From turning banana peels into biofuels to harnessing the power of the sun for clean energy, children of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Manchester recently showcased a range of innovative projects at their science fair. Focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility, the fair brought together creative solutions that aligned with Islamic teachings on caring for the Earth.
The event highlighted how simple actions—like reusing food waste as natural fertilisers or exploring renewable energy—can make a significant impact on reducing waste and conserving resources. Guided by the Quran’s emphasis on stewardship, participants explored the intersection of faith and science to promote practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
One project demonstrated how food waste like eggshells and banana peels could be reused to create nutrient-rich fertilisers, reducing the need for chemicals. Another experiment showed how methane gas produced from decomposing banana peels could be captured and used as a renewable energy source. Some children explored the benefits of volcanic ash, explaining how it rejuvenates soil and supports plant growth, while others examined the protective role of Earth’s magnetic field in shielding the planet from harmful cosmic radiation.
Event organizer, Fatima Jamaly, said, “This science fair has been a wonderful opportunity for children of our community to showcase how Islamic teachings on caring for the environment can inspire practical solutions. It is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, not only as a scientific pursuit but as a moral responsibility rooted in our faith.”
The fair was not only about scientific exploration but also about reinforcing the Islamic values of responsibility and stewardship. The Dawoodi Bohras believe that their faith encourages them to care for the Earth and its resources, and this event was a demonstration of how these teachings can be applied in everyday life.
The students created interactive displays that engaged attendees of all ages. “Working on the biofuel project was amazing!” said Batool Darbar, a young participant. “I never knew that something as simple as banana peels could produce energy. It showed me how small changes in how we deal with waste can make a big difference for the environment.
This science fair also reflects the global Dawoodi Bohra community’s broader commitment to sustainability, as demonstrated by their global Project Rise initiative. Ruqaiyah Ganijee, another young participant, said, “I loved how the science fair taught us that protecting the environment is part of our faith. It was really exciting to see how science and religion can work together to help us take better care of the world around us.”
The young Dawoodi Bohras of Manchester have demonstrated through their projects that living sustainably is more than just a scientific endeavour—it is a core part of their ethical and spiritual responsibility.
Haseena Vohra concluded, “The success of this event has encouraged us to explore more ways to implement these projects in our community. We hope to make this science fair an annual tradition, continuously finding innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact while staying true to the values of stewardship and responsibility that our faith teaches.”