MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Environmental destruction is not merely an ecological problem; it also reflects the declining moral responsibility of human beings towards nature. Amid the threats posed by deforestation, pollution and climate change, religion has a strategic role to play. It can raise awareness while encouraging practical measures to protect the sustainability of life.
This message was at the heart of a book review of Wakaf Pohon Lindung: Teologi, Hukum dan Peradaban Hijau (Protective
Tree Endowments: Theology, Law and Green Civilisation), written by Dr Kusnan, M.A. The event was organised on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, by the Legal Affairs, Human Rights and Drug Eradication Commission of the Medan City Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) at its office.
The speakers included the Chairman of MUI Medan, Dr Hasan Matsum, M.Ag., and Professor of Islamic Economic Law at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra, Prof. Dr Mustafa Kamal Rokan, S.H., M.H.
Both speakers praised Dr Kusnan's work for presenting important, timely and comprehensive ideas. The book brings together theological and legal dimensions with the concept of waqf endowments and the responsibility of human beings to build an environmentally friendly civilisation.
Beyond an academic discussion, the book review provided a platform for developing Islamic legal perspectives that respond more effectively to the environmental crisis. One key proposal was for the MUI Medan Commission to examine the possibility of issuing an ecological fatwa. This would serve as an ethical guideline to strengthen the protection of nature.
Tree Endowments Expand the Meaning of Waqf
The concept of tree endowments offers a new perspective on the practice of waqf, which has traditionally been associated in society with land, mosques, schools and other social facilities.
The essence of waqf, however, lies not only in the type of asset being endowed, but also in the lasting impact it can deliver to society. Through an ecological approach, waqf can become an instrument of nature conservation, providing long-term benefits that may extend across generations.
A tree that grows and is properly maintained can provide a wide range of ecological benefits. These include improving air quality, absorbing carbon, maintaining soil fertility and supporting ecological balance. In this context, a tree endowment is not merely a planting initiative, but also part of building a sustainable environmental management system.
The concept is particularly relevant at a time when economic development often faces the dilemma of balancing short-term interests with ecological sustainability. Economic gains must not come at the expense of people's living environments, destroy ecosystems or increase the risk of disasters whose consequences may be borne by future generations.
The destruction of nature must also not be viewed solely as a technical problem of development. Behind the excessive exploitation of natural resources lie questions of ethics, social responsibility and humanity's attitude towards nature.
Therefore, the concept of tree endowments offers a way to bring social, religious and ecological interests together. Its implementation, however, requires legal scrutiny, a clear management structure, and well-defined maintenance and preservation mechanisms to ensure that its benefits go beyond symbolic or ceremonial activities.
TREE ENDOWMENTS EXPAND THE BENEFITS OF RELIGIOUS GIVING: MUI Medan Chairman Dr Hasan Matsum, M.Ag., praised the concept of tree endowments as a way to extend the benefits of religious endowments to nature conservation and the well-being of future generations. (PHOTO: Dr Farid Wajdi, S.H., M.Hum)
Islam Regards
Environmental Protection as a Sacred Trust
From an Islamic perspective, human beings are not the absolute owners of nature, free to exploit it without limits. Instead, they have a responsibility to preserve the balance of life and prevent the destruction of the Earth.
The principle of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah provides an important foundation for viewing environmental protection as part of safeguarding life, property and social welfare. Environmental destruction can threaten health, destroy livelihoods and increase social vulnerability.
Environmental protection, therefore, concerns not only ecological interests but also the preservation of human life. The quality of water, air and soil, as well as the condition of ecosystems, is directly linked to the well-being of the population.
The book Wakaf Pohon Lindung: Teologi, Hukum dan Peradaban Hijau conveys this perspective through an approach that connects religious teachings with contemporary environmental challenges.
At the same time, this approach emphasises that religious awareness must be reflected in the way people treat nature. Values such as responsibility, stewardship and the common good must not remain confined to theoretical discussions, but must be translated into responsible management of natural resources.
Society also needs to recognise that environmentally harmful behaviour affects not only nature but also has social and economic consequences. When forests lose their ecological functions, communities face greater risks from floods, landslides and droughts, as well as the loss of their livelihoods.
Environmental protection therefore requires the participation of various stakeholders, including religious institutions. Religion can help strengthen the moral awareness of the public while fostering solidarity in addressing environmental problems.
ISLAMIC LAW AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Professor of Islamic Economic Law at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra, Prof. Dr Mustafa Kamal Rokan, S.H., M.H., spoke at the book review about the relationship between theology, law, waqf endowments and green civilisation. (PHOTO: Dr Farid Wajdi, S.H., M.Hum)
MUI Medan Plans Study of an Ecological Fatwa
One of the most significant developments during the book review was the plan by the
MUI Medan Commission to conduct a study into an ecological fatwa.
The plan carries strategic importance, as environmental problems require stronger religious awareness, social responsibility and more concrete ethical guidelines.
The study of an ecological fatwa aims to clarify the connection between religious obligations and environmental protection. A fatwa should not stop at a normative declaration; it should encourage changes in public behaviour, strengthen institutional responsibility and initiate practical measures to protect nature.
Through this study, MUI Medan can create a platform for discussing various ecological challenges from the perspective of Islamic law. This is important to ensure that religious values remain directly relevant in addressing environmental problems as they continue to evolve.
Alongside strengthening the fatwa, the concept of tree endowments also requires the development of legal foundations and management structures. Clearly defining the endowed asset, the role of the nazir as the waqf administrator, tree maintenance and the protection of ecological benefits are among the issues that require particular attention.
The management of tree endowments must also take into account the sustainability of their benefits and accountability. Without careful planning, there is a risk that tree-planting initiatives will fail to achieve their intended long-term ecological impact.
Co-operation between religious scholars, academics, the government, waqf administrators and the public is therefore essential to ensure that the concept develops into a measurable and sustainable movement.
Through this book review, MUI Medan has demonstrated its commitment to creating a platform for Islamic legal perspectives that respond to the challenges of the times. Dr Kusnan's work also serves as a reminder that religion can be a moral force in building a green civilisation.
Environmental protection is not an additional option in religious life, but part of humanity's responsibility. Planting a tree means supporting the sustainability of life. Preserving nature means fulfilling one's responsibility to God.
An advanced civilisation is not defined solely by its ability to build buildings and infrastructure, but also by its ability to leave future generations with an Earth that remains fit to live on. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Dr Farid Wajdi, S.H., M.Hum| EDITOR:
Fik Sagala