Indonesia’s Green Islam Movement: A Call to Environmental Action
In an imposing modernist building in Jakarta, Indonesia, thousands of faithful Muslims gathered to hear a stark warning from their leader, Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar. He emphasized the urgent need for environmental stewardship, stating that the earth should not be treated as just an object and that greed towards nature will hasten doomsday.
The Grand Imam prescribed a cure rooted in their faith, calling on every Muslim to be a guardian of the earth as part of their religious obligation. This includes giving to renewable energy, planting trees, and practicing sustainable habits like water conservation. The environment has become a central theme in his sermons, leading by example with initiatives like retrofitting the Istiqlal Mosque with solar panels and water recycling systems.
Indonesia, with its majority Muslim population, is at the forefront of the “Green Islam” movement, aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues through Islamic teachings. Top clergy have issued fatwas on climate change, and activists are spreading the message that environmentalism is embedded in the Quran.
While the country faces challenges as a major coal exporter and greenhouse gas emitter, efforts are underway to transition towards a cleaner future. President Joko Widodo is building a new green capital powered by renewable energy, but deforestation remains a concern. The push for change is driven by the belief that educating the 200 million Muslims in Indonesia can lead to significant transformation.
One of the key figures in this movement is environmentalist Aak Abdullah al-Kudus, who faced resistance initially but eventually gained support for his tree-planting initiatives. His Green Army volunteers have successfully reforested areas like Mount Lemongan, demonstrating the mission of Islam to be guardians of the earth.
Other individuals like Elok Faiqotul Mutia have been inspired to take action, founding organizations to educate youth on climate change and promote sustainable practices. Through initiatives like installing solar panels in mosques and promoting waste management in Islamic schools, the Green Islam movement is gaining momentum.
The goal is to transform mosques into “eco-masjids” and drive environmental conservation through Islamic teachings. Organizations like Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah are supporting these efforts, emphasizing the importance of incorporating environmental values into religious practices.
As the call for environmental action grows louder in Indonesia, the Green Islam movement serves as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future guided by faith and stewardship of the earth.
