3. Royal jelly is the food that turns the queen bee from an ordinary

bee into a queen of astonishing size, longevity and reproductive capability. 313 It is a creamy or yellow viscous liquid with a slight bitter flavour representing a concentrated form of vitamins, minerals and some unique nutrients. 314 The consumption of royal jelly improves the absorption of nutrients by the body, increases vitality, and strengthens the immunity. 315 The cancer fighting properties of royal jelly have already been proven in animal studies, but are yet to be tested in humans. 316 Important information about types of honey: •!• Honeys from different floral sources may exhibit varied antimicrobial activities. •!• Commercial honey processing generally involves controlled heating (to destroy yeast and delay granulation) combined with fine straining or pressure filtration. There is concern that the processing of 312 Atkins, 2002. 313 Ibid. 314 Royalisin, is an example of a potent antibacterial protein found only in royal jelly (Fujiwara et al., 1990). 315 Erem et al., 2006. 316 10-HDA is another active substance newly discovered. It is a potential antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant agent which strengthens immunity, prevents some forms of cancer and alleviates the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (Chiangmai Royal Jelly Co., Ltd., n.d.). honey may reduce the antioxidant capacity of some varieties. The antioxidant capacity of honey may also be reduced after six months storage regardless of the storage temperature or container type. 317 Fats We cannot live without fats. I do not refer here to our love for the flavour of the food, but to their role in how our bodies function.

You may be surprised, but this is a well known fact: in moderate amounts, fats are essential for our health. Some vitamins cannot be absorbed unless they are dissolved in fats (vitamins A, D, K and E); fats supply the body with essential fatty acids which keep the brain and nervous system intact and maintain healthy skin. Omega-3 fatty acids found mainly in fatty fish and nuts are linked to a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) found in dairy and some meat products have the potential ability to reduce certain types of cancer. Even cholesterol is essential for the production of some hormones (namely the sex hormones and cortisols) and for the synthesis of bile acids that is essential for fat digestion. 318 So, we see that we have to eat fat, but the questions are: How much fat is needed?

And which type? As we mentioned earlier, the general Islamic rule in food consumption is moderation: ('r\ :...jl.:,..S-'110.).,......) { .. And eat and drink but do not waste by extravagance, certainly He 317 Wang et al., 2004. 318 Duyff, 2002. [Allah] does not like those who waste by extravagance) (Quran 7: 31) According to the recommendation of the USDA, not more than 30% of our calorie intake should be supplied from fat. However, until the age of two years, no restriction should be made on a person's fat intake (provided that it is the right type of fat), as until this age their brain and nervous system are still developing and the fats are needed for the healthy formation of neurons. No serving range or serving size is given to this group of food by either the USDA or ADA; they just recommend that fats be consumed sparingly.

Just to get a general idea about the right amount to be consumed, we can look at the Mayo Clinic's own guidelines for healthy fat intake. 319 Eat a maximum of three to four servings per day, each serving consisting of around 45 calories, preferably from good fat choices. A serving of fats may be found in each of the following: •!• 4 to 8 nuts or peanuts according to size •!• a slice of avocado (around the size of an orange slice) •!• 5 to 8 olives, again according to size •!• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil: olive oil is the best choice •!• 1 tablespoonful seeds, but avoid roasted and heavily salted ones •!• 2 teaspoons commercial320 mayonnaise, preferably low-fat 319 Hensrud, 2006. 320 Homemade mayo is very rich in fats, and its content of raw eggs is not recommended anymore since the bird flu virus outbreak. Now, we must ask: Which type of fat is the right fat? To answer this question, take a quick glance at how different types of dietary fats affect our blood lipids as summarized in the following table: Types of Fats Effects on blood Type of fat Source lipids Saturated fats Butter, ghee, Raise LDL ® (bad margarine, meat and cholesterol) levels poultry Polyunsaturated fats Most vegetable oils Lower both ® LDL & (com, sunflower, HDL © (bad & good) soybean, cottonseed) cholesterol levels Monounsaturated fats Olives & olive oil, Lower LDL & raise canola oil, walnuts HDL © cholesterol and avocado. Trans fats Hydrogenated oils & Increase LDL & deep frying reduce HDL Omega-3 fats Fatty fish, flax seed Lower triglycerides* oil, some nuts and total blood cholesterol ® LDL cholesterol: cholesterol carried by low density lipoproteins (LDL) which circulate to body cells carrying it where it is needed.

