“Islam teaches us that keeping our surroundings clean is an act of worship and a means of earning Allah’s pleasure.”
Respected Imams,
As you prepare to lead the blessed Eid prayers, we humbly appeal to you to address an issue of utmost urgency that threatens the purity of our land, the health of our people, and the sanctity of our surroundings. It pains us to see our beautiful Kashmir, a land known for its breathtaking landscapes and natural splendour, being gradually turned into a dumping yard due to reckless disposal of garbage, plastic bags, and polythene waste.
We urge you to remind the people in your sermons about their responsibility toward cleanliness, which is not only a civic duty but a fundamental tenet of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the significance of cleanliness, stating:
“Cleanliness is half of faith.” (Sahih Muslim)
Islam teaches us that keeping our surroundings clean is an act of worship and a means of earning Allah’s pleasure. The Holy Qur’an instructs us:
“Indeed, Allah loves those who purify themselves.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222)
Yet, despite these clear teachings, many of us continue to neglect our responsibility by carelessly discarding waste in public spaces, unattended lands, and streets, leading to pollution, foul odours, the spread of diseases, and the destruction of our region’s natural beauty. If this negligence continues, the time is not far when our beloved Kashmir will no longer be the paradise it once was, but a place filled with filth and contamination.
We earnestly request you to use the sacred platform of Eid to inspire the people to adopt responsible waste disposal habits. Let us all pledge to:
Avoid throwing garbage, plastic bags, and polythene waste on roads and open spaces.
Dispose of waste in designated bins and encourage proper waste management.
Educate children and young people about the importance of a clean environment.
Actively participate in keeping our neighbourhoods, mosques, and public places clean.
The change begins with us. If every individual takes responsibility, we can restore the purity and beauty of our homeland. Let this Eid be not only a celebration of faith but also a renewed commitment to preserving the cleanliness and dignity of our land, as Islam commands.
May Allah guide us all toward righteousness and bless our efforts to protect the environment.
The author is a concerned resident of Jammu & Kashmir.
