The Importance of Conservation and Sustainability of Energy in Islamic Perspective

Abstract

The contemporary global energy crisis, characterized by resource depletion, environmental degradation, and climate instability, necessitates ethical and value-based frameworks to guide sustainable energy practices. This study examines the importance of energy conservation and sustainability from an Islamic perspective, employing a qualitative, doctrinal, and analytical methodology grounded in primary Islamic sources the Quran and Sunnah along with classical and contemporary scholarly interpretations. Islam presents a holistic worldview in which humans are regarded as khalifah (stewards) of the Earth, entrusted with the responsible use of natural resources. The Quranic principles of mizan (balance), wasatiyyah (moderation), and amanah (trust) explicitly condemn extravagance (israf) and wastefulness (tabdhir), providing a strong ethical foundation for energy conservation. This research argues that sustainable energy use is not merely an environmental obligation but a religious and moral duty in Islam. By emphasizing justice (adl), public welfare (maṣlaḥah), and the prevention of harm (dar al-mafasid), Islamic teachings align closely with contemporary sustainability discourse and renewable energy initiatives. The study further highlights how Islamic ethical principles can inform modern energy policies, promote responsible consumption, and encourage the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources in Muslim societies. Ultimately, this research contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on sustainability by demonstrating that Islamic jurisprudence and ethics offer a robust and normative framework for addressing modern energy challenges, reinforcing the relevance of faith-based approaches in achieving long-term environmental and energy sustainability.

Keywords: Energy Conservation; Energy Sustainability; Islamic Perspective; Environmental Ethics in Islam; Khalifah (Stewardship); Israf (Wastefulness); Mizan (Balance); Sustainable Development; Renewable Energy Ethics; Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh al-Biah)