•Reflect on concepts like ‘wasatiyyah’ (moderation), ‘amana’ (stewardship).

•Write 150–200 words connecting faith, heritage, and environmental care.

Amana (stewardship) is another value. It implies that we have a responsibility to care for the Earth because it is a gift from Allah. In the past, Emiratis lived in close proximity to the natural environment. They revered plants and animals and used water sparingly in the desert. These ideals are still upheld in the UAE today through initiatives like recycling, solar energy, and tree planting.

As a student of early childhood education, I think it's critical to teach kids these values. We can create a secure and sustainable future for all when we integrate our culture, faith, and contemporary concepts.

Reference:

Al-Khader, F. (2012). Islam and sustainability.

Mouza Mohammed Ali Alketbi

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Islamic teachings also encourage sustainability through the ideas of wasatiyyah (moderation) and amanah (stewardship). Moderation means balance in life — not using too much and not ignoring needs. Amanah means that Allah gave humans a trust to take care of the earth and everything in it. The Qur’an says: (وكذلك جعلناكم أمةً وسطًا) , showing the importance of moderation. About amanah, Allah says: ( إِنَّا عَرَضْنَا الأَمَانَةَ عَلَى السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ... فَحَمَلَهَا النَّاسُ) ,encouraging people to protect the earth and its resources.

Together, Emirati values and Islamic teachings connect faith, culture, and care for the environment to keep life sustainable for future generations.

Reference : The National Framework for Sustainable Development | the official portal of the UAE Government. (n.d.). https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/the-national-framework-for-sustainable-development

The value of amana (trust) also teaches us that the Earth is a gift from Allah. We must protect it and keep it safe for future generations. In the UAE, these values appear in projects like using solar energy, planting trees, and protecting wildlife.

By following our faith and respecting Emirati culture, we can grow in a modern way while also protecting the planet. This creates a better and sustainable future for everyone. H00596350

Modesty is the norm in Islam, with an emphasis placed on living in balance and eschewing excess and wastage.

Qur'anic Teachings: The Qur'an counsels believers against extravagance, indicating:

"Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils…" (Surah Al-Isra 17:27).

This verse makes it clear that excessive consumption and wastage are not only bad morals but also bad spirituality.

Cultural Resonance in Emirati Values: Historically, Emiratis lived in simple desert environments with scarce water and resources. This bred a culture of conserving and valuing what little they had. These values are now being reused through country-wide initiatives towards sustainability like UAE Vision 2030 and water and energy conservation programs.

Practical Application: From saving food wastage during Ramadan to ensuring efficient use of energy in the home and mosques, the principle of moderation supports long-term environmental sustainability.

2. Stewardship (Khilafah): Human Responsibility for the Earth

Islam teaches human beings that they are stewards (khalifah) of the Earth, entrusted by God to serve and protect His creation.

Qur'anic Teaching: "It is He who has made you successors (stewards) upon the Earth…" (Surah Fatir 35:39).

This verse emphasizes that our mandate is not ownership but stewardship of the earth.

Reflection in Emirati Policy: The government of the UAE has incorporated this stewardship mindset into its environmental policies — e.g., creating renewable energy (e.g., Masdar City) and preserving biodiversity via protected areas and wildlife protection.

Cultural Practice: The instinctive Emirati respect for nature — experienced in sustainable pursuits like falconry, date cultivation, and pearl diving — is proof of coexisting with the environment.

3. Conservation for Future Generations

Islam and Emirati culture alike emphasize preserving resources not only for us but also for the generations to come.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: "If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it, it is considered a charitable gift."

This hadith indicates the long-term benefit of being a positive contributor to the environment.

The UAE's investments today in education, green infrastructure, and clean energy indicate a will to leave a healthy, habitable environment to future generations.

Conclusion

Emirati ethics and Islamic teachings lean towards sustainability by their very nature. Concepts of moderation deter excesses, and stewardship encourages responsibility and care for the world. Together, they create an effective ethical basis for green preservation, resource conservation, and intergenerational fairness — all of which are required to build a sustainable world.How Islam Encourages Sustainable and Minimalist Living. (2025). Sedekahsg. https://singaporesedekah.com/pages/how-islam-encourages-sustainable-and-minimalist-living

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Alongside this, the concept of amana (trust) highlights our responsibility as caretakers of the Earth. Nature is a trust from Allah, and humans are accountable for how they use and protect it. In the UAE, this responsibility is reflected in initiatives like preserving mangroves, promoting clean energy, and maintaining the balance of desert ecosystems. These projects show how traditional values guide modern solutions.

By combining faith, heritage, and innovation, Emiratis create a model of sustainable living. Protecting the environment is not only a cultural value but also a spiritual duty, ensuring that the blessings of nature remain for future generations.

Islamic values are among the important foundations that encourage environmental preservation and promote sustainability, especially through the concepts of Wasatiyyah (moderation) and Amanah (trust). Wasatiyyah calls for balance and avoidance of excess or negligence in all matters, a principle explicitly stated in the Holy Quranفي قوله تعالى«وكذلك جعلناكم أمة وسطًا» (البقرة: 143) This means that a Muslim is required to avoid wastefulness in the use of natural resources such as water, food, and energy, which helps achieve a sustainable environmental balance.

