Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, Dean of Üsküdar Üniversitesi's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Head of the Philosophy Department, held a conference titled “A Comparative Study on the Concept of Mizan in Nature” under the umbrella of the ‘World Environmental Convention’. At the Environmental Ethics Forum, moderated by Özdemir, Associate Professor Dr. Edward Omar Moad, a faculty member at Qatar University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, was a speaker. Addressing the “Concept of Balance (Mizan) in Nature,” Associate Professor Dr. Moad made evaluations on the concept of nature in Western and Islamic thought. Referring to the existence of jinn in his speech, Moad stated that just as many pre-modern cultures believed in the existence of jinn, they could also somehow communicate with them.
“We Need to Understand the Existence of Jinn”
He stated that the Quran accepts the existence of jinn; that they are divided into believers and non-believers, just like us; and that there is even a Surah dedicated to Jinn. Building on this, while trying to re-understand nature in the context of environmental problems, he stated that we also need to try to understand the existence of jinn, as this will provide new perspectives for us to understand ourselves and nature. He emphasized that the secular-materialistic understanding of nature has lost its influence since the Enlightenment period; and that many educated people in the West, among other places, are interested in Eastern religions and cultures, especially Buddhism. Moad stated that there is a great need for comparative studies to better understand nature, and then answered the questions posed to him.
“Al Mizan: A Declaration of Covenant for the Earth Continues to be a Focus of Interest”
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, providing information about 'Al-Mizan: The World Environmental Convention,' stated that work on the text of the convention has been completed and it will be announced to the public after final corrections. He added that Arabic, French, German, and Turkish translations would be published simultaneously with the announcement of the convention.
Al-Mizan—A Covenant for the Earth consists of a re-articulation of principles governing the protection of nature in a way that meets current challenges. Al-Mizan, which emphasizes the moral foundations behind human existence and social order, highlights its aim to provide an Islamic perspective on the environment to strengthen local, regional, and international actions combating climate change and other threats to the planet. It explores how the world created by Allah and entrusted to us can be brought to life today, working in harmony with its heartbeat.
The call of Al-Mizan—The World Environmental Convention points out that environmentalism is deeply rooted in the veins of Islam. It places a reverence, protection, and responsibility-based emphasis on our personal behaviors as well as our relationships with all living beings. It calls for altruism in our relationships with the natural world and other living beings; and for reverence for the created due to the Creator.
Prof. Dr. Özdemir: “We are worried about the future of our children and grandchildren”
Prof. Dr. Özdemir, who prepared the convention and was part of the core team, said, “Considering the natural disasters we are experiencing, we are concerned about the future of our world, our children, and our grandchildren. Time is running out. Environmental problems are a common issue for all of us. We Muslims will also be a part of the solution.”
The conference titled “A Comparative Discussion of the Concept of Balance (Mizan) in Nature” was held in person and also broadcast via Zoom. Faculty members, students, and many viewers from abroad participated in the conference.