Islamic Ecotheology in Action: Evaluating a Community-Led Tree-Planting Framework for Transformative Environmental Education

Andi Utari Samsir 1 Indonesia , Syamsuddin Semmang 1 Indonesia , Misbahuddin Misbahuddin 1 Indonesia , Muh. Asri 1 Indonesia , Hamzah Musaddad 1 Indonesia , Farha Awwaliya 1 Indonesia , Khaerunnisa Khaerunnisa 1 Indonesia , Sitti Khajar 1 Indonesia
1 Universitas Islam As'adiyah Sengkang, Indonesia
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Published 2026-09-03
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026) PAGES 157-170
DOI 10.51574/ijrer.v6i1.5338
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Escalating environmental crises necessitate ethical and spiritual approaches alongside technical solutions. In Muslim-majority communities, Islamic teachings offer a robust theological foundation for stewardship centered on khalifah (vicegerency) and amanah (trust). This study investigates Islamic ecotheology as a transformative educational framework, examining how its principles foster environmental literacy through community-led tree-planting initiatives in Pompanua Village, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Adopting an empirical qualitative case study design, data were gathered via in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis with seven key informants, including village administrators, religious leaders, and residents. Thematic analysis revealed three core dynamics: first, khalifah and sadaqah jariyah doctrines provide the primary theological motivation for environmental responsibility; second, ecotheological values are operationalized through collective tree planting, fusing sacred duty with ecological practice; and third, participation enhances faith-mediated environmental literacy—encompassing knowledge, affective concern, and pro-environmental behaviors—while fortifying community cohesion. Consequently, integrating Islamic ecotheology into community conservation provides a culturally resonant model for faith-based environmental education. This framework demonstrates how religious values and grassroots action effectively extend environmental literacy beyond formal schooling, offering a scalable blueprint for sustainable environmental governance.

Samsir, A. U., Semmang, S., Misbahuddin, M., Asri, M., Musaddad, H., Awwaliya, F., … Khajar, S. (2026). Islamic Ecotheology in Action: Evaluating a Community-Led Tree-Planting Framework for Transformative Environmental Education . ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review , 6(1), 157–170. https://doi.org/10.51574/ijrer.v6i1.5338
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Copyright (c) 2026 Andi Utari Samsir, Syamsuddin Semmang, Misbahuddin Misbahuddin, Muh. Asri, Hamzah Musaddad, Farha Awwaliya, Khaerunnisa Khaerunnisa, Sitti Khajar

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Keywords
Community-Led Conservation Eco-Pedagogy Environmental Education Environmental Literacy Islamic Ecotheology