ISLAM AND ECOLOGY: ENVIRONMENTAL THEME IN THE TAFSIR AL-QUR'AN TEMATIK [THEMATIC EXEGESIS OF THE QUR'AN] OF THE INDONESIAN MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

Environmental damage remains one of the most pressing global challenges in which Indonesia is facing floods, droughts, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Beyond scientific and policy-based solutions, religious and ethical perspectives are essential to strengthen ecological awareness. This paper examines the Tafsir al-Qur’an Tematik [Thematic Interpretation of the Qur’an] published by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, specifically the volume on Pelestarian Lingkungan Hidup (Environmental Conservation), to explore its contribution to environmental discourse. Employing textual analysis and participatory observation, given the author’s direct involvement in the writing, compilation and peer-review process, the study reveals how the exegesis conceptualizes human beings as khalīfah (stewards) mandated to preserve the earth. Qur’anic terms such as jibāl (mountains), al-baḥr (seas), riyāḥ (winds), and fasād (corruption) are contextualized within ecological functions and the risks of human exploitation. The findings show that this exegesis not only provides theological justification for environmental protection but also inspires eco-pesantren initiatives, academic works, and grassroots movements in Indonesia. The study concludes that thematic exegesis offers a transformative religious framework that complements global sustainability efforts by integrating Qur’anic principles with contemporary ecological concerns.