An Analytical Study of Islamic Faith and Ethics in the Context of Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

In this article, Islamicate environmental ethics are presented as a religious articulation of response to the current ecological crisis. The article posits that Islamic guidance provides a non-sectarian and spiritually articulate vision of sustainability, grounded in fundamental principles such as Tawḥīd (unity with God), Khilāfah (stewardship), Mīzān (equilibrium), ʿAdālah (justice), and Ḥikmah (wisdom). These basic principles of Islamic philosophy are not only a moral directive but also a holistic conception of human relationships with the environment. The research employs a qualitative text-based approach, analyzing Qurʾanic passages, Prophetic traditions, and traditional Islamic legal literature, and situates these within contemporary environmental thought. Using thematic analysis, the study identifies the main ethical requirements in Islam, calling for moderation, conservation, and distribution of resources. The ethics of Khilāfah and ʿAdālah call for human responsibility as custodians of the Earth, insisting on responsible stewardship and social justice regarding environmental resources. Additionally, the paper delves into Islamic ethics calling for balance (Mīzān) in the use of natural resources and symbiotic coexistence with the Earth. The philosophical ethics provided seek space for enhanced respect for creation, looking towards actions that prioritize environmental balance, avoid excesses, and ensure the well-being of vulnerable people. The research concludes with the note that not only does Islam provide ecological wisdom but also invests environmentalism as an ethical and spiritual task, confirming that environmental care and religion and ethics in Muslim society cannot be separate.