Canadian environmental website launched

(August 17, 2011) – A new online Canadian-based website, Khaleafa.com, has been launched to raise awareness on the Islamic approach to environmentalism.

 “The goal of this website is to reignite the discourse surrounding the Islamic approach to environmentalism and to draw upon the essence of these teachings, emphasizing the movement from a Canadian perspective,” said Muaz Nasir, the publisher and editor of the site.

The term ‘Khaleafa’ is the Arabic term for steward.

Muaz Nasir is a Muslim Canadian environmentalist living in Toronto who has worked and volunteered in the private, non-profit, institutional and government sectors promoting environmental initiatives.

According to Nasir, there has been a growing interest by Muslims across the world in the green movement.

“They are spearheading new projects in their own communities and collaborating with other faith groups to address a broad range of common issues, ranging from animal rights to water management,” he said.

“As interest in the environmental movement continues to grow, many Muslims are revisiting their faith in an effort to identify the contributions Islam can bring in promoting greater environmental awareness,” he added.

Muaz Nasir has been a contributing writer to IQRA.ca and his articles have been published on other sites, including Suhaibwebb.com.

“The concept of stewardship is the inspiration of this project and has formed for the foundation for discussion of the environmental ideals already present within the Islamic faith,” according to Nasir.

Muaz Nasir holds an Honours Degree from the University of Toronto, majoring in Environmental Science and Integrative Biology, a Masters in Environmental Studies fromYork University, and a graduate diploma in Business and the Environment from the Schulich School of Business. He is currently employed with the City of Toronto, promoting water efficiency and conservation initiatives for Toronto Water.