If their level in the blood increases beyond natural body needs, they may form deposits on arteries and blood vessels; hence 'bad' cholesterol. © HDL cholesterol: cholesterol carried by high density lipoproteins (HDL) away from body cells to the liver so they can be broken down and excreted; hence 'good' cholesterol. * Triglycerides are the major component of dietary and tissue fat. A high level in the blood indicates potential cardiovascular risks. Olives and olive oil Allah (~) mentions the olive tree in the Quran: ~By the fig , and the olive, by Mount Sinai, and by this city of security [Makkah], verily, We created the human of the best stature [or mould] ) (Quran 95: 1-4) •> .:~I\" ,: ,, ,, ,, •\i\,, l ~-~f ,,.~I\ {--,; > t>};,._ y_:,.....:, p f:!! ~ /-...J -:;\ i;: .; / ' : \\ 0i,. / ), -:; /// , . , /A...J/, , , _,,...lb/ . U'"J ~ l ') ~ ' ) Ll_J-:ji'.) ~)'°' ( \ \ : ~ \ •.;_,.....) ,,i ' ® L.l •. t'__' ·.' • ·: I ) ) ~ -f. Y'-'.- • ~ ~ / ~ ~With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the datepalms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit.

In this is indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought. ~ (Qur 'an 16: 11) Prophet Muhammad(~ ) said: «Eat oil and use it as ointment as it comes from a blessed tree.» 321 It is clear from his statement that he (~ ) was referring to olive oil. As seen 1n the previous table, olives and their oil are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. These acids tend to improve blood cholesterol ratio by their double beneficial effect: 32 1 Ibn Majah and Bayhaqi (sound according to Albani). they raise the level of good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce the level of bad cholesterol (LDL). According to the latest scientific research, a traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern which incorporates fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fatty fish as well as olive oil is likely to reduce cardiovascular risks. Olive oil's phenolic content seems to reduce the possibility for LDL to form plaque and stick to the artery walls.

Furthermore, olive oil is highly effective against chronic constipation and it has been proven effective in expelling gall bladder stones. Ointments prepared from olive oil are good emollients and healing agents for chapped and dry skin. Olive oil is available in supermarkets in several varieties: light, virgin or extra virgin. All are the same in terms of the type and the amount of fat. The difference lies mainly in the flavour and aroma and perhaps in the phytonutrient content; as we noted earlier, the more processed the food is, the more it loses its beneficial value.

The extra virgin type is obtained by cold-pressing the olives and hence it is the most flavoursome and probably the most nutritious type. Remember, although it is healthy, olive oil is still high in calories. Butter A hadith states: «The two children of Busr said: The Messenger of Allah (~ ) came by us and we offered him some butter and dried dates, as he used to like eating butter and dried dates. » 322 Compared to ghee, butter is healthier due to its content of milk solids. In addition, the manufacturing process concentrates the fat in the prepared ghee, thus it contains more fat and calories per spoonful compared to butter. 323 The recommendation of the USDA is to 322 Abu Dawood (a sound hadith). 323 Duyff, 2002. reduce consumption of butter, ghee and animal fats in general, as they are rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol-saturated fats are the ones that are solid at room temperature. They could also originate from plant sources, as palm and coconut oils do.

