Islamic Values as the Foundation of Sustainable Education in Modern Educational Institutions

Abstract

Sustainable education has become a global agenda that emphasizes the holistic development of human beings—spiritually, ecologically, socially, and economically. In Islamic thought, sustainability is deeply rooted in the principles of tawhid, amanah, justice, and the human role as khalifah (steward) on earth. This article aims to analyze Islamic values that can serve as fundamental principles in the development of sustainable education within modern educational institutions. The study employs a library research method with an analytical-critical approach to classical and contemporary literature. The findings reveal that Islamic values such as tawhid, mīzān (balance), khalifah fil arḍ, amanah, ‘adl (justice), ihsan, and rahmah (compassion) align with UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The integration of these values into curriculum, pedagogy, and school culture strengthens students’ character as agents of sustainable environmental and social transformation. This study concludes that Islamic education has strategic potential in shaping an education ecosystem that is not only academically excellent but also morally and ecologically sustainable.