The idea of a pledge can be found in every faith. Pledging to care for Creation is a fundamental component of faith, and this is particularly true of  Islam. Correcting injustice being done to Creation is central to the global effort to address climate change. As with the Paris Accords, which reflect each country’s pledge to reduce carbon expression and assist countries harmed by it, this Climate Compassion Pledge supported by participating mosques all over the world reflects the commitment within Islam to do our part to address the climate emergency facing our earthly home.

Sadly, no developed state is willing to adequately address the harm created by decades of carbon expression. Therefore, we, the signatories below, and the world call on all faith communities to set an example and show the way.

As U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres recently summed up the climate crisis: “The jury has reached a verdict.  And it is damning.  This report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a litany of broken climate promises.  It is a file of shame, cataloging the empty pledges that put us firmly on track toward an unlivable world. We are on a fast track to climate disaster.  Major cities are underwater.  Unprecedented heatwaves.  Terrifying storms.  Widespread water shortages.  The extinction of a million species of plants and animals.  This is not fiction or exaggeration.  It is what science tells us will result from our current energy policies.”

With this pledge, Muslims will offer the moral and Islamic example for what people of all faiths should do. Just as each individual chooses whether or not to pledge, each mosque also does the same. The mosque can realize its pledge with Rahmah (mercy) by joining with another mosque impacted by climate change, and together, working to restore Al-mizan (balance).  

Each mosque can adapt the pledge to its circumstances and ability.