This does not mean we have to remove them completely from our diet, but we should decrease the amounts we consume. A word about cholesterol Cholesterol is found only in animal-based foods. Although it does not contribute to your calorie intake, the USDA recommends restricting total cholesterol intake to 300 mg per day. This is due to the fact that excess cholesterol in the body may deposit on the arterial walls leading to increased risks of artery damage, plaque formation, atherosclerosis and circulatory problems. Some foods are especially high in cholesterol, such as shellfish, squid, eggs and the organs that we eat.

Nonetheless, your total fat intake - especially of saturated and trans-fats - has more effect on blood cholesterol level than dietary cholesterol itself, as the body uses these types of fats to synthesize its own cholesterol. 324 Nutrition Advice from the Sunnah Water c...?{llah (~) says in the Quran: 324 Duyff, 2002. ( .. And We have made from water every living thing ..) (Quran 21: 30) He (~) also says: ( .. And We have given you to drink sweet water) (Quran 77: 27) Prophet Muhammad(~ ) liked to drink cool water. «He used to drink it in three sips, not exhaling into the cup, and said of this method: "This is more healthful and better in quenching the thirst."» 325 ·: --'--'-· .:...._; __:::;==, .-- :··:.-:·.--:-.:..... . .:::..;-::.::-·-:.:- i earth and it is the most abundant substance in the human body. An average healthy body consists of 50-75% water.

The leaner you are, tC-- --1i the higher the proportion of water in your body, as fat tissue is less capable of holding water. Every body cell, tissue or organ needs (~d ------ - - ----- water to perform its normal functions . Besides quenching thirst, water performs several important functions in our bodies: 326 •!• Water regulates body temperature. When it evaporates off our skin, water takes a considerable amount of heat with it, thus cooling the body down. Water holds heat in the body and prevents sudden fluctuations in its temperature. •!• Water acts as a protective cushion represented in the amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. •!• Water is a lubricant in the form of fluids between the joints as well 325 Muslim. 326 Marieb, 2003 . as in the gastrointestinal tract.

It moistens different body tissues such as those of the eyes, mouth and nose. •!• Water is an important part of the hydrolysis reactions occurring in our bodies. An example of such a reaction is the breakdown of complex carbohydrates (like starches) to yield simple sugars. •!• Water is also a solvent for many molecules and ions in the body. For example, after eating a pretzel or a biscuit, water in the saliva dissolves the salt or sugars contents of this food for it to be further processed by the body . •!• Water is the main transport system for the delivery of absorbed nutrients and removal of excreted waste from the cells via the blood and the lymph. •!• Water is the main component of every body fluid including blood, gastric juice, saliva and urine. Drinking water and other beverages is our main source of water, but we also obtain a substantial amount from foods like fruits and vegetables. Celery, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and watermelons hold large amounts of water.

Normally, the body loses around a total often cups (or 2 litres) of water per day. To avoid dehydration and to keep our body functions normal we need to replenish this loss. An average adult needs at least 8 cups of water every day, or around 8-12 cups total fluid intake (that is, including whats/he gets from other juices, drinks and food) .327 Zamzam water Zamzam water holds a special place in all Muslims' hearts. It is looked upon as sacred water, a valued gift from the holy land 327 Duyff, 2002. brought each year by pilgrims to their relatives and friends. Prophet Muhammad (~) said: «It is a nutritious food and a cure from ailments.» 328 He (~) also said: «Zamzam water is for whatever is intended in drinking it.» 329 Other drinks Prophet Muhammad (~) loved sweet, cold drinks.

He used to drink honey at his wife Zaynab's house. He also drank the water that either dates or raisins had been soaked in. 330 We should note here that the Prophet (~) did not drink very hot drinks until they cooled down; he never blew on his food or drink and never breathed into pots or cups. Vinegar Vinegar has been used for thousands of years. Vinegar is made by two distinct biochemical processes, both the result of the action of micro-organisms. The first process is obtained through the yeast fermentation of natural fruits or grains sugars into alcohol.