As for Amanah (trust), it is the responsibility entrusted to humans to preserve the environment and its resources. إلى قوله تعالى: «إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا» (النساء: 58). Emirati heritage reflects this principle through respect for nature and living in harmony with it, as ancestors used resources wisely without waste.

In my opinion, Emirati values and Islamic teachings greatly promote sustainability, especially when linked to raising children from a young age. It is important to teach children concepts such as Amanah (trust) and Wasatiyyah (moderation), as they instill a sense of responsibility toward the environment.

Another value is stewardship The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "كلوا واشربوا والبسوا وتصدقوا في غير سرف ولا مخيلة". This shows that caring for nature and avoiding excess are acts of faith. Sustainability is both a cultural duty and a spiritual trust. Aisha Saeed H00600816

These values also connect deeply with Emirati heritage. In the past, life in the desert and along the coast taught people to respect nature and use resources carefully. Water was scarce, so every drop was valued. Communities worked together to survive, sharing what they had and protecting what little was available. Today, these same values are seen in the UAE’s modern projects, like Masdar City and solar energy programs. They show that caring for the planet is part of both faith and culture, not just a new idea (Zaidan & Al-Saidi, 2021).

Zaidan, E., & Al-Saidi, M. (2021). Islam and sustainability: Lessons for sustainable development from the UAE. Sustainability, 13(5), 2740. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052740

Another fundamental concept is amana, meaning trust or stewardship. In Islam, humans are considered caretakers of the Earth, entrusted by Allah to protect and preserve it. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized kindness to animals, the conservation of water, and avoiding unnecessary harm to nature.

Today, these timeless values continue to guide the UAE’s approach to sustainability. From national policies to public awareness campaigns, the country champions environmental responsibility rooted in both Islamic teachings and cultural heritage. By uniting faith and tradition, Emiratis are reminded that caring for the planet is not just a modern necessity it is a moral and spiritual duty passed down through generations.

The UAE not only works on sustainability inside the country but also helps other countries around the world. For example, the UAE has given clean energy projects, solar power, and water aid to countries in Africa and Asia. It also supports recycling and renewable energy in different parts of the world to fight climate change. At the same time, inside the UAE, there are programs for planting trees, saving water, and using clean energy, like in Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.

This shows that Emirati values are not only for local life but also for global support. By following Islam and our culture, the UAE protects the environment and helps build a better future for everyone.

In the UAE, I see these values in action every day. Hosting COP28, a global conference on climate change, allowed countries to work together to reduce emissions and protect the environment. This leadership shows how the UAE connects its Islamic values and cultural heritage with modern efforts for sustainability.

For me personally, these teachings inspire small daily choices—like conserving water, reducing waste, or appreciating the beauty of nature around us. Sustainability, in this way, is not just a policy but a part of life. By hosting COP28, the UAE proved that faith and tradition can inspire global action for a greener and more sustainable future

(إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ)
(سورة الإسراء: 27)

This verse warns us against overconsumption and reminds us to appreciate the blessings we have. Another key teaching is “amana” (الأمانة), meaning stewardship and trust. Allah says:

(إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً)
(سورة البقرة: 30)

This highlights that humans are entrusted with protecting the Earth and using its resources wisely.

In Emirati heritage, these values are strongly reflected. In the past, people relied on limited resources in the desert, practicing conservation and moderation to survive. Today, the UAE carries these principles forward through renewable energy projects, recycling programs, and environmental protection initiatives.

By linking faith, heritage, and environmental care, Emiratis show that sustainability is both a spiritual duty and a cultural value, ensuring a safe and healthy future for coming generations.

Generally speaking, the UAE combines sustainability with Islamic values and cultural heritage, to make sure that future generations benefit from a strong national identity while promoting balanced growth and long-term development.

References:

Admin. (2024, December 10). Miserliness and extravagance in Islam. Tehreek Dawat e Faqr. https://www.tehreekdawatefaqr.com/miserliness-and-extravagance-in-islam/ Al Kaabi, N. (2018).

The UAE, culture, and sustainability. Horizons, Summer 2018(Issue No. 12). Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development. https://www.cirsd.org/en/horizons/horizons-summer-2018-issue-no-12/the-uae-culture-and-sustainability

. The Qur’an’s call for guardianship and the Prophet’s example of caring for water and land reinforce this duty, linking faith directly to ecological responsibility 

. Central to both Emirati and Islamic ethos is wasatiyyah—moderation in consumption and avoidance of excess. The Prophet forbade extravagance and promoted balanced use of resources, a principle that aligns with contemporary sustainability goals 

. Emirati policies echo this tradition by emphasizing modest growth, renewable energy, and community‑based conservation, reflecting the heritage of prudent resource management passed down through generations. Together, the concepts of stewardship (anana) and moderation shape a collective identity where religious devotion, cultural pride, and environmental care reinforce one another, guiding the UAE toward a resilient, ethically grounded future 

Another important value is ‘wasatiyyah’, which means moderation. Islam teaches people not to waste, even if they have a lot. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said not to waste water, even if you are near a river. This shows how important it is to use resources wisely.

