Principles of Environment Protection and International Environmental Cooperation in Islam

The purpose of the present study is to review principles of environment protection and international environmental cooperation in Islam. Using some theoretical principles in Islam, this research recognizes nature as the blessing of God and that humans should apply the best methods to sustain the life of their own and all other creatures. Moreover, such an insight associates human beings with the source of creation so when confronted with nature and environmental issues, in addition to following Islamic regulations and principles, humans connect with religion by ration and narration. Regarding practical aspects, by making a reference to Islamic regulations and principles, Islam has rules and disciplines in terms of environment that act as serious obstacles against environmental crises. Principles such as Ibāhah (permission) and the necessity of keeping a balance in nature, expediency and lā zarar (no harm), Itlāf (direct harm) and tasbib (indirect harm) as well as the approach of wise scholars all determine and prove the responsibility of the mass of people in preventing damage to the environment and avoiding environment pollution and also explain how much we are allowed to exploit the environment.