Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review (IJRER)
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): September - December

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

Andi Utari Samsir (Universitas Islam As'
adiyah Sengkang, Indonesia)

Syamsuddin Semmang (Universitas Islam As'
adiyah Sengkang, Indonesia)

Misbahuddin Misbahuddin (Universitas Islam As'
adiyah Sengkang, Indonesia)

Muh. Asri (Universitas Islam As'
adiyah Sengkang, Indonesia)

Hamzah Musaddad (Universitas Islam As'
adiyah Sengkang, Indonesia)

Farha Awwaliya (Universitas Islam As'
adiyah Sengkang, Indonesia)

Khaerunnisa Khaerunnisa (Universitas Islam As'
adiyah Sengkang, Indonesia)

Sitti Khajar (Universitas Islam As'
adiyah Sengkang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Sep 2026

Abstract

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.

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