10 October, 2025

In Indonesia, a “Green Islam” movement is blending faith and environmental stewardship around a simple but powerful idea: caring for creation is a form of devotion to God.  

Mosques are being built from recycled materials, Islamic schools are teaching climate awareness, and local religious leaders are encouraging zero-waste living and green financing through zakat, the traditional charitable giving system. 

In a country where almost nine in ten people are Muslim, framing environmental protection as a moral and spiritual duty makes sustainability personal. It’s an encouraging reminder that climate action doesn’t have to come only from governments or corporations: it can grow from culture, faith, and community too. 

This faith-driven environmentalism could serve as a model for other countries where religious influences are strong, and yet it’s interesting that this does not seem to be the case. Where Indonesia’s faith leaders preach stewardship, America’s faith-driven political leaders preach a very different environmental doctrine.  

Indonesia’s “Green Islam” shows how religion can mobilise millions for the planet. Let’s hope other administrations take note. 

By Lucy Bell