London: As part of the Ummah for Earth Alliance [U4E], Global One launched the Green Guide and App to the Hajj and Umrah during a virtual Zoom event from 12-1.30 PM (BST).
This second version of the Green Guide for Hajj and Umrah has come 10 years after the first version was launched in Assisi, Italy under the auspices of ARC, the Alliance of Religion and Conservation.
This guide and app will be a vital contribution considering the climate catastrophe that is approaching us. Its teachings of Islam concerning the conservation of the environment during the Hajj, Umrah and in our everyday lives will be a springboard for more environmental activism. The guide provides recommendations for individuals, communities, governments and institutions to enable a greener pilgrimage as well as encourage more sustainability in our everyday lives as a collective.
Speakers at the event included Dr Iyad Abu Moghli Faith for Earth Director, UNEP, HE Seif Usher, HM Consul General, Jeddah, H.E. Faisal Ben Muamar, Secretary General, KAICIID, Professor Yousef Abd Alghafar, President, Alliance of CSOs to Support the Green MENA Initiative and a video message by Nigel Topping UN High Level Champion on Climate Change.
“On this day of Arafah, which is very special to 1.8 billion Muslims, we need to remember that we are stewards and have a duty to protect and preserve our beautiful planet. I hope and pray this guide will enable a better understanding of our role as global citizens to pave the way for a greener and more sustainable planet.”(Dr Husna Ahmad, CEO of Global One)
The COVID-19 pandemic has given us all time to reflect on our contribution to develop more sustainable and equal societies based on solidarity and compassion. This year the Ministry of Hajj announced a reduction of the number of pilgrims to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, we should still recognize that customary Hajj and Umrah have a huge environmental footprint of 60.5 kg CO2-eq per pilgrim per day.
- See the App
- Green Hajj Guide (Pdf)
“The 2021 Hajj provides us with an important moment to Reflect and Recover Together. Let’s use this different Hajj as an opportunity to come out of this public health crisis united and powerful, better able to respond to the ongoing climate, biodiversity and inequality crises we face. The Green Hajj Guide can serve as a guidance and starting point to reflect, transform and recover back better.” (Nouhad Awwad, Ummah for Earth Campaigner at Greenpeace MENA)
A Green Hajj is a Hajj performed in a sustainable manner by abiding by the teachings of Islam concerning the conservation of the environment.
Source:
Related News: