Heavenly Ecotheology: Qur’anic Jannah Verses as the Foundation of an Islamic Environmental Ethics

Abstrak

The global environmental crisis demands an ethical framework capable of integrating spiritual values with ecological responsibility. Within the Islamic tradition, Qur’anic descriptions of paradise (al-jannah)—as depicted in Q.S. Muhammad 47:15, Al-Baqarah 2:25, Ar-Rahman 55:46–78, and Al-Insan 76:13–14—consistently present an ideal ecological landscape characterized by pristine water, lush vegetation, diverse fruits, and a serene, harmonious climate. This study responds to the urgent need to reinterpret these verses through an ecotheological lens in order to construct a foundation for an Islamic environmental ethic relevant to contemporary ecological challenges. The objectives of this research are: (1) to analyze the representation of ecological elements in the Qur’anic verses on jannah, (2) to examine classical and modern exegetical perspectives on these descriptions, and (3) to formulate principles of Islamic ecological ethics derived from the “paradisal ecology” model. Employing a library-based methodology, the study combines thematic analysis of the relevant verses with a comparative examination of major exegetical works, including those of al-Tabari, al-Qurthubi, Fakhruddin al-Razi, and Quraish Shihab. The findings indicate that the Qur’anic portrayal of jannah reflects an ideal ecosystem grounded in principles of sustainability: purity of water, biodiversity, continuous regeneration, climatic balance, and the absence of corruption (fasād). Exegetes affirm that these depictions are not merely eschatological promises but symbolic expressions of cosmic order and ecological well-being that mirror divine intent. The study concludes that the verses on jannah provide a viable foundation for an Islamic environmental ethic emphasizing human responsibility to preserve the Earth as a reflection of the ideal ecological order. The proposed “Paradisal Ecotheology” model offers a new paradigm for fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practice within Muslim societies.