Prof Farida Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are ‘A Simple Guide to Islam’ and ‘A Study of World’s Major Religions’. She has translated into English many books authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently the chairperson of CPS International, she is a regular contributor of articles to various publications. Prof Khanam has edited Maulana’s English translation of the Quran and has also translated his Urdu commentary on the Quran into English. She can be reached at [email protected]

THE EARTH IS MOVING TOWARD ITS END

In the renowned Indian English daily, The Times of India (June 17, 2023), New Delhi edition, the headline on the Times Global page was:

HEATWAVES, wildfires hit globe; Asia, Europe, US sizzle at 40°C+, meaning that heatwaves and wildfires have gripped the world. The news under this headline invites serious reflection. According to the report, temperatures of 40°C were recorded in Asia, Europe, and the United States. On Sunday, intense heat engulfed three continents—Asia, Europe, and America. The increasing incidents of wildfires and extreme temperatures are pointing to the grave danger that global warming is escalating day by day.

Meteorologists have issued severe heat forecasts for the future. China has issued several alerts regarding temperatures, warning that in the desert regions of Xinjiang, temperatures may range from 40 to 45°C, and in the southern Guangxi region, it may reach 39°C. The U.S. National Weather Service has reported that intense heat and heatwaves could peak from California to Texas. Death Valley in California is one of the hottest places on Earth. Meteorologists estimate that temperatures there could exceed 54°C. Wildfires in several forests in Southern California are being dealt with.

In Canada, wildfires have burned over 10 million hectares of land this year. In Italy, it is estimated that temperatures will reach 43°C or higher, prompting the Ministry of Health to issue red alerts for 16 cities. The Acropolis of Athens in Greece, a major tourist attraction, was closed for several days in July 2023 due to excessive heat.

In 2024, people in the Indian subcontinent and other regions are experiencing similar unbearable and extreme heat. According to a report by India Today (May 30, 2024), the hottest day of the year in New Delhi was recorded in May 2024 at 52°C. Temperatures in 37 cities in India exceeded 45°C. According to a report by the Associated Press (AP) (May 24, 2024), temperatures in Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan, reached 49°C in May, and reached 50.5° C in June. Due to the rising temperatures, living on planet Earth is becoming increasingly difficult. If we consider the situation, the phenomenon of global warming is gradually turning into global boiling. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in a speech at an environmental conference, said, “The era of ‘global warming’ has ended, and the era of ‘global boiling’ has arrived.”

When I read these terrifying news reports, two verses from the Quran came to my mind: We have adorned the earth with attractive things, so that We may test humankind as to which one is best in conduct, but We shall reduce all this to barren waste. (18: 7-8) Commenting on these verses, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan writes, “Attractions of this world are purely temporary. They exist till the period fixed for man’s trial is over. Thereafter, the glamour of the earth will be taken away, so much so that it will be reduced to the condition of a barren desert. (Commentary of the Quran, p. 877)

Changing climate is beyond human control; what is within human control is changing one’s perspective on living on earth. The resources of life on planet Earth are not for entertainment, but rather, according to God’s creation plan, a preparation ground for the next stage of life. Global warming is a silent divine announcement that the Earth’s role concerning humanity is gradually coming to an end. In such a situation, it is not wise for humanity to live life in heedlessness of God, the Lord of the universe, and His creation plan.