Islamic Jurisprudence and Environmental Ethics: A Fiqh Perspective on Sustainable Development

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between Islamic jurisprudence and environmental ethics within the framework of sustainable development by analyzing how fiqh principles contribute to contemporary ecological responsibility and environmental governance. The research aims to explore the conceptual foundations of Islamic environmental ethics, identify jurisprudential principles relevant to sustainability, and examine the practical contribution of Islamic legal thought to addressing ecological crises. This study employs a qualitative method using a descriptive-analytical research design combined with socio-legal and phenomenological approaches. The design was selected because it enables an in-depth interpretation of Islamic legal concepts, ethical values, and social practices related to environmental sustainability. The research was conducted in Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and West Java, Indonesia, due to their strong Islamic academic traditions and active environmental initiatives. Twelve informants consisting of Islamic scholars, environmental activists, religious leaders, and academic experts were selected purposively because of their expertise and involvement in Islamic environmental discourse. The findings demonstrate that maqasid al-shari‘ah, maslahah, khalifah, and amanah provide important ethical foundations for sustainable environmental governance. The study recommends strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration between Islamic institutions, policymakers, and environmental organizations to integrate Islamic ethical values into sustainability policies and ecological education programs.