Dawud O. S. Noibi is a retired Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, in Ibadan, Nigeria, where he taught Islamic Studies for 23 years. He was also the Imam of the university's Muslim Community until retirement in 1996. As research professor and consultant with IQRA Trust, London, he is engaged in the work of helping people to better understand the various teachings of Islam including a responsible attitude to ecology. He has also been involved in a number of international multi-faith activities.
Abstract of paper given at Islam
and Ecology conference:
The Khalifah and His Trust: An Islamic
Perspective on Ecological Responsibility
To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. He created and sustains all that is in and on earth for the benefit of humankind, whom He also made His khulafa' (trustees) to look after these earthly creation for their own good, but also as an act of 'ibadah (service to, and worship of Allah). Humans are therefore accountable to Allah as to how well or badly they handle the trust. Thus, concern for ecology is a religious responsibility of Muslims.