Today (4 November), Islamic Relief UK is launching Muslim Climate Action Week (4 – 10 November) to draw attention to the climate crisis and how Muslim communities can all play a role in being part of the solution.
Across the UK, thousands of people in communities, schools, scout groups, charities, mosques, and others will join for action to protect the planet.
During the week, different events will take place such as a panel discussion with nonprofit Sustainably Muslim at St Ethelburga’s, London on the role of Muslims in protecting the earth. This will be hosted by ZamZam Ibrahim (former NUS president) with panellists Sumayyah Zannath (Land in our Names), Sofia Ali (Green Deen Tribe) and Hashem Abdi (Director of Somalis for Sustainability).
Several other events are set to take place including a social group ride for women aged 18 with Cycle Sisters, the hosting of a Qur’an journaling workshop, a guided hike and reflection in Epping Forest and a site visit and workshop at the UK’s first Halal and organic Willowbrook Farm in Kidlington.
Muslim Scouts Fellowship will also get involved and have introduced a new Muslim Climate Action Week badge for over 400 young Muslims to earn. To earn the badge, young people must take part in an eco-action during the week – activities include making a bug hotel, going meat free, walking 10,000 steps a day, not buying anything new, litter picking, building compost, making a bird feeder or taking part in a wildlife scavenger hunt.
Climate disasters are already here with 2024 set to become the hottest year on record with global temperatures soaring above pre-industrial levels in the late 1800s, bringing intense heatwaves, extreme rainfall, droughts, melting of ice, sea-level rising and much more.
Poor and vulnerable countries and communities least responsible for the crisis are already bearing the brunt of climate change. 80 per cent of the Muslim population living in the Global South are facing floods, droughts, and extreme heat.
This campaign is a first step in mobilising the Muslim community and encouraging them to take collective action and call on world leaders to take bold steps to tackle the climate crisis.
Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “This week is a milestone for the UK Muslim community who will stand together to tackle the climate crisis. Thousands across the country will be holding reflections, events, discussions, and other activities to remind us of the Islamic principle of being stewards of Earth and taking care of the environment.
“The week will be a time of families, friends, campaigners, faith leaders and so many others coming together to keep talking and driving forward change in response to the biggest crisis of our lifetime.
“The climate crisis is accelerating and many Muslims across the world in climate-vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sudan, and Somalia are not only the least responsible for climate breakdown but are also on the frontlines of the accelerating climate crisis. These communities are already being devastated by climate change through floods, droughts, and storms. We need to act now, and we need to act fast.
“We look forward to marking the week every year as a reminder of the work that needs to be done to help alleviate the suffering caused by global warming. I pray that we raise huge awareness within the Muslim community and beyond.”
