Since
Islam is the last religion revealed by Allah, it possesses some
elements that make it unique. One of these is its relevance for
human beings regardless of place and time.
This means that Islam - submission to God - is a comprehensive institution
which includes all the guidelines necessary for all aspects of
life. Therefore, the best way to understand Islam is to look at
it as more than a religion - as a complete way of life. In other
words, it is a system which regulates every aspect of life,
dealing with all issues - social, economic, educational,
judicial, health, and even military. Thus, it is suitable for all
human beings and for all times, since it is the final religion.
Islamic law aims to achieve five goals for human beings in life:
protecting the religion, protecting one's self, protecting one's
possessions, protecting one's mind, and protecting one's
offspring.
1. If the domain always requires change and progress, Allah legislated comprehensive yet flexible rules and gave people the chance to create and develop the necessary laws to satisfy the specific needs of a certain period of time. For example, in the rule of consultation (Shura), Allah decided that it should be the general rule for any government; however, its form and style are left open for people to choose and decide according to their needs.
2. If the domain does not require or lend itself to change or progress, Allah legislated fixed and detailed laws that govern all issues related to a specific area. Thus, there is no way for man to change or develop those laws, which were made for the welfare of all mankind. For example, the area of worshipping God contains fixed details which cannot be changed at all. These regard prayer, fasting, making pilgrimage, etc. Another example is in family matters, such as the laws of marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
To show how Islam cares
for the environment, one can cite the many laws that protect the
environment. About fourteen hundred years ago. Prophet Muhammad 
(pbuh) said:
"The world is GREEN and Beautiful, and Allah has appointed you as His stewards over it. He sees how you acquit yourselves."
Muhammad showed how
important plants and trees are by saying: "Whoever
plants a tree and looks after it with care until it matures and
becomes productive will be rewarded in the Hereafter."
Even in the territory of an enemy, Islam's care for plants,
animals, and trees is profound. Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, or
successor, to Muhammad (pbuh), instructed his troops that he was sending
into battle not to cut down any trees or kill any animals except
for food.
These are but a few examples of how Islam remains relevant in the modern world.
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