Green Waqf and the Renewable Energy Transition: An Islamic Ecotheological Perspective

Abstrak

Climate change and the global energy crisis demand a new paradigm of resource governance that is more equitable, sustainable, and ethically grounded. In this context, green waqf emerges as a promising Islamic philanthropic instrument to support the transition toward renewable energy. While previous studies have examined waqf in social and religious sectors, limited scholarship has integrated green waqf with Islamic ecotheological foundations and global climate governance frameworks such as the Sendai Framework and the UNFCCC. This study aims to analyze the role of green waqf in advancing renewable energy development through an Islamic ecotheological perspective, the principles of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, and its alignment with international climate policy. This research employs a qualitative library-based method through thematic analysis of Islamic doctrinal texts, global policy documents, and renewable energy literature. The findings reveal that green waqf possesses strong theological grounding through the concepts of khalīfah, mīzān, and maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, which emphasize the protection of life, property, and ecological balance. Moreover, green waqf can contribute to financing clean energy projects, disaster-risk mitigation, and community resilience, in accordance with the priorities of the Sendai Framework and the UNFCCC’s principles on non-state actor participation. The study concludes that green waqf represents a practical ecotheological model that connects Islamic spiritual values with sustainable energy transition strategies. Strengthening policy support, waqf literacy, and multisector collaboration is essential to enhance its implementation in national and global climate agendas.