and sea is forbidden. It also warns against waste and calls nature a set of signs pointing to its Creator.

Caretakers, not owners

The Quran says Allah placed humans on earth as a khalifah, a successor or steward (Quran 2:30). Everything belongs to Allah, and we hold it in trust. That trust includes the land, water, air and animals that will be passed on to future generations.

Don't spread corruption

A clear command repeated in different forms:

وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَـٰحِهَا "And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation." Quran 7:56

The Quran also observes that "corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by reason of what the hands of people have earned" (Quran 30:41). Many Muslim scholars today read this as including pollution and environmental damage, alongside moral corruption.

Balance and no waste

Balance: Allah "set up the balance" so that people should not transgress it (Quran 55:7–9).
No excess: "Eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess" (Quran 7:31).
No squandering: the Quran calls wasteful people "brothers of the devils" (Quran 17:26–27).

The Prophet ﷺ lived this. He made wudu with about one mudd of water, roughly a large cupful, and took a full bath with not much more (Sahih al-Bukhari 201). Compare that to a running tap!

Planting and caring for nature

The Prophet ﷺ said that whenever a Muslim plants a tree or sows a crop and a bird, person or animal eats from it, it counts as charity for him (Sahih al-Bukhari 2320). Rain, clouds, rivers and plants are described in the Quran as signs for people who think. Even a rainy day is a moment for dua. See What dua do I say when it rains?

The same ethic covers animals: hunting for sport and needless killing are discouraged. See Can Muslims go hunting and fishing?

What this looks like today

Recycling, cutting food waste, saving water, reusing clothes and supporting tree-planting projects all fit naturally with these teachings. Passing on things you don't need is both green and rewarding. See Can I donate my old clothes as charity?

Key points

Humans are stewards (khalifah) of the earth, not its owners.
Spreading corruption on land and sea is forbidden (Quran 7:56).
Waste and excess are criticised, even with water for wudu.
Planting a tree is an ongoing charity.

Tip: Start small: turn off the tap while you wash each limb in wudu, and carry a reusable water bottle. Little daily habits are exactly what the Sunnah teaches.