In Emirati heritage, people lived close to nature. They respected the desert, the sea, and used resources carefully. Their traditional way of life, such as using palm trees and preserving water, showed their deep connection with nature.

Together, faith and culture encourage people to live in balance with the Earth. By following these values, we can help protect the environment for future generations.

Another value is "amana", which means trust or stewardship. Allah gave humans the responsibility to take care of the Earth. The Qur’an says: "إِنَّا عَرَضْنَا الْأَمَانَةَ عَلَى السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأرْضِ وَالْجِبَالِ فَأبَيْنَ أَنْ يَحْمِلْنَهَا وَأشْفَقْنَ مِنْهَا وَحَمَلَهَا الإِنسَانُ" (الأحزاب: 72). This shows our duty to protect nature, animals, and resources for the next generations.

In Emirati heritage, people respected the desert, the sea, and the date palms, because these were the sources of life. By following wasatiyyah and amana, we connect our faith and culture with environmental care, making sustainability a way of life.

Another value is "amana", which means trust or stewardship. Allah gave humans the responsibility to take care of the Earth. The Qur’an says: "إِنَّا عَرَضْنَا الْأَمَانَةَ عَلَى السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأرْضِ وَالْجِبَالِ فَأبَيْنَ أَنْ يَحْمِلْنَهَا وَأشْفَقْنَ مِنْهَا وَحَمَلَهَا الإِنسَانُ" (الأحزاب: 72). This shows our duty to protect nature, animals, and resources for the next generations.

In Emirati heritage, people respected the desert, the sea, and the date palms, because these were the sources of life. By following wasatiyyah and amana, we connect our faith and culture with environmental care, making sustainability a way of life.

Another important idea is amana, which means we are trusted to take care of the Earth. In Islam, people must protect nature, water, animals, and plants because they are gifts from Allah.

In the past, Emiratis lived in the desert, so they learned to save water, use natural things, and not waste anything. This shows that caring for the environment is part of Emirati life.

These values teach us that protecting the Earth is part of our faith and culture. By following them, we help keep the planet clean and safe for everyone, now and in the future.

Another value is amana (stewardship), which means we are trusted by Allah to take care of the earth. We are not owners of nature, but caretakers who must protect it for the future. This includes keeping the land clean, planting trees, and avoiding harm to animals.

Emirati traditions also respect nature. In the past, people lived simply in the desert, used water carefully, and shared resources. Today, these values continue to guide us. Faith and heritage together remind us that sustainability is not just modern, but part of our responsibility to Allah and our community.

These values strongly align with Emirati traditions. Historically, Emiratis lived in close connection with the desert and sea, using resources wisely for survival. Palm trees provided food, shelter, and tools, while wind towers offered natural cooling without relying on excess energy. Such practices reflected a sustainable lifestyle long before the term “sustainability” became common. Today, the UAE continues to embrace these values through renewable energy projects like Masdar City, water conservation campaigns, and recycling initiatives. This shows how faith and heritage together inspire environmental care, making sustainability not only a global responsibility but also a spiritual and cultural duty.

Reference (APA):
Saniotis, A. (2012). Muslims and ecology: Fostering Islamic environmental ethics. Contemporary Islam, 6(2), 155–171. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-011-0197-9

In the UAE, our Islamic values and Islam go hand in hand with taking care of the environment. Our wasatiyyah principle, or principle of moderation, instructs us not to waste anything. For example, at home, we are told not to leave the tap open while brushing our teeth or not to eat more food than we can manage. These small things are reflections of our faith and help protect the environment.

Another value that holds importance is amana, meaning responsibility or trust. We are considered, in Islam, the caretakers of the Earth, and this is something that we carry on through our tradition. Bedouins once existed at harmony with nature. They only took what was necessary of them from the land, whether water from a well or wood for a fire, and had a tremendous amount of respect for natural resources.

By combining our tradition and religion, we learn how to live in harmony with nature and keep it alive for generations ahead.

Sustainable living is not something new , it has always been part of who we are.

Refrence:

Bsoul, L., Omer, A., Kucukalic, L., & Archbold, R. H. (2022, May 24). Islam’s perspective on environmental sustainability: A conceptual analysis. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/11/6/228

Alhinai, M., & Ringer, A. (2025). Amanah and umma: Eco-Islam and epistemological diversity in environmental communication. Frontiers in Communication, 10, 1568627.

Examples in Practice:

• Using water wisely.

• Protecting animals and their habitats.

• Consuming food and wealth in moderation.

4. النهي عن الإسراف:

﴿وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ﴾
(الأعراف: 31)
➡ الإسراف والتبذير في الطعام والشراب والموارد يتعارض مع الاستدامة.