Assalaamu alaikum,  

When it comes to living and farming ethically, in a traditional manner, regenerative agriculture plays an important role. As the name demonstrates, regenerative agriculture focuses mainly on regenerating the Earth rather than draining it. This practice seeks to restore biodiversity and maintain the land for future generations by integrating sustainable farming into food production. 

The Zaytuna College Center for Ethical Living and Learning (ZCELL) focuses on the tie between Islam and sustainability. ZCELL teaches students how to incorporate ethical living practices into their lifestyles. At ZCELL, students learn about regenerative agricultural practices like permaculture and become involved in producing their own food. The ZCELL program is supported by IFANCA at the college level. 

Regenerative agriculture represents one path toward sustainability, but there are many other ways to practice ethical living in our own lives. Like the students at ZCELL, we can learn to grow our own fruits and vegetables. We can minimize food waste and turn the scraps into compost, which can be used to fertilize our crops.  

We should also strive to treat both plants and animals with respect. Narrated Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah’s Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.”—Sahih al-Bukhari Book 41, Hadith 1.

Be the best guardian on Earth.

Sincerely,

Muhammad Munir Chaudry, president