This is called alcoholic fermentation. The second process results from the action of a group of bacteria (Acetobacter) converting the alcohol to acid. This is the acid fermentation that forms vinegar. Proper bacterial cultures are important, timing is important, and fermentation should be carefully controlled. Vinegar can be made from any fruit, or from any substance containing sugar.

Apple . . 1s Jmce . most common 1y use d.331 328 Muslim, AJ:imed and Bayhaqi. 329 Ibn Miijah, AJ:imed and r. Iiikim (a sound hadith). 330 Nassar, M. C~ ~_,...s!), 1995. 331 The Vinegar Institute, n.d. Vinegar has long been recognized as a cleaning and sanitizing agent effective against a broad range of bacteria, yeasts and moulds. The shelf life of vinegar is almost indefinite.

Because of its acid nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration. White vinegar does not show any alteration over time, while naturally produced vinegar may show some physical changes like darkening in colour or the development of cloudiness or sediment, but still it is perfectly safe for consumption. 332 Prophet Muhammad (~ ) liked unprocessed natural vinegar: he used to dip cooked chicken in it. He once said to his wife when she told him that they had only vinegar for dinner: «What an excellent condiment is vinegar!» 333 Scientific research has shown that the effects of potato meals on insulin and blood sugar levels can be reduced by use of vinegar dressing. 334 It was also proved that supplementing a carbohydrate meal with vinegar lowers glucose and insulin responses and increases satiety (the feeling of being full or satisfied after eating).335 Vinegar has been widely used as a home remedy and house cleaning agent for ages: 336 •!• It is used with warm water as gargle in sore throat or added to honey and taken by spoon to relieve throat infections and productive cough. •!• It reduces itch when rubbed on mosquito bites. •!• It can be diluted and used locally to relieve many fungal infections either the thrush in the mouth, which is sometimes caused by long332 The Vinegar Institute, n.d. 333 Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tinnidhi, Nasii'i and lbn Miijah. 334 Leeman, et al., 2005, July 20. 335 Ostman et al. , 2005, June 29. 336 Frugal Living, n.d. term antibiotic use, or the athlete's foot and nail fungus. •!• When added to beef or poultry soup stock, vinegar help leach the calcium from the bones into your stock. •!• When vinegar is repeatedly applied to cold sores, it speeds healing and prevents further outbreaks. •!• Vinegar is a mild disinfectant with no side effects, so it can be safely added to water for washing fruits and salad vegetables or for rinsing countertop surfaces and refrigerator shelves. More advice Bless your food first: There are numerous hadiths that command us to do this: 'Umar ibn Abi Salamah narrated: «When I was a boy I was under the care of the Messenger of Allah (~), and I used to eat with him and my hand used to move around the dish while eating. The Prophet told me, "Child, pronounce the Name of Allah (say bismillah), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is nearer to you in the dish."» 337 The Prophet (~) also said: «The Devil eats from the food on which Allah's Name was not mentioned.» 338 «When one of you eats let him mention Allah's Name before starting, and if he forgets, let him say, "In the Name of Allah at its beginning and at its end" (Bismillah awwaluhu wa akhiruh ).» 339 Dr.

Andrew Weil, in his book 8 Weeks for Optimum Health, recommends taking some time before eating to feel grateful for the food you consume. Remember your connection to the universe, your 337 Bukhari and Muslim. 338 Muslim. 339 Tirmidhi and Abu Dawood (Albani graded it as sound). dependence on all other living things and most importantly remember the ultimate source of all these blessings. 340 These few seconds raise your spiritual awareness and improve your sense of responsibility and connectedness to the world and to your Creator; these few seconds revive in you the idea of 'holism' we are discussing in this book, the meaning that you are not a mere physical body and your life has a vast meaning beyond the material world. Use your right hand: Prophet Muhammad(~ ) said: «When one of you eats let him use his right hand and ifhe drinks let him drink with his right hand, as the Devil eats and drinks with his left hand.» 341 Eat slowly and sit up properly: Bukhari narrated that the Prophet (~ ) said: «I do not recline while eating.» Another piece of advice from the wise people of long ago goes, "Dissolve your food by remembering Allah and prayers (~aldt), do not sleep immediately after it as your hearts will harden, do not move too much while eating as this may harm you and do not skip dinner or you might age early." Studies show that the increase in blood sugar levels (BSL) is less drastic when we eat more slowly. If BSL shoots up suddenly, the level of insulin also rises rapidly, leading to a sudden reduction in BSL. An even BSL sustains an even production of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

