Environmental Ethics in Islam: Stewardship, Balance, and Ecological Responsibility

Environmental crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion demand ethical frameworks that complement scientific and technological solutions. This article examines Islamic perspectives on the environment and nature. It demonstrates that Islam offers a coherent and integrated ecological ethic rooted in theology, morality, and rational reflection. Drawing upon Qur’anic teachings, Prophetic traditions, and contemporary environmental science, the study challenges common misconceptions that Islam is anthropocentric or indifferent to ecological concerns. Key concepts such as Tawḥīd (unity of existence), Khalīfah (stewardship), Mīzān (balance), and Amānah (trust) are analyzed to show how they establish limits on consumption, emphasize biodiversity protection, and promote responsible resource management. The article further highlights the convergence between Islamic environmental ethics and modern scientific understandings of ecological interdependence and sustainability. By situating environmental responsibility within moral accountability and spiritual awareness, the paper argues that Islamic teachings can meaningfully contribute to contemporary global environmental discourse and sustainable development initiatives.