The Inner Dimension of Going Green: Articulating an Islamic Deep-Ecology

Abstract

Our interaction with nature is clearly constrained and directed by such foundational ethical precepts as mer- cy, moderation, and gratitude, which, when system- atically understood and applied, result in ecological health. But ethical precepts refer ultimately to human nature, and therefore ecological health is rooted in psychological health. From this deep-level perspective, environmental degradation is less a resource-problem than an attitude-problem. This psycho-ecological ap- proach toward preserving and enhancing environmen- tal health is explored by considering some pertinent aspects of Islamic socio-intellectual history and their relevance for re-articulating and re-applying authentic Islamic environmental ethical values in today’s world.