Rereading the Qur’an’s Verses on Nature: A Gendered Critique of Anthropocentrism in Islamic Thought

Al. Amin; Peppy Angraini; Elza Ramona

doi:10.24090/faiths.vi.1329

Authors

Al. Amin UIN Sultan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, Indonesia
Peppy Angraini STIT Al-Falah Rimbo Bujang Jambi, Indonesia
Elza Ramona UIN Alauddin Makasar, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24090/faiths.vi.1329

Keywords:

anthropocentrism; ecology feminism; eco-theology; environmental justice; gender justice

Abstract

This study aims to reread Qur’anic verses on ecology in order to critique the concept of anthropocentrism, which positions humans as the center and ruler of the universe. Such a reading is increasingly urgent, as today’s ecological crisis is not only caused by natural disasters but also by human domination over nature. Using ecofeminism and Islamic eco-theology as analytical frameworks, the research raises fundamental theological questions: If nature was created before humankind, does the Qur’an—as a continuation of divine revelation—truly authorize humans to dominate nature in ways that lead to imbalance and injustice? This study employs a qualitative descriptive-analytical method by observing ecological realities and conducting a literature review of Islamic texts and interpretations related to anthropocentrism and nature. The findings suggest that rereading ecological verses in the Qur’an can offer a new paradigm of environmental care rooted in gender justice. An anthropocentric view not only accelerates ecological degradation but also reinforces gender inequality and marginalizes vulnerable communities. Therefore, this rereading invites a more inclusive and balanced Qur’anic interpretation—one that nurtures harmony between human beings, nature, and the divine.

References

Angraini, P., Ramona, E., & Amin, A. (2023). Perempuan Pedesaan Merespon Krisis Ilkim: Kajian Ekofeminisme Terhadap Perempuan Di Sungai Batanghari. Jurnal Masyarakat Dan Budaya, 25(3). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55981/jmb.2023.2297

Bagir, Z. A. (2016). Cological Crisis and the Need for a New Islamic Hermeneutics. In A. Neuwirth (Ed.), Qur’anic Studies Today. Routledge.

Baharuddin, A. (2003). The Spiritual and Ethical Foundations of Environmental Sustainability: A Muslim Perspective. In R. C. Foltz, F. M. Denny, & A. Baharuddin (Eds.), Islam and Ecology: A Bestowed Trust. Harvard University Press.

Dien, I., & Mawil Y. (2000). Islamic Environmental Ethics, Law and Society. Routledge.

Esack, F. (1997). Qur’an, Liberation and Pluralism: An Islamic Perspective of Interreligious Solidarity Against Oppression. Oneworld Publications.

Fatah, A. (2019). Epitemologi Tafsir Lingkungan (Analisis Hermeneutis Terhadap Tafsir Ayat-Ayat Antroposentris Dalam al-Qur’an). https://eprints.walisongo.ac.id/id/eprint/12111/1/DISERTASI_1500039017_ABDUL_FATAH.pdf.

Febriani, N. A. (2019). Metode Tematik Multidisipliner: Aplikasi Pada Tafsir Ekologi Berwawasan Gender. Mashdar: Jurnal Studi Al-Qur’an Dan Hadis, 1(2), 83–114. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.15548/mashdar.v1i2.1016.

Foltz, R. C. (2003). Animals in Islamic Tradition and Muslim Cultures. Oneworld Publications.Hidayati. (2021). Kesetaraan Gender Dalam Pelestarian Lingkungan Perspektif Al-Qur’an. Tafakkur: Jurnal Ilmu Al-Qur’an Dan Tafsir, 1(2), 186–199.

Karunia, H., Firas, A., & Siamrotul Ayu, M. (2022). Manusia, Terlalu (Banyak) manusia: Kontroversi Childfree di Tengah Alasan Agama, Sains, dan Krisis Ekologi. Prosiding Konferensi Integrasi Interkoneksi Islam Dan Sains 4, 309–320.

Khalid, F. (2009). Signs on the Earth: Islam, Modernity and the Climate Crisis. Kube Publishing.Mylius, B. (2018). Three Types of Anthropocentrism. Environmental Philosophy. https://doi.org/10.5840/envirophil20184564Nasr, S. H. (1996). Religion and the order of nature. Oxford University Press.

Nasr, S. H. (2003). Man and Nature: The Spiritual Crisis of Modern Man. Kazi Publications.Nasution, E. (2019). Islam Mmembentuk Sikap Positif Terhadap Lingkungan Alam. Majalah Ilmiah Tabuah: Ta`limat, Budaya, Agama Dan Humaniora, 23(1), 9–11. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.37108/tabuah.v23i1.211

Nurani, S. (2017). Hermeneutika Qur’an Ekofeminis: Upaya Mewujudkan Etika Ekologi al-Qur’an Yang Berwawasan Gender. RELIGIA, 20(1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.28918/religia.v20i1.840.

Özdemir, I. (2003). Toward an Islamic Ecological Ethic. In R. C. Foltz (Ed.), Islam and Ecology: A Bestowed Trust. Harvard University Press.

Plumwood, V. (1993). Feminism and the Mastery of Nature. Routledge.

Putri, D. A., & Al, E. (2025). Tafsir Ekologi: Membaca Ayat-Ayat Alam Sebagai Etika Konservasi Dalam Krisis Iklim Global. Al-Furqan: Jurnal Agama, Sosial, Dan Budaya, 4(5), 570–584.

Raco, J. R. (2010). Metode Penelitian Kualitatif: Jenis, Karakteristik, dan Keunggulannya. PT Grasindo dan Anggota IKAPI.

Saniotis, A. (2012). Muslim Perspectives on Ecology: Spirituality and Praxis. Religions, 3(1), 112–127. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/rel3010112

Sardar, Z. (1992). The Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of Ecology in Islam. In M. Cooper & M. Palmer (Eds.), Ecology and the Environment: Ethical and Political Dimensions. Belhaven Press.

Wicaksono, A. (2024). Anomali Suhu Udara Rata-Rata Tahun 2024 -Klimatologi. BMKG. https://www.bmkg.go.id/iklim/anomali-suhu-udara-rata-rata-tahun-2024.

Wisnubrata. (2024). Tahun 2024 Menjadi Tahun Terpanas dalam Sejarah. Kompas.Com. https://www.kompas.com/sains/read/2025/01/13/165039523/tahun-2024-menjadi-tahun-terpanas-dalam-sejarah