Charity for nature is an important part of human efforts to protect the earth amid the worsening environmental crisis. Climate change, global warming, and forest destruction have become important issues that we need to pay attention to. Their impact is present in our daily lives, from extreme weather to floods and landslides.
Nature provides a living space for humans and other creatures. When the balance of nature is disturbed, humans will feel the impact. In Islam, the relationship between humans and nature is inseparable from the value of worship. Protecting the environment is a responsibility that must be carried out with full responsibility.
Read also: What is Global Warming and How to Prevent It
Understanding the Meaning of Almsgiving for Nature
Almsgiving does not always take the form of direct giving to humans. Islam views almsgiving as any act of kindness that benefits others. When someone protects nature, they are protecting the source of life for many creatures.
The Prophet Muhammad said, “Every act of kindness is almsgiving.” (HR. Muslim). This hadith opens up the understanding that protecting the environment is also a good deed. Planting trees, caring for forests, and protecting water sources are considered charity because the benefits are felt by everyone.
Global Warming, Environmental Damage, and Their Impact on Life
Global warming occurs due to a long-term increase in the Earth’s average temperature. This increase is triggered by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and large-scale deforestation. These activities release greenhouse gases into the air, such as carbon dioxide and methane. Greenhouse gases are gases that trap the sun’s heat so that it does not escape directly into space. In balanced amounts, these gases keep the Earth’s temperature habitable. However, when there are excessive amounts, heat is trapped for too long and the Earth’s temperature continues to rise.
Global warming affects rainfall patterns, sea temperatures, and the availability of clean water. Temperature changes make rainfall unpredictable. In some areas, heavy rains fall in a short period of time, while other areas experience long periods of drought. These conditions increase the risk of flooding, landslides, and crop failure.
The availability of clean water is also affected because natural water sources become unstable. Higher temperatures cause water in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to evaporate more quickly. At the same time, extreme rainfall often carries mud and waste into river flows, contaminating the water and making it difficult to treat. Meanwhile, regions experiencing drought face a reduction in water reserves. This is why global warming has a direct impact on the quantity and quality of clean water available for human use.
Forests, which should absorb water and carbon, are losing their ability to do so due to deforestation. Without forest cover, rainwater flows directly into rivers and settlements. The absorption capacity of the soil decreases and disasters are more likely to occur. This damage is not a natural process, but the result of human decisions.
Allah SWT says, “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have wrought, that He may make them taste a part of that which they have done, so that they may return (to the right path).” (QS. Ar-Rum: 41).
Read also: Is it permissible to distribute zakat for climate change programs?
Alms for nature as a form of effort to create a better life
Alms for nature are a tangible way to reduce the impact of damage caused by environmental degradation. This effort does not stand alone, but needs to be complemented by collective individual responsibility and supportive public policies. When the community is involved in efforts to restore the environment, the benefits can be felt by more people.
Charity for nature can be done in many ways that are close to everyday life. Planting trees helps absorb carbon in the air and maintain soil moisture. Tree roots hold rainwater so that it does not immediately flow rapidly into rivers. Trees also help maintain the availability of groundwater needed by humans and animals. In the long term, this step helps reduce the risk of flooding and drought.
Charity for nature can also be done by supporting wildlife conservation and water source management efforts. Wildlife plays an important role in maintaining the balance of forest and land ecosystems. When their habitats are preserved, the chain of life continues to run smoothly. Caring for springs, rivers, and wetlands helps ensure that clean water remains available. All of these efforts provide broad benefits, because a healthy environment will sustain human life and other creatures in a sustainable manner.
Read also: Climate Change and Signs of Damage to the Earths Surface
The Role of Dompet Dhuafa’s Environmental Programs
Dompet Dhuafa runs various programs that focus on environmental and humanitarian recovery. These programs are designed to address the real needs that arise after a disaster. Community support is the main driving force behind ensuring that recovery efforts can continue and have a long-term impact.
One form of this concern can be seen through the assistance program for animals affected by flooding. Many animals have lost their habitats, food sources, and access to health services due to environmental damage. Animal rescue efforts help reduce the suffering of other living creatures while maintaining the balance of ecosystems that are interconnected with human life.
In addition, Dompet Dhuafa also runs a tree planting program in areas affected by deforestation. This program collaborates with conservation communities to ensure that the trees planted are cared for until they grow. This approach maintains sustainable environmental benefits and has a real impact on the surrounding community.
Read also: Nature is Being Destroyed, Is this a Sign that the End of the World is Near?
Planting Trees as Long-Term Charity
Planting trees provides continuous benefits. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, protect the soil, and provide a home for many creatures. These benefits do not stop at one generation. Every tree that grows makes a real contribution to the balance of the earth.
Environmental conservation efforts require concrete steps. If we want to coexist with a sustainable environment, we need to improve ourselves and make changes for the better. Allah SWT says, “For him (man) there are (angels) who accompany him in turns from before and behind him who guard him by Allah’s command.
Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. If Allah wills evil for a people, there is no repelling it, and they have no protector other than Him.” (QS. Ar-Ra’d: 11).
Charity for nature is not about feeling the most caring. Rather, it is about taking on a role according to one’s abilities. Supporting tree planting programs is one simple way to help protect the earth. This small step is part of a larger, interconnected effort.
Through the Dompet Dhuafa digital platform, the public can contribute to tree planting programs in Indonesia. Every contribution helps restore forests, preserve water, and protect life. From this step, hope for a more sustainable environment continues to grow.