If the level of the latter falls , it causes irritability and mood swings. 342 It is also important to note here that the production of serotonin is further stimulated by good 340 Weil, 1998. 341 Muslim and Abu Dawood. 342 Gray, 2003. relationships and social communication and collaboration. 343 So gathering and chatting at dinner time with family is a great opportunity to lift our spirits after a long working day, restoring energy and generating strong family ties. In his Medicine of the Prophet, Dhahabi advised families to eat their meals together, in order to gain more blessings and benefits. 344 Be grateful: When the Prophet (~) completed his meals, he used to say: «Al!Jamdu Zillah !Jamdan katheeran tayyiban mubfirakanfeehi, ghair makfee wa la mawdi 'i, wa la mustaghnee 'anhu rabbana (All praise be to Allah, Blessed is He! Allah, we cannot reject Your Bounty, nor leave it nor suffice ourselves without it).» 345 Do not skip dinner: Remember this part of that wise saying: "Do not skip dinner even if you just eat some dates, as whoever skips dinner, ages." According to Dr. Barry Sears, eating a healthy snack before going to bed at night ensures the adequate release of growth hormone during sleep. 346 Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland; it is secreted during the deep sleep stages when the body repairs itself in preparation for the next day. Growth hormone has been found to be responsible - among other things - for the burning of fat and the building of new muscles.

Dr. Sears further advises not to eat a carbohydrate-rich meal before going to bed, as this raises the insulin level which in tum retards the secretion of growth hormone. A balanced light snack composed of both carbohydrate and protein is 343 Gray, 2003. 344 Dhahabi, 2004. 345 Bukhari and Tirmidhi. 346 Sears, 1995. advisable. Remember the advice mentioned above: "Do not sleep immediately after it as your hearts will harden." Some physical movement, a relaxing walk or even offering two rak'ah of ~alat (two units of prayer) after your dinner will help digestion before you retire. Environment ~ reach and maintain a state of good health for our biochemical bodies, it is crucial to pay full attention to both our internal environment (food and nutrition) as well as our external environment (exposure to surrounding chemicals and pollutants, both indoors and outdoors).

Gro Harlem Brundtland 347 is the first person to have drawn the attention of the world to the concept of 'sustainable development'. In a report by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 entitled Our Common Future, Dr. Brundtland pointed out the importance of the global community taking responsibility to insure that we maintain our earth's resources and prevent their destruction or depletion (while we advance in our technological and scientific development) so that future generations will be able to use these same resources and further their own development. 348 347 Prime Minister of Norway in the 1980s and '90s and later was director general of the World Health Organization (WHO: 1998-2003). Trained as a physician, she became identified with public health and environmental issues and with the rights of women. (Encyclopaedia Brittanica Online) 348 The Asahi Glass Foundation, n.d From that day forward, the world began to become more aware of environmental problems and started to take serious steps towards the protection of the environment.

