IMANA Climate Crisis Project

Asalaamu Alaikum,

I am honored to write to you about an exciting and important next step in IMANA’s mission to live out our Islamic principles through medical relief, research, and education. Today, we are launching a new comprehensive initiative to tackle the climate crisis.

As we approach our 100th SaveRohingya team, and reflect upon the experiences of serving more than 2.5 million patients in 33 countries, we more clearly recognize the increased frequency and severity of climate-induced disasters. The science is indisputable, people are suffering, and we can no longer ignore the most pressing challenge of our time. The climate crisis is a public health emergency. 

For the first time in our 53-year history, we have decided to join other public health organizations in advocating for just and equitable climate policy solutions at the state, federal, and international level. We’ve teamed up with partners at leading public health institutions such as the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health and the Global Consortium on Climate and Health to educate our network on climate health, integrate sustainable practices into all of our work, and advocate alongside other medical experts for policies aligned with recommendations from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

As a non-profit organization, we take our non-partisan requirement seriously. We also commit to our public health mission, and believe that it is our responsibility as medical professionals to protect the best interest of the public, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Finally, as Muslim medical professionals, we are motivated by Divine decree, and called by Allah to use our privileges as public health experts to speak up. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah reminds us, 

“You who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against    yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, God can best take care of both.” (4:135)

For more information about our new climate initiative and how you can get involved, please visit our climate crisis webpage for statements, resources, and action plans. And stay tuned for updates via email and social media about how you can take action on the climate crisis in 2020!

Dr. Nabile Safdar
President,
IMANA