As the world grapples with myriad environmental challenges, a growing body of research highlights the crucial role religion plays in shaping our perspectives on nature and our responsibilities towards it. This is particularly evident in Islam, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing religions, where teachings on environmental stewardship are gaining prominence. The concept of “Green Islam” is emerging as a powerful movement, especially in countries like Indonesia, offering valuable insights for global ecological and climate efforts.
Islamic teachings emphasize humanity’s role as khalīfah, or caretakers of the Earth, and describe Islam as rahmatan lil‘ālamīn—a mercy to all creation. This perspective positions Muslims as responsible for the wellbeing of all aspects of the Earth, including humans, animals, plants, land, and water. Such environmental care is considered an act of worship, deeply embedded in the faith.
Understanding Green Islam
The color green holds special significance in Islam, symbolizing hope, paradise, and renewal. The Qur’an, Islam’s sacred text, frequently references the natural world, urging believers to maintain mīzān, or balance, with the environment. Verses like,
“He has raised up the sky. He has set the balance, so that you may not exceed in the balance: weigh with justice and do not fall short in the balance.”
underscore the importance of environmental equilibrium.
The hadith, a collection of the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and actions, also advocates for environmental stewardship. One notable hadith states,
“There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift from him.”
This reflects the deep-rooted Islamic principle of caring for nature.
The Emergence of Green Islam
While Islamic texts have long discussed nature, the formal movement of Green Islam emerged more recently. In the late 1960s, Muslim scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr was among the first to articulate the idea that environmental issues are not only physical but also spiritual and moral. He called for a reconnection with spiritual values that emphasize care and balance.
As environmental concerns have intensified over the decades, more Muslim voices have advocated for ecological responsibility grounded in Islamic principles. This has been bolstered by a growing body of research exploring the intersection of Islam and environmental care. Over the past 25 years, Green Islam has transitioned from theory to practice, with its principles embraced by Muslim communities worldwide.
Indonesia: A Leader in Green Islam
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, air pollution, and marine pollution. It ranks among the top ten global greenhouse gas emitters. Yet, it is also at the forefront of the Green Islam movement, mobilizing leaders and communities to champion environmental protection.
Environmentalism is integrated into the curriculum of Islamic schools across Indonesia, supported by the nation’s Green Islamic Boarding School program, Pesantren Hijau. These schools, known as pesantren, are influential, making them effective conduits for promoting green practices within educational settings and the wider community.
In 2022, Indonesia’s national mosque, Istiqlal, became the first place of worship globally to receive environmental certification from the International Finance Corporation. The mosque features sustainable technologies, including reflective paint, energy-saving lighting, solar panels, and water recycling systems. Professor Nasaruddin Umar, Grand Imam of Istiqlal, stated,
“Muslims feel a strong imperative for mosques to go green to enhance the quality of their worship and honour the leadership of the [Prophet Muhammad] Rasulullah SAW who insisted on the need to protect the environment.”
The Indonesian government has also encouraged religious leaders to incorporate environmental themes into sermons, aligning with global events like Earth Day to amplify the message of ecological responsibility.
Global Implications and Future Directions
Prominent examples of Green Islam extend beyond Indonesia. Morocco has initiated a green mosques movement, while Egypt’s Islamic authority, Dar al-Ifta, issued a fatwa prohibiting environmentally harmful activities. Many countries are also utilizing Green Sukuk, financial instruments that fund eco-friendly projects in line with Islamic principles.
In an era of escalating ecological challenges, the wisdom offered by Islamic teachings, alongside other faith traditions, is invaluable. These teachings provide guidance for living harmoniously with nature, inspiring practical and meaningful action for the planet’s future. As Australia collaborates with Indonesia on environmental initiatives, recognizing and respecting the role of Green Islam could enhance cooperative efforts to protect our shared environment.
