Contributor: Kante Hamed | Editor: Supriyono
Ƶ, SEVILLE - Nadhif Mumtaz, a passionate PhD candidate from the Faculty of Education at the Ƶ (Ƶ) recently presented his research at the 16th International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI) in Seville, Spain. His paper entitled "Muslim Environmentalism and Climate Change Education" captivated attention for its profound insights into education's pivotal role in addressing climate change in Muslim-majority societies.
Sharing his journey, Nadhif reflected that being part of ICERI was a remarkable experience, allowing him to share his research findings on a global platform. He explained that it was gratifying to witness the interest in the significance of environmental education in Muslim societies.
In his research, Nadhif examines the different approaches to climate change education focusing on an Islamic boarding school (pesantren) in Lombok and a secular school in South Tangerang, Banten. His study explores the influence of Islamic teachings on shaping environmental attitudes and policies in these varied educational contexts.
"In exploring Islamic teachings' integration with environmental values," Nadhif shared, "I found the 'Green Haramain' initiatives inspiring—a testament to how religious beliefs can drive environmental conservation."
‘Green Haramain’ is an initiative taken at the pesantren he studied in Lombok that symbolizes their dedication to ecological care, merging religious principles with practices such as eco-pesantren programs, maintaining clean environments, using waste-burning stoves, conserving vital land, and participating in tree planting.
“This initiative serves as a clear indicator of its commitment to environmental protection,” Nadhif highlighted.
Reflecting on his acceptance to present at ICERI, Nadhif expressed gratitude: "It was humbling to see the relevance of integrating environmental education into diverse settings. This recognition motivates me to further contribute to the global conversation on climate challenges within Muslim communities."
Nadhif's research signifies a critical stride in understanding education's profound impact on shaping attitudes toward climate change in Muslim-majority societies. It underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts between educational institutions, religious leaders, and environmentalists to promote sustainability.
His exemplary work serves as an inspiration within our academic community, showcasing the immense potential for research at our university to contribute meaningfully to global conversations addressing pressing societal issues.