Fiqh al-bi'ah and religious character: An integration model of Islamic education for a sustainable future

Abstract

This study explores the integration of fiqh al-bi’ah into Islamic religious education to foster environmental awareness and cultivate religious character committed to sustainability. Amid intensifying global ecological crises, education must move beyond technocratic approaches and address ethical and spiritual motivation. Using a qualitative case study design, this research investigates the experiences of teachers, principals, and students at MTsN Tambakberas Jombang and MTsN 2 Kediri, institutions known for environmentally oriented programs grounded in Islamic values. Data were collected through 24 semi-structured interviews, eight weeks of participant observation, and curriculum document analysis. Thematic analysis using NVivo 12 generated 186 initial codes that were refined into four major themes. Findings indicate that 78% of students linked environmental responsibility to theological concepts such as khalīfah and amānah, yet consistent behavioral transformation was observed in only 44% of participants. Structural and cultural barriers limited sustainability beyond school settings. The study contributes theoretically by positioning fiqh al-bi’ah as a pedagogical framework for religious character education and offers practical recommendations for curriculum integration and institutional reinforcement.