Rayees Shah
In the contemporary world, environmental issues such as pollution, global warming, deforestation, and the depletion of natural resources pose significant threats to the sustainability of life on Earth.
However, the solutions to these problems are not new; our religious traditions, in particular, offer time-tested guidance on how to live harmoniously with nature. In Islam, for example, the relationship between humans and the environment is seen as one of care, responsibility, and stewardship.
The Quran reminds us: “Verily, all things have We created by measure” (Quran, Surah 54:49), and “We have produced therein everything in balance” (Quran, Surah 55:7). These verses highlight the importance of maintaining equilibrium in nature.
In Kashmir, this spiritual and ecological consciousness is embodied in the teachings of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (R.A.), also known as Sheikh ul-Alam. A 14th-century saint and mystic, Sheikh Noor-ud-Din played a pivotal role in shaping the environmental ethos of the region, emphasizing the interconnectedness of man and nature. His teachings, especially his poetry, reflect a deep concern for environmental conservation long before such issues became a global concern.
Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali: A Visionary Environmentalist
Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, fondly known as Nund Rishi, was a spiritual leader who sought solace in the natural beauty of Kashmir. At the age of 30, he turned away from worldly affairs to live a life immersed in nature, retreating to forests and mountains where he meditated and reflected on the deeper meanings of life and existence. For him, the natural world was not just a backdrop to human life but an integral part of God’s creation, one that deserved respect and care.
In his famous verse, Ann poshi teli yeli wann poshi (Food will last as long as forests last), Sheikh Noor-ud-Din underscores the critical relationship between environmental preservation and human survival. He recognized forests as the “sustainers of life,” a sentiment that resonates strongly in today’s discourse on environmental sustainability. Forests, according to him, not only provide essential resources but also play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating water cycles, preventing soil erosion, and ensuring a stable climate.
Ecological Wisdom in Sheikh Noor-ud-Din’s Poetry
The poetry of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din is filled with metaphors, symbols, and moral lessons that reflect his deep connection with the environment. In one of his verses, he compares the delicate balance of nature to a diamond’s fragility:
“Extensively I toured in jungles through kail trees,
The warmth of June touched adversely the delicacy of jasmine,
Distinct are not the pearls (dew drops) to the moisture,
Mere touch shall damage delicacy of diamond,
Sooner the flame of tulips shall extinguish…”
Here, Sheikh highlights the delicate nature of the environment, warning that even the slightest disruption can lead to significant harm. His words serve as a cautionary tale against the reckless exploitation of natural resources.
He also advocated for a mindful approach to farming and land use, advising, “He who sows the seed, reaps the crop.” This not only emphasizes the importance of labor and foresight but also of sustainable practices in agriculture and land management.
The Rishi Tradition and Environmental Harmony
The teachings of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali are rooted in the broader Rishi tradition of Kashmir, which is characterized by a profound respect for all living beings. This mystical tradition, which draws from Buddhism, Saivism, and Sufism, advocates for a life of simplicity, self-restraint, and harmony with nature. It is an ecocentric worldview that transcends both anthropocentrism and biocentrism, seeing the natural world as an extension of divine creation rather than merely a resource for human consumption.
The Rishis, including Sheikh Noor-ud-Din, were known to live ascetically, often in the wilderness, where they cultivated an intimate relationship with the natural world. They planted trees, fed animals, and even tamed wild beasts, embodying the principle of non-violence towards all living beings. Sheikh Noor-ud-Din’s acts of compassion extended to all creatures; he once carried a headload of salt from the Poonch area to feed livestock in the meadows, demonstrating his care for animals as well as humans.
Linking Environmentalism with Faith
Sheikh Noor-ud-Din’s environmental philosophy is deeply intertwined with his spiritual beliefs. He believed that the destruction of nature was not just an ecological crime but a sin against God.
In one of his poems, he admonishes those who harm living beings:
“Those who devour the living to nourish their own lives would feed on the poison of sin.”
His teachings reflect the Islamic concept of stewardship, where humans are entrusted with the care of the Earth as God’s vicegerents, a responsibility that must be fulfilled with justice and compassion.
Sheikh Noor-ud-Din also linked environmental conservation with the afterlife, warning that those who harm nature would face divine punishment. His prophetic vision of linking the world here and the hereafter through environmental consciousness adds a unique dimension to his teachings, making them relevant even today.
The teachings of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali offer timeless wisdom on the importance of environmental conservation.
His poetry, filled with metaphors and moral lessons, reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and nature. Sheikh Noor-ud-Din’s message is clear: if we do not care for the environment, we risk not only our physical survival but also our spiritual well-being.
In an age where environmental degradation threatens the future of humanity, the teachings of Sheikh ul-Alam stand as a beacon of hope and guidance, urging us to live in harmony with the natural world.