Spirit of Islam, Sep-Oct 2024

prompting the Ministry of Health to issue red alerts for 16 cities. The Acropolis of Athens in Greece, a major tourist attraction, was closed for several days in July 2023 due to excessive heat. In 2024, people in the Indian subcontinent and other regions are experiencing similar unbearable and extreme heat. According to a report by India Today (May 30, 2024), the hottest day of the year in New Delhi was recorded in May 2024 at 52°C. Temperatures in 37 cities in India exceeded 45°C. According to a report by the Associated Press (AP) (May 24, 2024), temperatures in Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan, reached 49°C in May, and reached 50.5° C in June. Due to the rising temperatures, living on planet Earth is becoming increasingly difficult. If we consider the situation, the phenomenon of global warming is gradually turning into global boiling. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in a speech at an environmental conference, said, “The era of ‘global warming’ has ended, and the era of ‘global boiling’ has arrived.” When I read these terrifying news reports, two verses from the Quran came to my mind: We have adorned the earth with attractive things, so that We may test humankind as to which one is best in conduct, but We shall reduce all this to barren waste. (18: 7-8) Commenting on these verses, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan writes, “Attractions of this world are purely temporary. They exist till the period fixed for man’s trial is over. Thereafter, the glamour of the earth will be taken away, so much so that it will be reduced to the condition of a barren desert. (Commentary of the Quran, p. 877) Changing climate is beyond human control; what is within human control is changing one’s perspective on living on earth. The resources of life on planet Earth are not for entertainment, but rather, according to God’s creation plan, a preparation ground for the next stage of life. Global warming is a silent divine announcement that the Earth’s role concerning humanity is gradually coming to an end. In such a situation, it is not wise for humanity to live life in heedlessness of God, the Lord of the universe, and His creation plan. o