“Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” Panel Held with the Participation of Experts in the Field

The panel titled "Unveiling the Structure and Message of Al-Mizan: A Treaty for the Earth," organized by Clark University, was held online. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, Faculty Member of the Philosophy Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, participated in the panel where the development process of "Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth" – a global discussion on responsibility and protection towards the planet – and the powerful environmental message contained in the work were discussed. The event, which addressed the nuances of Al-Mizan and its deep meanings in terms of sustainability and social justice, brought together esteemed experts and interested listeners. 

The panel featured Dr. Iyad Abu Moghli, Founder and Director of the Faith for Earth Initiative at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Aishah Abdallah, Wildlife Leader and Environmental Educator; Kamran Shezad, Director of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES/EcoIslam); Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, Faculty Member of the Philosophy Department, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Üsküdar Üniversitesi; Fazlun Khalid, Founder of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences; Othman Llewellyn, Ecological Planner and Member of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and Environmental Law; and Dr. M. Evren Tok, Program Coordinator of the Islam and Global Affairs Program, Faculty of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. 

The panel was moderated by Anita Fábos, Professor of Sustainability and Social Justice and Co-Director of Clark University's Center for Integration and Belonging.  

The panel highlighted the need for collective action and the critical role of religious and spiritual communities in addressing the environmental challenges of our era. Emphasis was placed on Al-Mizan's importance in bridging environmental activism with religious practices.  

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir: "Humans are responsible for creation, which was created with balance"

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir drew attention to the concept of humans being the caliphs on Earth. Speaking about the philosophical reasoning behind this role, Özdemir said: "The concept of Caliph is one of the key concepts of this document. Historically, this concept is mostly understood in a political sense. Caliph means the leader of Muslims who governs the Muslim country justly, replacing the successors of Prophet Muhammad. In the light of the Quran, we have put forward a new definition, through a holistic interpretation, meaning that every Muslim, every human being, is a Caliph. According to this, humanity is responsible for creation, which was created with mizan (balance), purpose, and meaning." 

"All beauties in the universe are reflections of Allah's beauty"

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir spoke about how humanity's role as a caliph on Earth guides the environmental ethics approach within the Al-Mizan Covenant: "The first verse of the Quran invites Prophet Muhammad and, through him, all humanity to read nature and the book of the universe. The Quran presents a new conception of nature created with balance, mizan (measure), purpose, and beauty. All beauties in the universe are reflections of Allah's beauty. Nature, like a mirror, reflects the beauty of Allah. First, we must understand this balance and purpose in creation, and then we must care for it because Allah created and sustains it. Therefore, valuing creation, respecting it, protecting it, and feeling a moral responsibility towards it is the duty of every Muslim and indeed every human being." 

"Fulfilling moral responsibility is a moral imperative"

Prof. Dr. Özdemir emphasized that every individual is responsible for their environment: "Not only leaders are responsible for valuing creation; we are all responsible. We hold leaders accountable because we elect them. We communicate with them. But first and foremost, as a human being, as an individual, I am also responsible for my environment. That is, we are responsible for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil we use, everything. Everything is connected to everything else. Therefore, it is a moral imperative for every Muslim to feel themselves a caliph, meaning to fulfill their moral responsibility towards every created being. This is a stewardship. We are not the masters of nature; we cannot use nature as we please. We must be humble. Humility is another key concept of Al-Mizan; being humble before Allah's creations..." he said. 

"A document that brings honor, presented by Üsküdar Üniversitesi..." 

At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir thanked everyone who contributed, especially Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Head of Corporate Communications Tahsin Aksu, Media PR Unit Manager Şaban Özdemir, Lecturer Bülent Tellan, Ali Açıkgenç, and Fatma Özten, stating: "Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth" is a document that brings honor, presented by Üsküdar Üniversitesi to the Turkish Higher Education Community and the public. My wish is that it receives the attention it deserves."

For more information:

Al-Mizan: