**6. Conclusion**

This paper has shown that Islam, based on the prescriptions of the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him), provides guiding principles on the relationship between humans and the rest of the creation, which play a central role in the protection of the environment and the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

The ecological ethics of Islam demonstrates the importance of religion as a vehicle for social and environmental change, based on the sovereignty of God, the responsible and just trusteeship of humankind and the value of all Creation. It presents a relevant foundation to meet the needs of humans, of current and future generations, living in harmony with nature, and the recognition of the indispensable balance of the universe in the way The Created conceived it.

Beyond the theoretical and conceptual basis, Islamic belief and practice offer approaches that are fully relevant to modern environmental policy and to the achievement of sustainable development, from the management of global commons to social and redistributive justice. Considering that the world Muslim population is currently estimated to be close to 2 billion people, the full and regular practice of the teachings of Islam could contribute to addressing current global and local environmental challenges which relates to the behaviour of people and their way of living. As moral ethics and religious obligation, the practical influence of Islam in the daily lives of people is naturally subjected to the true reality of their faith and its practice as prescribed. The fact that normative rules and obligations in many countries of significant Muslim population are based on laws and regulations not necessarily driven by religious norms means that the practical application of Islamic teaching remains in the domain of individual choices. This poses the broader question of the role of religion in modern societies. However, from a research and analytical perspective, it can also trigger the question of whether or not countries with legal systems based on Islamic values, and for this matter other religions as well, have relatively better environmental performance than others.

Further thinking, research and analysis around such questions can contribute to deepening the knowledge of Islamic principles, teaching and practices and ways to converge spiritual values, ethics and current consumption and production patterns to face local and global environmental problems.
