KUALA LUMPUR – In an effort to motivate and inspire pilgrims to conserve the environment while performing Hajj and Umrah, a Green Guide and mobile application was launched in London on Monday in conjunction with the day of Arafah.
Developed by Global One, a United Kingdom-based Muslim women-led international development NGO, the guide and app demonstrate the teachings of Islam related to the conservation of the environment.
According to Global One Chief Executive Officer Dr Husna Ahmad, this second version of the Green Guide for Hajj and Umrah has come 10 years after the first version was launched in Assisi, Italy, under the auspices of the Alliance of Religion and Conservation.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has given us all time to reflect and consider our contribution to develop more sustainable and equal societies based on solidarity and compassion.
“Our time to act is passing with each day, we need to reflect on our role and start changing our habits to protect and preserve our world. I pray that this guide and accompanying app motivates and inspires Ummah to take action and not wait until it is too late,” she said.
The Green Guide and app was launched during a virtual Zoom event, moderated by Founder and Director of ‘Faith for Earth’ Initiative under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Dr Iyad Abu Moghli.
Global One, which is part of Ummah for Earth Alliance, highlights that the guide and app provide recommendations for individuals, communities, governments and institutions to enable a greener pilgrimage as well as encourage more sustainability in everyday lives.
These include recommendations on waste management, public transport and sensible energy consumption in order to reduce individual carbon footprint during Hajj and Umrah.
The Green Guide contains, among others, checklist for pilgrims before departing their countries, on arrival and after performing Hajj or Umrah, as well as guidelines in choosing products and services, consumption of food and drink, water usage and sustainability tips for choosing clothes or accessories.
The Green App for Hajj and Umrah is available in Google Play Store and App Store.
