UAE Friday sermon: Have respect for life in all its forms

Friday’s sermon calls upon believers to appreciate the environment, respect wildlife and cherish life wherever it might be found.

The imam implores believers to respect wildlife and the environment as creations of God, the same way they would people, as all living things can be seen as manifestations of God’s greatness.

“And it is He who spread the earth and placed therein firmly set mountains and rivers; and from all of the fruits He made therein two mates.”

The imam says all of these elements are in magnificent harmony, pointing to the greatness of their Creator who is “so blessed is Allah, the best of creators”. (Al Muminoon: 14)

He reminds believers that every living thing on Earth has a purpose or a function, referring to both species importance in the ecological chain of life and in everyday practical uses, such as medicine.

The sermon advises believers that to respect the environment and nature can be done by practising caution and using only what is needed. The Quran refers to it in the Al Aaraf verse, which says: “and cause not corruption upon the Earth after its reformation” and “eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess”.

The sermon reminds those listening that among the most important resources is water, as life has been and will continue to be dependent on it.

Allah says, “And We made from water every living thing.” (Al Anbiya: 30)

He also said: “and Allah has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.” (An-Nahl 66)