Sustainable livestock agriculture from Islamic perspective

With the impact of climate change becoming increasingly apparent, there have been calls for world leaders to take measures aimed at mitigating the potential effect on the environment of the rapid expansion in human population, urbanisation, deforestation, agricultural development, industrialisation and the rampant burning of fossil fuels. This article reviews literature on the spiritual dimensions of environmental sustainability from an Islamic perspective, with emphasis on the sustainable utilisation of agricultural resources linked to production and consumption. The religious standpoints on stewardship of nature (Khilafa), climate change and animal welfare are explored from within the Islamic scriptures to gain a better understanding of sustainable development from an Islamic perspective, particularly with regard to meat production. The description of humans as stewards or guardians of nature in Islamic literature is a direct call from God for humanity to safeguard the natural capital in order to maintain synergistic relationship between flora, fauna and other biodiversity.