Khalifa Is Not Greed and Pollution

“And it is He (God) who has made you [humans] viceroys (khala’ifa) upon the earth; and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of wealth, intelligence and piety] that He may test you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 6:165)

In Arabic the word for earthling is Khalifa (خلِيفةً) pronounced kha-leaf-ah. This is a word with multiple meanings like deputy, guardian and viceroy, although it all boils down to Stewardship. Human beings are the most intelligent beings on earth so we have been given the duty, trust and responsibility to care for both our society and our planet.

Thus the wealthy must share their wealth with the poor; the intelligent must share their understanding with the uneducated; and the pious mush share their piety by loving the less pious: and all us humans must share in taking care of all non-human creatures on our planet.

The Qur’an states that: “Indeed, We (God) offered the Trust to [other creatures] in the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined to bear it and feared it; but mankind [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, he [mankind] was unjust and ignorant. (Qur’an 33:72)

And the Torah states: “The Lord God took Adam [mankind] and placed him in the Garden of Eden in order to have him work it and guard [care for] it.” (Genesis 2:15)

Humans are the only earthly creatures who can consciously protect and care for, or corruptly exploit and pollute, our planet; and in the last 2-3 centuries we have polluted much more than we have cared for, our earth.

Scientists say plant extinction is occurring up to 500 times faster than what would be expected naturally and in May 2019, a UN report estimated that up to one million animal and plant species were threatened with extinction.

Indeed, most human leaders have ignored their Khalifa responsibilities; and chosen greed and pollution because they are: “unjust and ignorant.” (Qur’an 33:72) An analysis of almost 15,000 studies conducted over the last five decades shows that almost 13% of planet Earth’s animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction.

Thus, it is time for the pious among us to accept our Khalifa duty to over-rule those leaders who thoughtlessly exploit the earth, for if we do not do so our ”Lord is swift in penalty [natural disasters and diseases]; but [if we really care for the earth] “Indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 6:165)

Jews have a special day dedicated to the planting of trees called Tu B’Shevat that usually falls in late January or February. Since trees live for many decades, offering their fruits and nuts to many generations of birds, insects and other living things like humans; planting trees is an investment in the future of our society and our planet. There are some species of trees that live for centuries, recycling the air we all need to breath, and reminding humans of the importance of long term thinking and being.

Tu Bishvat highlights the perennial rejuvenation and blooming of trees (nature); and also in the Torah human-beings are likened to trees of the field (Deuteronomy 20:19) and a tree is a good metaphor for family (a family tree)

Just like the tenacious trees on hillsides and floodplains, human beings need to be deeply rooted to survive rough times. Like trees, human-beings are capable of withstanding many adversities with deep roots (religious values and traditions) and a solid, healthy trunk (a close community). At the same time they need to have flexible branches (to change and reform).

The state of the roots impacts directly on the state of the trunk, leaves and branches. The state of the roots determines both the future of trees and human beings. Healthy religious roots facilitate the blossoming of next years of fruits and sprouts.

Finally, and most important the Hebrew word for tree – Ilan (אילן) – begins with the two letters, אל, Allah/God. The Hebrew spelling for the rugged, Biblical terebinth and oak tree is Aylah אלה which also starts with the two letters, אל, Allah/God.

Thus, God is a Tree of Life, and the greatest example of Khalifa in the world, and the exact opposite of Human greed and pollution. As the Qur’an states: “..when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a Khalifa.” They said, “Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?”

Allah said, “Indeed, I know that which you do not know.” (2:30) So let us live as God knows we should be living.