Deep Ecology: A Contemporary Response of Islam and Hinduism for sustaining Man-Nature Relationship in An Era of Environmental Crisis

Abstract

Man, and nature are two inseparable entities. The bond between them is so inextricably interwoven that whatsoever happens to the phenomena of Earth is reflected on the life of man, and whatever is the action of man is sure to have impact on the natural resources. The modern secular worldview has changed the harmonious attitude of man and created disequilibrium in nature. The consideration of mankind as the master and possessor of nature has changed the sustainability of our home planet Earth and caused environmental crisis such as deforestation, desertification, biodiversity loss, climate change, water, air, and soil pollution. In this respect, the deep ecological approach of Islam and Hinduism describe the sacredness of earth and natural resources. It considers mankind as an equal partner with the rest of God’s creatures and is originated in the bosom of creation. In contemporary period, Seyyed Hossein N?sr, Fazlun Majeed Kh?lid, Mah?tm? Gandhi and Ranchor Pr?me as eco- religious scholars have tried to interpret the deep ecology of Islam and Hinduism. On the basis of deep ecology, they attempt to solve present ecological crisis in purely religious understandings. N?sr and Kh?lid tried to address these issues from an Islamic understanding of nature while Gandhi and Pr?me attempted to deal with ecological crisis from Hindu faith. This interfaith research presents a comparative analysis of the deep ecological thoughts of contemporary scholars of Islam and Hinduism to sustain Man-Nature relationship in 21st century. Through discussion of their eco-religious views, this paper motivates mankind to divert his negative destructive attitudes into positive constructive ones to avoid future catastrophes and to ensure the sustainability of natural resources.