The international community finally recognized that we are facing serious hazards, including air pollution from the production of nuclear and other forms of energy, motor vehicle exhaust and waste disposal; the pollution of our food by pesticides, additives and genetically modified crops; health concerns resulting from the depletion of the ozone layer, oil spills, global warming and acid rain. Moreover, the global community began to recognize the links between all these issues and a variety of other problems including increasing levels of poverty in the third world, regional over-population and the drastic, rapid depletion of natural resources. The recommendation made by the United Nations contained many suggested solutions to solve our environmental crisis, starting with social justice and equality, environmental protection, improvement of the economic status of developing countries, prevention of deforestation, protection of biodiversity and conservation of natural resources. This sudden environmental awareness is rather late if we compare it with the environmental teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, declared and practiced by the early Muslims over 1400 years ago. The Qur' an and Prophetic Hadith contain a component of environmental education: they teach Muslims about their environment and urge them to protect it and respect its different elements; and they teach us to keep an eye on environmental balance, to prevent any disturbance or waste and stop any pollution or corruption.

In the Islamic view, humans are seen as the major factor disturbing the natural balance of the universe. Humans interfere intentionally or unintentionally in the earth's ecosystems, leading to a serious impairment in its perfect balance and ordered sequence. Allah teaches us that mischief on the land and in the sea is inflicted by humankind's unwary interference with the natural laws created by Allah for their own benefit. o~I ~ 1~~!A/ ~61 .s; J ~ ~ P,t _;J1 ~ ~u1 ~:,, ,,£~ -; > ./ ~ i-j ;; <t, : i /,Ji •_;r-) " ( ~ u~~ ~ ~Evil has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned [by oppression and evil deeds], that Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return) (Quran 30: 41) Environmental pollution, which 1s tantamount to the disruption of the natural balance, is a major form of human corruption and mischief on earth. This verse is a clear warning from Allah to human kind, ~because of what the hands of people have earned~. Air pollution, deforestation, pollution of the soil, seas and rivers, and all the resulting disasters on this earth are direct consequences of the actions of human beings. ~Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done~ This is a lesson from Allah, a warning showing us the results of our bad deeds reflected as the spread of diseases, famines, floods, earthquakes and many other physical, economic and psychological hazards to human health. ~In order that they may return) This is the solution: to repent and refer back to Allah's law on earth, to protect all Allah's creatures and to take care of the whole environment.

According to Islam, the relationship between humankind and the environment involves four fields: One: To live in harmony and enjoy natural beauty. The Quran opens the door for meditation; it even draws our attention to His various magnificent creations that we should admire and enjoy: The skies ~We have put constellations in the sky and We have beautified it for the beholders.? (Quran 15: 16) (,:J.)_,....,) ~Have they not looked at the sky above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no rifts in it?~ (Quran 50: 6) The earth (rY : __,.l, L.; •J_,....,) ~Do you not see that Allah sends down water [rain] from the sky, and We produce therewith fruits of varying colours, and among the mountains are streaks white and red, of varying colours and [others] very black.~ (Quran 35: 27) The human being ~Verily, We created the human being of the best stature [mould]) (Quran 95: 4) The plants S c;.--;:~ _.,·,:. i..t-~ .:.C. ,,\J. . .;. G,.".:."~ {C: J:;.J1 v.,.... ,,.,, ·.J ;-'"' ...J ~...

'., /"""""" t> J1 ... ~~~ ~...,Ir ,.,, ,::.,..,,,,, ~""·\. . . >)1--·· 1~-U. ,~-::11 ,, -- ~ ,;,'·~_, 4,,,) 0~ ,, ~ ~ ~.J ~,.,,...,. ~ ~ ~ '..f'9>" e~ ,/.,, ,,. " ~-? (.-: 1-",,, ,,,,,,,,,:_ ~/ // / '-:>t{" a. //} /~ / ./ / , ) / ,/-!(..... / ),,),:; ,,,,,,, ,,:, . .t. ~I l~l '-!..r' J~ 1_,~1 :,,':.iA fo..J ~ 0~J'\J 0-f: · \., ':/'.:.&- ( '\ '\ : iL,.,;\11 ".Jr") "'$ " ..,._,,,.,_, d:.1 er~ • ~·:.1 ( ~ 5L~ _,. • ~ j ,., 51 "~J .t\1 i,. ,,,, • ~It is He Who sends down water [rain] from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth green stalks, from which We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date-palm and its spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar [in kind] yet different [in variety and taste]. Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof.

