ISLAM AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: THE AWARENESS OF THE MALAYSIAN MUSLIM COMMUNITY

Abstract

Human-induced environmental problems are cascading and increasingly affecting the ecosystem, human health and well-being. Human activities, awareness and habits are of paramount importance in remedying the current state of environment. The shaping of attitude, values, perception, commitment and practice of human beings necessary to preserve and protect the environment is closely associated with their belief, worldview, tradition and culture. Hence, religion plays an influential role in developing new patterns of behavior toward the environment. In the context of Malaysia, it is evident that the condition of the environment in Malaysia is worsening as the country continues to industrialize dramatically. As a country with over 60% Muslims, it is necessary to look at environmental preservation from an Islamic perspective. Therefore, this study aims to determine how knowledge and understanding of Islamic teachings of the environment is important. The subjects were 400 Muslim individuals across Malaysia who were randomly selected from different organizations, universities and companies. A web-based survey was conducted using an online collection method. The data analysis illustrated that Islamic environmental awareness has strong association or significant influence with environmental awareness and environmental protection. It specifies that the more Muslim communities in Malaysia are aware about Islamic environmentalism, the more they are aware of their own environment, and consequently, the more they are willing to protect it. Furthermore, the findings also indicate that environmental awareness is positively related to environmental protection. It stipulates that the greater the level of invironmental awareness, they greater the level of environmental protection.