Language And Ecology In Prophet Muhammad’s Hadiths

Abstract

Ecolinguistics is the study of the relationship between language and ecology. Environment related concepts like ecology, green, and environmental awareness have been formulated in the modern world to highlight problems pertaining to the state of the environment surrounding us. However, a closer analysis of some Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad on environmental issues which were said hundreds of years ago reveals that he was an advocate of environmental protection and addressed current environmental issues wisely. The study adopts an eclectic ecolinguistic approach using Stibbe's (2015) model of ecolinguistics and Halliday's (1994, 2004) Systemic Functional Grammar to highlight the Prophet's beneficial approach to the ecosystem and, hence, contribute to the communication of "Eco-Islam" (i.e., Islamic environmental ethics). Analysis of some of the Prophet's Hadiths on the environment shows a dominant ecological ideology based on sustaining nature's growth and preserving natural resources. Accordingly, Prophet Muhammad is a pioneer when it comes to preserving the environment. The present study is but an attempt against those who are pushed to insult Prophet Muhammad and claim freedom of expression.