Verily, in these things there are signs for people who believe) (Quran 6: 99) The animals (\V :;z;_.;W1 •.Jr-) ~Do they not look at the camels, how they are created?~ (Quran 88: 17) (i :j.>.JI ".Jr") ~And wherein is beauty for you, when you bring them home in the evening, and as you lead them forth to pasture in the morning) (Quran 16: 6) Two: To teach and remind people to deepen their faith and comprehension of Allah's Powers, of His Beauty, Wisdom and Mercy. (or- :-.:..W •;_,.....) ~We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this [the Quran] is the truth .. ) (Quran 41: 53) Three: To benefit from its various elements: ·t--',;, --(1 ~ j .._;_)~ :;:~1 :. -1,~ ~ i~~ / t !Y. J /j::• .:1,~ i-- ·..i ~,_ :t:ia j...i"~ // 'J)'-' •N • '1 ~ ~~ ~-!~ ~_;~~ ~t Jy~ J;Lt ® ~ 5J:) (A-V : J-,,..:JI •;_,.....) ,.( ~.~ :;j ·;, ~~ "" ~And they carry your loads to a land that you could not reach except with great trouble to yourselves. Truly, Allah is full of kindness, Most Merciful. And [He has created] horses, mules and donkeys for you to ride, and as an adornment.

And He creates [other] things of which you have no knowledge) (Quran 16: 7-8) ,.(~ ~:::"\ )~-:'/ ,--:: /~t. J'1' /" /~ '_r=--' \....;I"'.) AJ_,.->- ~ l ~ J 'T c, t'I' :rL:,..;\11 •;..,.....> ~And of the cattle [are some] for burden [like camels] and some [like sheep and goats] for [food and their hair for] coverings. Eat of what Allah has provided for you .. ) (Quran 6: 142) Four: To build a spiritual connection between human beings and nature, from which we can acquire an endless supply of spiritual energy by feeling the beauty of the wondrous inimitable creation: / / E ,; ':1 ~_J >,"> -]1 .-;: · • -1" ~ • · / / -':·'-Jf ~~~J1 ~;;:::,, ~ >/~}._ L--~ er- ~ t~ ~ uv ~ d. J IJ"'..) ~ c-- '-'Y- .<:i' o >/ ~T ,,£~ ~>-- ·-- / >"·" cu :.1.:-)'1 ;_,_,....) "'Z~ ... ~ ..:.,~ ~The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies and praises Him. But you do not understand their glorification .. ) (Quran 17: 44) ~And to Allah prostate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the live moving creatures and the angels, and they are not proud [they worship Allah with humility]) (Quran 16: 49) Islam prohibits all sorts of corruption.

Here, Muslims are urged to take care of the environment and, as we benefit from it, we have to remember the rights of others. C o-), ..> ..J/ b! // /~/ J.~/ o > // ,.,,,.,,,,.,; -....- // , ),,} ~ ( \ i \ : il.::,.;'JI ;_,_,....) ~® ~~\ ~ 1 ,~~ ~ ... Eat of their fruit when they ripen, but pay the due thereof [its zakah, according to Allah's Orders] on the day of its harvest, and do not waste by extravagance. Verily, He does not like those who waste by extravagance) (Quran 6: 141) Once a man named Akhnas ibn Shareeq came to Prophet Muhammad (~) to ask about Islam, but as he turned to leave, he happened to pass by a pasture and grazing animals. He set it alight and killed the cattle. The following verse was revealed as a sign of Divine disapproval: 349 ~And when he turns away [from you O Muhammad], his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah does not like mischief) (Quran 2: 205) Islamic recommendations for environmental protection