Islamic Moderation and Eco-Pesantren in Indonesia : A Theological and Socio-Ecological Praxis

Abstract

Studies on Islamic moderation have largely emphasized normative theological approaches and interreligious social harmony, while the ecological dimension has not been widely positioned as an integral part of everyday religious practice. In particular, eco-pesantren practices in Indonesia—as efforts to integrate Islamic theological values with ecological responsibility—are still more often understood as institutional environmental programs, and have rarely been examined as socio-religious praxis that actively shapes and sustains Islamic moderation. Therefore, this article aims to interpret eco-pesantren movement not merely as an innovation in environmental education, but as a living socio-religious praxis that integrates Islamic theological teachings, ecological ethics, and community participation. Employing a qualitative approach that combines a literature review on Islamic ecotheology with field research through observations and interviews at selected eco-pesantren, this study examines both the theological foundations and everyday ecological practices implemented within pesantren environments. The findings show that eco-pesantren function as sites of praxis where Islamic moderation is realized through daily ecological practices grounded in the principles of khalīfah fī al-arḍ (God’s vicegerent on earth) and wasaṭiyyah (Islamic moderation). Through the development of green curricula, sustainable environmental management, and active community involvement, eco-pesantren integrate spirituality, education, and ecological ethics. This article contributes to the discourse on Islamic moderation by presenting a socio-ecological praxis-based perspective that demonstrates that Islamic moderation is not limited to social and doctrinal concerns, but is also embodied in sustainability-oriented religious practice.