Religion and Environmental Conservation: A Scoping Review with Emphasis on Islam

Abstract

Despite numerous efforts by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to promote environmental awareness and conservation activities, these initiatives have yet to receive sufficient attention from the Malaysian community. This highlights the need for more effective engagement strategies to increase public awareness and foster stronger community involvement. This study aims to explore the relationship between religion and environmental conservation, with a particular emphasis on Islam. Following the PRISMA scoping review protocol, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Google Scholar database, selected institutional websites, and the university's online portal, Gemilang. The keywords used included "environment", "nature conservation", "Islam", and "religion". A total of 26 pertinent articles, published between 2002 and 2025, were selected and analysed according to two overarching themes: religion and the environment. While existing studies have examined the intersection of religious beliefs and environmental concerns, there remains a significant gap in research specifically focused on Islamic perspectives and environmental stewardship. This study is motivated by the pressing need to integrate religious perspectives into contemporary environmental strategies, particularly in Muslim-majority countries where faith-based values strongly influence community behavior. By systematically mapping existing scholarship and synthesising Islamic environmental principles, this review provides an accessible knowledge base for policymakers, educators, and religious leaders aiming to strengthen sustainability initiatives through culturally resonant approaches.