Qur'anic Ecological Theology: Reinterpreting the Concepts of Khalifah and Amanah in the Global Climate Crisis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The global climate crisis, characterized by global warming, environmental degradation, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather disasters, constitutes a serious threat to the sustainability of human life. The Qur'an contains more than 750 verses concerning the natural environment; however, the concepts of khalifah and amanah have long been interpreted too narrowly, thereby legitimizing excessive exploitation of nature. This study aims to explore the ecological values embedded in the Qur'an and reinterpret both concepts as solutions to the contemporary climate crisis. A comparative method was employed by examining the thoughts of Nurcholish Madjid, M. Quraish Shihab, Musa Asy'arie, M. Dawam Rahardjo, Achmad Mubarok, and M. Amin Abdullah, integrated with scientific data from BMKG, WMO, and the European Environment Agency. The study yielded four findings: first, authentic faith motivates nature conservation; second, khalifah signifies the responsibility to maintain natural balance; third, ecological amanah obliges the preservation of ecosystems for future generations; fourth, the principle of rahmatan lil 'alamin demands active Muslim participation in global environmental conservation. This study concludes that the ecological teachings of the Qur'an constitute an authentic and relevant guide for Muslims to become pioneers of an environmental
Institution: Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara
Language: English
Subfield: Religious studies
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220216367