The Role of Islamic Law in Regulating Environmental Protection and Sustainability

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the role of Islamic law in regulating environmental protection and sustainability, with an emphasis on ethical principles related to resource management, waste reduction, and conservation. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework of this research is based on Islamic environmental ethics, which emphasizes key concepts such as the caliph (responsibility as the caretaker of the earth), wasatiyyah (moderation), and fasaad (damage), which normatively affirms the responsibility of humans in protecting the earth and the resources it contains. Literature review: The literature review includes contemporary academic literature, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), and primary sources in the form of the Qur'an and Hadith. In addition, the research also refers to case studies from Muslim-majority countries relevant to environmental governance and sustainability practices. Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach with textual analysis methods on primary religious sources, jurisprudential texts, secondary academic literature, and case studies related to environmental issues. Results: The findings of the study show that Islamic law provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable practices, including the responsible use of resources, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and pollution control. These principles are in line with modern sustainability goals while offering an ethical alternative to exploitative practices. Implications: The integration of Islamic legal principles into contemporary environmental policies has the potential to strengthen global sustainability efforts, particularly in regions with strong cultural traditions and Islamic law. This affirms the contribution of religion in shaping ethical and effective environmental governance. Novelty: The novelty of this research lies in its attempt to connect the teachings of Islamic ethics with practical solutions to environmental challenges, thus offering a new perspective on how religious principles can inform modern sustainability policies and practices. This research also emphasizes the potential of Islamic law in enriching global environmental policy discourse, especially in dealing with contemporary issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management.