Scholar Warns Against Selective Interpretation of Qur’an

Date: 26 February 2025 - 21:51

News ID: ۱۳۷۳۵۷

TEHRAN – An Iranian scholar has warned against selective religious interpretations, stressing that sacred texts grant human dominion over nature while also demanding its preservation.
Speaking at the International Conference on Environment, Culture, and Islamic Civilization on Wednesday, Professor Ahmad Pakatchi stated, “The Qur’an and other sacred texts acknowledge human dominion over nature but also stress responsibilities toward environmental preservation.”
The event, organized by the Iranian Association for Qur’anic Studies and Islamic Culture, examined the intersection of religious teachings and environmental protection, IQNA reported.
Pakatchi, who is a member of the High Council of the Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia, criticized the tendency to view environmental issues solely through the lens of natural sciences, neglecting the role of cultural and religious perspectives.
“Many perceive environmental issues as matters of biology or geology, linked to governance and management, while overlooking cultural and religious teachings,” he noted.
He pointed out that religious texts are often interpreted in a fragmented way, leading to misunderstandings.
“Unfortunately, we sometimes focus on ‘There is no god’ but ignore ‘but Allah.’ This selective approach can result in distorted meanings, and regrettably, such misinterpretations are not uncommon.”
Pakatchi pointed to the need to consider entire religious texts when addressing environmental concerns.
“One example of this misinterpretation relates to humanity’s relationship with the Earth and how we utilize its resources. Some Qur’anic verses and earlier scriptures have been cited selectively, leading to destructive behaviors and misconceptions about sacred texts.”
Referring to the creation story in religious scriptures, he explained that humans have been granted a unique position on Earth.
He referenced Genesis 1:26, stating, “God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the livestock, and all the creatures that move along the ground.’”
He said the phrase “Let them rule” has sometimes been translated in ways that imply unrestricted authority. “Historically, some interpretations within Judaism have suggested that nature exists solely for human exploitation,” he said.
He added that similar interpretations exist in Islamic thought.
“The Qur’an also uses the concept of subjugation in verses such as Surah Luqman (31:20) and Surah Hajj (22:65). Some have misinterpreted these verses as granting absolute control over nature. This perception has prevailed among followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, contributing to environmental degradation.”
Pakatchi noted that despite the frequent use of slogans advocating sustainable development, concrete action remains lacking.
“We often hear about the need for sustainable development, but reckless exploitation of nature continues. For example, in the recent U.S. elections, the message was clear: ‘Drill baby, drill.’ While this might generate short-term wealth, in the long run, it will bring nothing but disaster.”
He also highlighted the principle of intergenerational responsibility. “If we want a sustainable future, we must use natural resources wisely. Another key principle is ensuring that future generations inherit a livable planet. We cannot hand them a scorched Earth.”
However, he observed that much of the discourse on sustainability is still rooted in self-interest.
“People are not necessarily concerned about the Earth itself but rather about securing its benefits for their own use.”
“God did not create humans merely to exploit the Earth; they have a duty to uphold their responsibilities. The Qur’an, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30), describes humanity as God’s viceroy on Earth. This concept carries both authority and responsibility. The Earth and its resources are a trust from God, and humans must not exploit this trust irresponsibly. Some Qur’anic verses explicitly place the duty of maintaining and developing the Earth on humanity’s shoulders.”
The professor underscored the need to view concepts such as stewardship, trust, and the development of the Earth as interconnected principles that emphasize environmental protection.
“Preserving the environment is not just about securing benefits—it is about valuing the Earth and its creatures for their intrinsic worth.”