With growing global awareness of the need to protect the environment and reduce the adverse effects of economic activities on nature, the concept of a green economy has emerged as a way toward sustainable development. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the green economy is an economic approach that aims to enhance social welfare while reducing environmental risks and promoting social equity. In Islamic perspective, the application of a green economy finds a solid foundation in the principles of maqashid sharia—the overarching goals of Islamic law. Maqashid sharia prioritizes the protection of five essential elements: religion (hifdz al-din), life (hifdz al-nafs), intellect (hifdz al-aql), lineage (hifdz al-nasl), and wealth (hifdz al-mal). Integrating maqashid sharia within the green economy creates an economic model that is not only ecologically sustainable but also fair and socially balanced.
Principles of Green Economy from an Islamic Perspective
A green economy aims to lower carbon emissions, minimize waste, and reduce excessive consumption of natural resources. This concept, when viewed through maqashid sharia, goes beyond environmental preservation to uphold fundamental Islamic values that emphasize the wellbeing of humanity by maintaining environmental balance. In Islam, protecting the environment is part of humanity’s role as khalifah, or stewards of the earth. Thus, implementing a green economy based on maqashid sharia has a deeper meaning, as it reflects the commitment of Muslims to safeguarding the wellbeing of both current and future generations.
A green economy within the maqashid sharia framework supports societal welfare while preserving the environment. For example, hifdz al-nafs, or the protection of life, advocates reducing pollution to prevent harmful health impacts on communities. The principle of preserving wealth (hifdz al-mal) is realized through resource efficiency, reducing overexploitation, and conserving resources for future generations. Furthermore, the concept of protecting lineage (hifdz al-nasl) aims to ensure environmental balance for future generations. Efficiency in resource utilization and responsible management also reflect the values of justice and fairness inherent in maqashid sharia.
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Case Study: Green Economy Implementation in Indonesia
As a country endowed with abundant natural resources, Indonesia has significant potential to implement a maqashid sharia-based green economy. One example is carbon trading, where countries can buy and sell carbon credits to meet their emission targets. Through Presidential Regulation No. 98 of 2021 on Carbon Economic Value, Indonesia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing carbon trading as one instrument to achieve this target. Thus, a green economy based on maqashid sharia helps protect precious natural resources and encourages their responsible use.
At the corporate level, PT Vale Indonesia Tbk is a noteworthy example. This company implements a green economy through environmental, economic, and social initiatives that reflect maqashid sharia values. Their sustainability report outlines environmental monitoring programs and resource preservation activities, as well as various initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of the surrounding communities. PT Vale actively manages its natural resources to ensure long-term sustainability, aligning with the maqashid sharia principles of protecting life (hifdz al-nafs) and safeguarding future generations (hifdz al-nasl). Through these initiatives, the company has successfully created a positive impact on both the environment and social welfare.
Challenges in Implementing a Maqashid Sharia-Based Green Economy
One of the main challenges in implementing a maqashid sharia-based green economy in Indonesia is the generally low level of environmental awareness among the public. Most people still perceive that economic development often conflicts with environmental conservation efforts. Additionally, the investment required for environmentally friendly technologies remains high, making it difficult for small and medium enterprises to adopt green economy practices. Environmentally friendly technologies supporting a green economy demand substantial capital, often necessitating government incentives for companies seeking to adopt them.
Furthermore, there are gaps between national policy and on-ground implementation. For instance, while regulations on carbon trading have been established, many companies lack the understanding or preparedness to implement these policies effectively. This highlights the need for capacity building and training within the business sector to ensure the successful adoption of a maqashid sharia-based green economy.
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Opportunities Offered by a Maqashid Sharia-Based Green Economy
Despite various challenges, a maqashid sharia-based green economy presents significant opportunities for economic and social development in Indonesia. The principles of maqashid sharia can encourage companies to innovate in creating environmentally friendly products and services. Sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture not only contribute to environmental preservation but also open new job opportunities. These opportunities align with maqashid sharia’s goal of promoting and enhancing societal welfare.
Moreover, strengthening the green economy can attract more international investors committed to environmental sustainability. This can support economic growth and provide sustainable benefits to communities. As companies and society adopt a maqashid sharia-based green economy, it is hoped that a social transformation fostering respect for the environment and values of sustainability will occur.
Conclusion
The integration of a green economy with maqashid sharia provides a holistic approach to addressing current environmental and social challenges. Maqashid sharia not only functions as a moral guide but also offers a robust framework to ensure that economic development proceeds in a fair, balanced, and sustainable manner. Applying a maqashid sharia-based green economy in Indonesia holds the promise of development that benefits not only the present generation but also protects the rights of future generations to a clean and healthy environment. By applying the principles of maqashid sharia in the green economy, Indonesia can play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development that serves the welfare of humanity and the environment.
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References
- UNEP. (n.d.). About Green Economy. United Nations Environment Programme. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/green-economy/about-green-economy
- MasterClass. (n.d.). Green Economy: What It Is and How It Works. Retrieved from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/green-economy
- Hidayanto, B. I., Hasan, M. T., & Sidik, F. F. (2023). Indonesia’s Carbon Trade Odyssey: An Analysis of Maqashid Sharia in Balancing Environmental and Economic Compromises. Az-Zarqa’ Jurnal Hukum Bisnis Islam, 15(2), 191-199.
- Khaery, M. (2021). Penerapan Green Economy Berbasis Maqashid Syariah dalam Mewujudkan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan (Studi Kasus pada PT Vale Indonesia Tbk). Skripsi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Islam, Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar.
