Islamic Ecotheology and the Moral Responsibility of Khalifah fi al-Ardh as the Foundation for Degraded Land Management in Ponorogo: Integrating the Islamic Worldview on Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Ponorogo Regency faces a significant environmental challenge in the form of critical land degradation, which not only reduces soil productivity and water resources but also increases the risk of landslides and floods. This issue reflects a broader spiritual and moral crisis, as humans have neglected their role as khalīfah (stewards) entrusted with maintaining balance (mīzān) in God’s creation. This study employs library research and content analysis of primary and secondary sources, including books, scholarly journals, and government reports, using the theoretical frameworks of Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s Islamic Ecotheology and Fazlun Khalid’s Islamic Stewardship Theory. The research examines the ethical, spiritual, and ecological values embedded in Islamic teachings and interprets how they can be applied to practical land rehabilitation efforts. The results are: (1) Ponorogo faces a critical land crisis exceeding 16,000 hectares, necessitating rehabilitation that restores ecological functions while reinforcing spiritual and ethical awareness; (2) the modern environmental crisis reflects a moral and spiritual imbalance, where humans must recognize their responsibility as guardians rather than conquerors of nature, integrating ecological stewardship with worship and obedience to Allah; (3) degraded upland and riverhead areas totaling about 29,295 hectares (20% of the regency) demonstrate the application of ecotheological principles through reforestation, terracing, and community-pesantren based forest management, supported by ecotheological education, fostering a collective spiritual-ecological ethic in Ponorogo