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Environmental
Protection in Islam
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6.
Natural Catastrophes
All
necessary precautions should be taken to minimize the effects of
catastrophes which befall man and the environment, such as floods,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storms, natural conflagrations,
desertification, infestations, and epidemics. It must be recognized
that natural disasters are often caused in part by acts ofman, and
that their, consequences by way of loss of life and property are
in many cases aggravated by inappropriate settlement, building,
and land use practices. Accordingly, their impacts can be largely
mitigated by planning with foresight, based on understanding of
natural processes. Unsuitable land use practices and activities
should not be permitted in areas inherently or potentially hazardous
to human life and health or areas vulnerable to disruption of natural
processes.
Protection
of man and man's properties and interests is essential and necessary
and "Whatever is indispensable to fulfill an imperative obligation
is itself obligatory."
Islamic
law maintains that "Damage shall be eliminated," and "Damage
shall be Ii removed to the extent that is possible." H.owever,
the protective measures that are taken should not lead to
other adverse impacts in accordance with the principle that "Damage
shall not be eliminated by means of similar damage."
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