Awareness of the Role of “Religious People” in Environmental Conservation from the Perspective of Islamic Studies Students

Abstract

Protecting and conserving the environment is the responsibility of every individual including religious people in the Islamic context. Religious people play an important role in environmental conservation because they have the ability to cultivate public awareness on environmental conservation by linking the field of environmental conservation with religious knowledge. However, studies that focus on the role of religious people in helping the efforts of environmental conservation are still lacking. Therefore, this study explored the awareness of the role of religious people in environmental conservation from the perspective of students enrolled in the Islamic studies program. This study is a qualitative study where data were obtained from the reflective assignments of second year Islamic studies students who were following the Global Ecology and Sustainable Development course. Data were analyzed thematically using the ATLAS.ti version 7 software. Based on the findings, there are eight main roles played by religious people from the students' perspectives. The eight themes, sequentially arranged from the highest to the lowest, are providing environmental awareness to the public, adopting a sustainable lifestyle, becoming a role model, conducting environmental campaigns, working together with NGOs or the authorities, enhancing Islamic values in relation to the environment in oneself, becoming an environmental volunteer and contributing financially to environmental conservation. The role of religious people that was proposed by the students is in line with the Islamic values related to environmental conservation, namely ta'awun, mahabbah, ihsan and qana'ah. These values need to be lived and translated into behavior by religious persons so that they are followed and made a role model by the public in contributing toward environmental sustainability efforts.

Factors influencing Muslim Generation Z consumers’ purchase intention of environmentally friendly halal cosmetic products

“…H5 is not accepted, indicating that the halal-green awareness of Muslim Generation Z consumers is not influenced by religiosity. The findings of this study contradict the research findings of Nurhayati and Hendar (2020) and Rahman and Jalil (2021) that there is a relationship between religiosity and halal and consumer green awareness. However, the study by Handriana et al (2021) found that religiosity does not significantly affect consumer awareness of natural halal cosmetic products.…”

“…In contrast, Handriana (2021) found no that religiosity had no effect on awareness of natural halal cosmetic products. In addition, research conducted by Rahman and Jalil (2021) showed a relationship between religiosity and environmental awareness. Practicing Muslims have the ability to integrate knowledge based on the Quran and Hadith in providing awareness about environmental conservation efforts.…”

The development and validation of environmental literacy instrument based on spirituality for prospective science teachers

“…Third, "if everyone works together, we can address environmental issues (since religion calls for people to assist one another in goodness)". Religion teaches that in order to address environmental issues, we must cooperate or work together (Rahman & Jalil, 2021). This collaboration can be done in the context of multi-faith dialogical initiatives and program (Sayem, 2020).…”

The Adaptation of Malay Philosophy Values through Maritime education Preservation and Conservation Wisdom

“…[6] Islamic studies students in Malaysia recognize the importance of the role of religious people in environmental conservation, and their proposed roles are in line with Islamic values related to environmental conservation. [1], The influence of social and religious factors on environmentally ethical behaviour (EEB) of the Muslim community in Malaysia has also been studied, and young Muslim environmental activists base their environmentalism firmly on their Muslim faith. [7] The Malay rural traditional village landscape is under pressure to being transformed into other uses to fulfil current socio-economic needs and rapid urbanization, but some development continues to erode the natural environment and cultural values that embody the landscape that has maintained the traditions are under threat.…”