Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of God said, “The world is pleasant and green and truly God has appointed you as custodians of it to see how well you perform.” [Muslim – Kitab al-Muqaddimat]
Just as we compete with one another in virtue [5:48], so we compete in our stewardship of the earth and its resources. God has given this into our care – loaned it to us. It is a test of our will, our understanding, and our virtue. What does God expect of us?