Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, President of Üsküdar University Environmental Ethics Platform, has released his new book from Hayat Publications. In his work titled ‘(Ç)Evrenin Efendisi: Biography of Prophet Muhammad from an Environmental Perspective,’ Özdemir presents Prophet Muhammad not merely as a historical figure, but as a moral guide who directs the relationship between humanity, nature, and the universe on the basis of mercy, balance, and responsibility.
A Siyer Re-read in the Age of Global Crises…
The book aims to re-read the life of Prophet Muhammad from an environmental perspective in an era where discussions on global warming, environmental degradation, and ecological justice are intensifying. Özdemir describes his work as, 'An envoy, a leader, a guide... And nature's greatest friend. The biography of a prophet who presented the universal messages of the Quran to humanity by living them...' The approach of a prophet who embodied the universal messages of the Quran in his life, towards nature and all living beings, is explored through the concepts of mizan (balance), amanat (trust), and rahmat (mercy).
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir: “Powerful examples regarding the environment and cosmic balance were not made visible”
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, a faculty member at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy, and Vice Rector of American Islamic College, spoke about his motivation for writing the book. Özdemir said; 'There are many reasons why I wrote this book, but one of them still vividly remains in my mind and heart. Years ago, I gave a talk in New York on Islam's understanding of the environment. In my talk, I shared some examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad regarding nature, living beings, and the ethics of responsibility. After the talk, an American who identified himself as religious came up to me and said with great sincerity, 'I wish there were such examples in the life of our Master Jesus that would guide us on environmental matters.' At that moment, I realized that despite the extremely powerful examples in the life of Prophet Muhammad concerning the environment, living beings, and cosmic balance, this aspect had not been sufficiently highlighted.'
“The book is a product of deep inquiry and a sense of moral responsibility”
Özdemir, also addressing the main purpose of the work, said; 'In Siyer literature, the Prophet has generally been treated as a historical figure, a statesman, or a military leader, but his mercy-centered ethics regarding the human-nature relationship had remained in the background. It was precisely this awareness that led me to rethink, re-read, and re-narrate the life of Prophet Muhammad from an environmental perspective. For this purpose, I revisited classical and modern sources; I re-examined the texts with today's environmental crises, the pursuit of ecological justice, and a sense of moral responsibility in mind. This book is a product of this deep inquiry and sense of moral responsibility. It invites us to rediscover Prophet Muhammad not merely as a historical figure or a statesman, but as a teacher of ethics and mizan (balance) who guides the relationship between humanity and nature on the basis of mercy, balance, and responsibility.'
Strong Resonance from Academic and Intellectual Circles…
Following its publication, the book garnered appreciation from prominent figures in academia, literature, and the world of thought.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “It makes environmental sensitivity visible by relating it to today’s environmental crises”
Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar University, made evaluations regarding the work. Tarhan said; 'Our esteemed professor İbrahim Özdemir, with his work titled ‘(Ç)Evrenin Efendisi,’ offers us the opportunity to read the life of our Prophet from a brand new perspective. This work makes Prophet Muhammad’s environmental sensitivity, his emphasis on ecological balance (mizan), and his understanding of mercy encompassing all creation visible by relating them to today’s environmental crises.'
Prof. Dr. Ümit Doğay Arınç drew attention to the interdisciplinary impact
Prof. Dr. Ümit Doğay Arınç, Founding Rector of Manisa Celal Bayar University, meanwhile, drew attention to the book's interdisciplinary impact. Arınç said; 'I believe that the book ‘(Ç)Evrenin Efendisi’ will also be inspiring and encouraging in fields such as nearly zero-energy buildings, air-water-soil source heat pumps, and structures designed with solar energy.'
Mehmet Ali Bulut: “This book is an ijtihad on the concept of mercy”
Researcher and author Mehmet Ali Bulut emphasized that he does not see the work as limited solely to environmental sensitivity. Bulut said; 'This book is not merely a lesson in environmentalism, but also an ijtihad (independent reasoning in Islamic law) on the concept of mercy. Our esteemed professor İbrahim Özdemir has truly opened a great door of mercy with this work. He has shown us that the concept of 'mercy to the worlds' encompasses all desires. Prophet Muhammad is not only merciful to humans and creatures but is also mercy for the world to sustain its existence.'
Nurdan Damla: “This trust can be preserved by the principles exemplified by Prophet Muhammad through his practice”
Author Nurdan Damla, meanwhile, drew attention to the book's emphasis on the consciousness of trust (amanat). Damla said; 'As an old Native American proverb says, 'The Earth was not inherited from our ancestors; we borrowed it from our children.' Similarly, the Earth belongs to all of us and is an ancient trust presented to all humanity. The way to protect this trust is through the principles exemplified by the Prophet of Mercy, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), through his practice. We will capture this beauty in the gentle style of our esteemed professor, Mr. İbrahim Özdemir.'
Yıldız Ramazanoğlu: “A book that declares our Prophet the master of the universe and the environment”
Author Yıldız Ramazanoğlu also said; 'A book that declares our Prophet the master of the universe and the environment, he who said, 'Our Lord will hold accountable whoever unjustly kills a sparrow; be merciful to those on Earth, so that the angels in the heavens may show mercy to you.' A master in whose being the harmony, justice, kindness of the worlds and the balance of the two realms are manifested…'
‘(Ç)Evrenin Efendisi: Biography of Prophet Muhammad from an Environmental Perspective’ is an important work for all readers interested in environmental ethics, the religion-nature relationship, and ecological responsibility.