Indonesia's Council of Ulama Release Fatwa Against Deforestation and Nature Destruction

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) released a fatwa regarding the Law on Controlling Global Climate Change on Friday (23/2/2024). The MUI fatwa number 86 of 2023 stipulates that all actions that can cause damage to nature and have an impact on the climate crisis are haram (forbidden). Not only that, the MUI also determined that uncontrolled deforestation and forest burning which destroys natural ecosystems, causing massive releases of greenhouse gases, as well as reducing the earth's ability to absorb and store carbon is haram.

For this reason, the MUI stipulates that all parties must contribute to efforts to better mitigate and adapt to climate change. MUI also stipulates obligations to reduce carbon footprints which are not basic needs. According to the MUI, efforts for a just energy transition are also mandatory.

In considering the fatwa issued in Jakarta on November 10 2023, the MUI stated that humanity is currently facing disasters due to global climate change. Controlling these disasters requires collaboration and participation of every individual in the earth's community. Humans were created by Allah SWT to be caliphs on earth carrying the mandate and responsibility for maintaining and prospering the earth and everything in it as a reflection of Islamic principle as the mercy to the world or rahmatan III 'alamin.

MUI also revealed that the climate crisis is rooted in the interrelation of economic, social, political and cultural factors, as well as belief systems, social attitudes and perceptions, values, ethics and law enforcement. All of these factors play a key role in changing unsustainable economic, social and political systems. Therefore, MUI views that humans are obliged to mitigate and adapt to climate change so as not to cause damage.

Several verses from the Quran, hadith and opinions of ulama who often talk about nature and the prohibition against humans destroying it became the MUI's arguments in determining this fatwa. Among them, "There has been visible damage on land and at sea caused by the actions of human hands, so that Allah will make them feel part of (the consequences of) their actions, so that they return (to the right path)." (QS. ar-Rum: 41)

Another verse is: "Do not spread corruption in the land after it has been set in order. And call upon Him with hope and fear. Indeed, Allah’s mercy is always close to the good-doers." (Q.S. al-A'raf: 56)

Meanwhile, the MUI quoted a hadith originating from Sa'id bin Zaid saying, "I heard Rasulullah SAW say: 'Whoever commits an injustice on the earth, even if it is only an inch, then indeed he will be covered with seven layers of earth" (H.R. Ahmad)

In this fatwa, the Central MUI also conveyed recommendations to the central government, regional governments, legislature, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, religious leaders and the wider community. To the central government, the MUI urges it to make every effort to achieve the climate change mitigation targets that have been agreed nationally and internationally, as well as formulating a just green economy road map.

"Together with entrepreneurs we must take steps that can reduce and/or stop the rate of climate change," quoted the fatwa signed by Chairman of the MUI Fatwa Commission KH Junaidi and Secretary of the MUI Fatwa Commission Miftahul Huda.

In addition, the MUI recommends that the central government make improvements to regulations on emissions and other exhaust gases, both in terms of regulations and activities, and must make efforts to increase capacity and empower communities in adapting to climate change. "In granting permits for exhaust gas production in production activities, we must prevent and pay attention to the impact on local communities affected by pollution and exhaust gas disposal standards," said Miftahul Huda.

MUI also recommends that the central government accelerate the formation of regulations directly related to climate change and must consider climate change factors in every legal product and/or policy that is established. "Must pay attention to environmental and climate impacts in accepting investment."

In addition, the government is encouraged to provide regular guidance to state officials who are responsible for environmental monitoring, and must launch a national strategic program for the energy transition from fossil energy to renewable energy that is environmentally friendly and fair. The government is also asked to allocate sufficient funding for implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation actions.

Chair of the MUI Environment and Natural Resources Breeding Institute, Dr Hayu Susilo Prabowo, said the causes of climate change and global warming consist of various factors. This causes extreme weather with prolonged dry seasons, rainfall and sea level rise which causes an increase in hydrometeorological disasters and failure of agriculture and fisheries.

Hayu, who also initiated this fatwa, said that controlling climate change requires collaborative efforts from various parties, both from the government and society in general. From this view, various questions emerged from the public and environmental observers regarding increasing public and business awareness about the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through reducing the use of fossil energy, managing tropical forests and reducing waste, using renewable energy, as well as supporting government efforts in energy implementation. just transition.