Sultan Nazrin Shah's Royal Address: A Shift in Attitude to Preserve the Environment
Sultan Nazrin Shah's Royal Address: A Shift in Attitude to Preserve the Environment
In his official address at the Maal Hijrah 1447H Celebration for the State of Perak Darul Ridzuan, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muizzuddin Shah, emphasized that the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. was not merely a physical migration, but a spiritual revolution that liberated humanity from the darkness of ignorance into the light of Islam.
The ceremony, held at Casuarina@Meru, Ipoh, carried the theme "Hijrah and Sustainability: Uniting the Ummah, Preserving the Earth", in line with growing concerns over the increasingly alarming environmental crisis.
Hijrah: Spiritual Transformation and Environmental Responsibility
The Sultan of Perak emphasized that the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. carried a mission to liberate the ummah from ignorance, while elevating the status of humans as caliphs responsible for prospering the earth.
"Hijrah liberates the minds of the ummah from the shackles of ignorance, builds spiritual strength, strengthens conviction, and elevates the dignity of the ummah into perfect human beings based on pure religious principles," the Sultan stated.
However, the Sultan reminded that the earth today is increasingly frail due to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, global warming, forest fires, and major floods that claim lives and property.
Humans as the Cause of Environmental Collapse
The Sultan urged all parties to realize that environmental destruction stems from human greed, excess, and the neglect of Divine trust.
"Allah S.W.T. is displeased with those who cause destruction. This earth is a Divine loan, not the absolute property of humans. Every violation against nature—whether through pollution, illegal hunting, or habitat destruction—is a sin and a betrayal of Allah's trust," the Sultan asserted.
Islam and Sustainability: An Overlooked Act of Worship
Islam, as a comprehensive religion, emphasizes environmental sustainability. The Sultan reminded that Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. did not only teach ritual worship but also emphasized the obligation to protect nature.
"Protecting nature is an act of worship, a symbol of a servant's obedience to the Creator. Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. taught us to be compassionate to all creatures, because humans and nature are interconnected. If nature is mistreated, humans will suffer the consequences," the Sultan stated.
A Call for a Shift in Attitude for a Sustainable Earth
The Sultan called upon the ummah to perform a shift in attitude—moving from indifference to an awareness of preserving the environment.
"This earth is a temporary home before we return to the Divine. Every effort to conserve nature is a fardu kifayah (communal obligation) that must be fulfilled. Development must be balanced with environmental conservation," the Sultan asserted.
The Mission of Rahmatan lil 'Alamin
Citing Surah Al-Anbiya’ verse 107, the Sultan emphasized that the Prophet was sent as a mercy to all worlds. This mission must be continued by Muslims today.
"We are obligated to be bearers of mercy—protecting nature, not destroying it. Every disaster that strikes is a reminder from Allah for us to reflect and change," the Sultan stated.
Prayers and Hopes
The Sultan prayed that Maal Hijrah 1447H would be a turning point for the ummah's attitude in preserving the earth.
"May the theme 'Hijrah and Sustainability' awaken us all. This earth belongs to Allah; we are merely caliphs. Appreciate His blessings, do not rebel, and stop the cruelty against nature," the Sultan advised.
"May we be protected from disasters, live in Divine mercy, and bequeath a sustainable earth to future generations."
With this address, the Sultan of Perak called upon all the people of Perak and the entire Muslim community to make the spirit of Hijrah a catalyst for preserving the environment for universal well-being.
