Addressing environmental stewardship: prophetic perspectives on sustainability and conservation

Abstract

Environmental stewardship, defined as the responsible management and care for the environment, is deeply embedded within religious teachings. In today's world, the urgency of this principle has intensified as unsustainable practices have led to widespread ecological degradation. Islam, with its holistic guidance encompassing all facets of life, offers profound insights into environmental stewardship. This review paper examines the perspectives on sustainability and conservation derived from prophetic teachings, demonstrating how these enduring principles can address contemporary environmental challenges. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the necessity of a balanced, respectful relationship with nature, positioning humans as stewards (khalifah) of the Earth, entrusted with its care and preservation. Protecting the environment is essential to maintaining the delicate balance of life, as highlighted by the Quranic principle of humanity’s guardianship over nature and the Hadith stating, "The earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you His stewards over it." The current global environmental crisis, exacerbated by globalization, economic competition, and political conflicts, underscores the need to revisit and integrate Islamic environmental teachings. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015 align with Islam's strong commitment to environmental protection, reflecting the timeless relevance of the Prophet Muhammad's environmental practices. This paper concludes that integrating prophetic teachings into modern environmental discourse offers a holistic approach to tackling the urgent ecological issues of our time, effectively bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental stewardship.