The Green Islam Series is brought to you by University of Maryland, College Park alum Rabee Zuberi. He has a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on solar technology. This series will merge basic tenants of Islam with simple scientific principles to show how ordinary people can take steps to protect their environment.
The second rule of conservation is to reuse. Ever head the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? The process of reusing is based exactly on that concept. It involves finding a use for things that one might normally consider invaluable. This technique can be applied in the “consumption” and “waste” parts of the human consumption cycle.
The two main ways to reuse are by buying used products for yourself, and selling or donating your old products. A lot of common items that we use daily do not need to be extra fancy – they just need to get the job done. I have found that I am able to buy used products myself and use them just as well as brand new products. Additionally, this technique has led me to save a considerable amount of money.
The selling and donating concept is exactly as the title suggests, something that you might consider trash might actually be a perfect product for someone else. The best example for this practice is donating clothes rather than throwing them away. There are countless numbers of people in our nation, and around the world, that have trouble buying basic necessities such as clothing. By donating your obsolete products, you can actually enrich someone else’s life. You can also earn extra cash by selling your used products as well
Another very important aspect of reusing is repair. Usually we tend to throw out common household goods simply because a little part of it breaks and it always seems easier to buy a newer version of the product rather than repair the existing product. This practice can lead to very dangerous grounds. On an individual level, one loses the appreciation for the common products, tends to spend more money, and becomes more dependent on the products. On a global level, this simple mindset has led to troubles in the western economies that have become dependent on foreign products due to a fall in local production.
On a spiritual note, this practice ultimately leads to a lack of appreciation of Allah’s (swt) creation. The Quran describes the creation of the Earth as being even greater than the creation of man himself.
“Assuredly the creation of the heavens and the earth is a greater (matter) than the creation of men: Yet most men understand not.” (40:57)
Then why should we not show respect to the Earth and the resources it produces for us? By establishing a holistic approach and utilizing every product in our lives as a blessing from God, we can learn how to appreciate them. In turn, that appreciation will lead to rapid benefits for us in this life.
From a personal experience, since I was very young, I have been blessed to have a father who taught me to independently produce and develop solutions to common problems. I now realize how important those skills are for me. I have become more creative, appreciative, and hard working in every task I perform because of this experience.
Ultimately, the point is to reduce the consumption and wastage of natural resources. By reusing, we reduce our consumption of resources and we can provide a beneficial service for those who are more deserving than us. This process will lead to great personal benefits for each individual as well.
And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers; and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two; He draweth the night as a veil over the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider.” (13:3)
Image courtesy of http://flic.kr/p/La6j1
