COUNTDOWN TO DOOMSDAY
A Final Call for Planet Earth
Instead of fixing our mistakes here on Earth, we waste time chasing unrealistic dreams of finding another habitable planet. The truth is simple: if we cannot save our current home—a planet perfectly suited for life—how can we expect to survive elsewhere?
Earth is our only home, a planet that nurtures us like a mother. However, we destroyed it under the guise of development. Searching for another habitable planet in space is futile because no other celestial body compares to Earth.
This article is written by Maulana Inayath-ullah Umri.
Earth, the magnificent creation of God, is humanity’s unique sanctuary—a haven as vital to us as a mother’s womb is to her child. It is the only place in the known universe where all essential elements for life—liquid water, oxygen, fertile soil, and a balanced ecosystem—exist in perfect harmony. Like a mother, Earth has nurtured, protected, and provided everything we need to thrive. Tragically, humanity’s negligence and self-serving actions are destroying this “mother-like” planet. Instead of safeguarding and preserving it, we are squandering precious time and resources searching for exoplanets in space. This futile pursuit reflects our failure to take responsibility for our home and suggests that we see ourselves as mere temporary guests on this planet.
Just as a mother’s womb provides complete nourishment and protection to her child, Earth offers humanity everything needed for survival. It supplies us with water to drink, fertile soil to grow crops, oxygen to breathe, and an environment where life can flourish. The Quran beautifully highlights Earth’s nurturing role: God made the earth a bed, and the sky a canopy; and it is He who sends down rain from above for the growth of every kind of fruit for your sustenance. (2: 22)
Earth has always been humanity’s ultimate source of comfort and support. Its resources—water, soil, air—are perfectly designed to sustain life. Yet today, humanity’s reckless actions are causing irreparable harm to this “mother.” We have taken its blessings for granted while failing to fulfil our responsibility to protect it.
Just as a child depends entirely on its mother’s womb for survival, humanity depends entirely on Earth. However, human greed and carelessness have severely damaged this planet. Deforestation, excessive use of fossil fuels, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources have disrupted Earth’s delicate balance.
Today, the consequences are alarming. Glaciers are melting at alarming rates due to rising global temperatures, water scarcity is becoming a critical issue as underground reserves dry up, forests are disappearing, weakening nature’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, and pollution is poisoning our air, water, and soil. Climate change is triggering extreme weather events that threaten ecosystems worldwide. The Quran warns about such consequences: Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of the evil which men’s hands have done: and so He will make them taste the fruit of some of their doings, so that they may turn back from evil. (30: 41) This corruption is a direct result of human negligence. If we continue down this path, we risk losing Earth’s ability to sustain life altogether.
In an attempt to escape the consequences of their actions on Earth, humans are now looking to space for alternatives. Scientists have discovered thousands of exoplanets through NASA’s Kepler telescope and James Webb Space Telescope. Yet, none possess Earth’s unique qualities—its perfect balance of water, atmosphere, temperature, and biodiversity.
This search reflects humanity’s unwillingness to take responsibility for its actions. Instead of fixing our mistakes here on Earth, we waste time chasing unrealistic dreams of finding another habitable planet. The truth is simple: if we cannot save our current home—a planet perfectly suited for life—how can we expect to survive elsewhere?
The environmental damage caused by human actions has reached an irreversible stage. Polar ice caps have melted significantly, forests have been destroyed, and countless species of animals and plants have gone extinct. Rising temperatures continue to disrupt global ecosystems, indicating that we have missed our chance to save Earth from destruction.
Although much damage is irreversible, there is still hope if humanity acts decisively now. Here are some practical steps we can take:
* Reduce waste by adopting the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to minimize landfill waste.
* Conserve energy by transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
* Save water by fixing leaks promptly and using water-efficient fixtures.
* Plant trees to support reforestation projects, as trees absorb carbon dioxide and restore biodiversity.
* Adopt sustainable practices by choosing eco-friendly products and reducing your carbon footprint by consuming locally sourced foods.
* Raise awareness by educating communities about environmental conservation through campaigns.
These measures can help mitigate further damage while fostering a culture of sustainability.
When we can no longer save our world, it becomes clear that this is God’s “final call” for us to focus on saving our Hereafter instead. The Quran emphasises the fleeting nature of worldly life: The life of this world is but a sport and a pastime. Surely the Home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear God. (6: 32)
If we fail to prepare for the Hereafter, our fate will be catastrophic. The losers are those who lose themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection: The real losers will be those who lose themselves and all their kith and kin on the Day of Resurrection. That is the [most] obvious loss. (39: 15) The Hereafter is humanity’s ultimate destination, where eternal success or failure awaits us.
Earth is our only home, a planet that nurtures us like a mother. However, we destroyed it under the guise of development. Searching for another habitable planet in space is futile because no other celestial body compares to Earth.
Now that destruction has become irreversible, God has given us one last opportunity to prepare for the Hereafter. This is our final chance to correct our actions and strive for eternal success in the Hereafter. If we fail in this too, we will lose both this world and the Hereafter—a loss beyond measure.
