Conscious Consumption: How Islam Calls us to Protect the Planet through our Diet
Every one of us is a food consumer, however how we eat can be one of the biggest ways we either harm or protect the planet. Eating less meat and dairy is probably the greatest thing we can collectively do to reduce our impact on the planet. But what does Islam tell us on what diet to follow?
As Muslims, many of us think about the food we can eat as either halal and haram, but how often do we ask ourselves if the food we eat is pure and wholesome? The Qur’an tells us “O humanity! Eat from what is lawful and good on the earth” (2:168). Yet today, much of our diet both negatively impacts our health and has a major role in accelerating climate change.
The Climate Cost of Our Diets
Our global food system is responsible for 25-35% greenhouse gas emissions.
Experts report that 70% of the world’s freshwater is used up by the agriculture sector. Although we all rely on this food system for survival, according to EARTH.ORG, mass agriculture results in deforestation and is the number one cause of biodiversity loss. The biggest driver of deforestation? Animal agriculture.
Meat and dairy production alone are responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions — roughly the same as the combined emissions from all the world’s cars, trucks, planes, and ships. And the impact doesn’t stop there. Producing just 1kg of beef requires about 15,400 litres of water, while the same amount of vegetables needs only 200–400 litres. To put that into perspective, 1kg of beef consumes the equivalent of 100 bathtubs filled to the brim. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Yet this striking difference shows how deeply our dietary choices affect the planet.
Is Eating Meat Regularly a Sunnah?
Halal meat is permissible but does this mean we should eat it daily?
In 2024, a UK study by The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) was published on halal meat consumers compared to the general population.
This graph highlights that the Muslim population in the UK consumes a significantly higher amount of red meat compared to the general population.
If we follow the Sunnah (way of life) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we see a completely different relationship with food, particularly meat. The Prophet PBUH ate meat very occasionally. Anas Ibn Malik Anas ibn Malik reported: “The Prophet PBUH would not have meat at his table for three consecutive days” (Muslim). The core diet of the Prophet PBUH consists of bread and plant based dishes. Meat was often solely enjoyed for celebrations such as Eid and weddings.
In fact, Islam teaches us to eat everything in moderation. Allah tells us in the Quran “Eat and drink but not to excess, Allah does not love those who are excessive.” (7:31). If we compare this verse to regular oversized and meat-heavy plates common at many Muslim household tables, we see that many Muslims in the world are not following this Islamic dietary teaching.
Some may argue that we live in modern times and that one of the reasons for low meat consumption at the time of the Prophet PBUH was because of its expensive cost. So let’s turn to medical professionals to explain the impact of meat on our health. A study review by Oxford shows that regular red meat (beef and lamb) consumption increases the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. These findings are supported by this Sahih Hadith (authentic teaching) “The meat of the cow is a disease and its milk is a cure.” Many Islamic scholars have explained that this Hadith refers to the overconsumption of beef which can lead to several health issues.
The Link between Climate Justice and Our Diet
Climate change severely impacts the poorest countries, many of them being Muslim-majority nations. The most vulnerable Muslim nations include : Chad, Somalia, Sudan and Bangladesh which have faced severe droughts, floods and food insecurity. Although these countries contribute the least to climate change, they are facing the most extreme consequences.
If our communities in the West reduce our meat consumption and shift towards mainly plant-rich diets, Oxford researchers predict this could decrease greenhouse emissions by 70%. Equally, this could free up land and water to protect biodiversity which all life depends on.
Conclusion
The Qur’an beautifully describes several wholesome foods: “ With it He produces for you ˹various˺ crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and every type of fruit. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.” (16:11). These foods are not only healthy for us, but they often have a much lower environmental footprint on our planet.
So, What Can We Do?
This isn’t a call for all Muslims to become vegetarian. But if we collectively follow if we collectively follow the Sunnah way of eating this would make make a massive difference on our health and our environment.
Key Action Points
- Reduce meat consumption: If you eat chicken daily, aim to cut down to 2x a week and then to 1x week. If you eat red meat every week, try to cut down to 1x every 2 weeks. Aim to reserve especially red meat for guest hosting and celebrations as was the Sunnah.
- Reducing food waste: Eating leftovers and planning meals accordingly.
- Eating more seasonal and plant-based foods.
- Supporting ethical, local, and sustainable food producers if possible.
- Educating your family, friends and community about the Sunnah way of eating.
Islam teaches us that every good action made with the right intention can be an act of worship. So if we regularly choose healthy meals that sustain the Earth and align with the Sunnah we are taking part in a powerful act of worship. In our faith, Allah has made us khalifahs (caretakers of the Earth) . It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves and all of Allah’s creations. One of the most impactful ways we can do that is through adopting a wholesome and sustainable diet.
By Jihane.A
Sources
- Surah Baqarah (2:168) – The Clear Quran
- How much of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food? – Our World in Data
- Globally 70% of Freshwater is used for Agriculture
- 5 Biggest Causes of Biodiversity Loss – EARTH.ORG
- Livestock Solutions for Climate Change – UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
- Red and processed meat linked to increased risk of heart disease – Oxford study 7. Study on Halal Meat Consumption compared to the General Population – AHDB