Faith & Ecology in Focus: Cultural Producers x Sustainably Muslim
As part of the Cultural Producers Learning Programme, four teams of producers collaborated with local organisations to explore pressing social justice issues through creative, community-led events and projects.
Today, we spotlight the theme: Environment & Arts, in partnership with grassroots organisation Sustainably Muslim, led by Founder Director Nazia Sultana.
Established in 2020, Sustainably Muslim is a values-driven initiative that explores the deep connections between Islam, nature, and environmental responsibility. Guided by the principle of stewardship (khalifah), the organisation encourages Muslim communities to take an active role in climate action, conservation and sustainable living, drawing on the ecological wisdom found in Islamic teachings and prophetic tradition.
The group of Cultural Producers working with Sustainably Muslim had been commissioned to design a small-scale, high-impact event or project that responds to Newham’s growing environmental challenges. From poor air quality to climate risks and green space inequality, low-income and minoritised communities often bear the brunt of environmental harm, while having fewer resources to respond.
© Chris O'Donovan
This commission will explore how arts-based practice and faith-informed action can be used to reframe environmental justice as a local, personal, and collective issue. Through their learning, the team will work closely with Nazia and the Sustainably Muslim network to design something that reflects both ecological urgency and spiritual care.
We’ll be following the group’s process over the next few weeks, sharing ideas, conversations, and moments of creativity as they unfold.
About Sustainably Muslim
As Muslims, our faith provides a comprehensive framework that guides not only our spiritual lives but also our relationship with the world around us. At Sustainably Muslim, we believe that Islam’s teachings offer profound insights into how we should interact with nature and wildlife.
Our Founder, Nazia Sultana, created this organisation in February 2020 with an aim to see a world in which Muslims are at the forefront of protecting the environment.
Islam emphasises the concept of stewardship where humans are seen as caretakers of the Earth. This responsibility is not just a privilege but a duty that calls for us to protect and preserve the natural world. The Qur’an repeatedly encourages us to reflect on the beauty and balance found in creation, ultimately making us affirm our faith in the Creator.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set a profound example of living in harmony with nature. His teachings emphasise kindness to animals, the importance of protecting life, and the avoidance of wastage. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.” This hadith encapsulates the spirit of environmental stewardship in Islam, where every act of caring for the environment is an act of worship.
At Sustainably Muslim, we draw inspiration from these teachings to promote conservation efforts and sustainable living within our communities.
About Nazia Sultana
Nazia was born and raised in London. She is passionate about exploring the intersection between Islam, community and nature.
She is a dedicated and results-oriented professional with a strong track record of forging impactful partnerships, leading organisational strategy, and managing teams. Committed to promoting environmental awareness and social action within the Muslim community. Proven ability to measure impact and drive positive change.
