Environmental Education in Islam: New Paths for Future Generations!

Environmental Education in Islam: New Paths for Future Generations!

The importance of environmental protection can no longer be overlooked these days, and this also applies to religious education. The Academy for Islam in Science and Society (AIWG) at the Goethe University Frankfurt has published a groundbreaking handout on “Environmental Education for Islamic Religious Education”. The aim of this initiative is to support teachers in teaching environmental ethics topics and to create awareness among students about sustainable action. In recent years, this topic has become more relevant, as has the urge to find practical solutions.

The handout includes not only Quranic perspectives on the environment and Islamic ethical approaches, but also key terms such as justice (ʿadl). It also contains extensive lesson plans for grades 5 to 10, which cover topics such as species protection, plastic avoidance and sustainable consumption. These concepts were developed by experienced teachers of Islamic religious education and have already been successfully tested in practice. The AIWG also offers a digitally available collection of additional materials and literature references to provide teachers with the best possible support. Dr. Asmaa El Maaroufi, junior professor of Islamic ethics, emphasizes that the handout makes a valuable contribution to linking Islamic environmental ethics with didactic concepts.

A broad target audience

The “Environmental Education for Islamic Religious Education” project aims to establish an awareness of sustainability in Muslim religious communities. The initiative is aimed at both Muslims from civil society and prospective religious teachers. Scientists from the University of Münster work in a project workshop together with committed Muslims in environmental protection in order to develop a holistic and constructivist concept. This model combines the theoretical and practical aspects of environmental education and offers a sound basis for interdisciplinary training.

An important part of the project includes the training of multipliers through certification courses, which offer participants access to interdisciplinary knowledge. Among other things, online specialist conferences and certification courses have been created that deal with topics such as biodiversity and environmental ethics in Islam. These events promote exchange and critical engagement with the Islamic tradition and modern traditions of thought. The series of events is intended not only to impart knowledge, but also to anchor the topic of environmental protection in schools and public institutions.

Common concerns

“Religious environmental education can be a driver for sustainable action,” says Dr. Raida Chbib, the managing director of the AIWG. The care of creation lays the foundation for joint efforts among different faith communities. At a time when climate change and its consequences are becoming increasingly noticeable, such approaches are more important than ever. The handout and the associated projects are expressly aimed at motivating young people and strengthening their responsibility towards the environment.

With a strong focus on the question of people in the context of their (environmental) world, this project shows that sustainable development should not just be a pipe dream, but can also be actively lived. At least now you realize that each of us has a role to play in shaping our environment. The AIWG is setting a good example – and the chances for a better, sustainable future could blossom as a result.

For more information on this important topic, see current.uni-frankfurt.de, aiwg.de and islamic-environmental-education.de.