Rooted in Faith: How Waqf Forests Bridge Spirituality and Sustainability

Depok, January 10, 2025 – The Teleconference Room at Faculty B, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), hosted a compelling workshop titled "Exploring Waqf Forests: From Concept to Realization." Part of the SF Update series Episode 16, the event featured Dr. Khalifah Muhammad Ali, S.Hut., M.Si., Head of the Department of Islamic Economics at IPB University. The workshop highlighted the potential of waqf forests as a means to address environmental challenges while seamlessly integrating Islamic principles into sustainable practices.

During his presentation, Dr. Khalifah explained why the concept of waqf forests is crucial for tackling pressing global issues. He highlighted that climate change mitigation, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation are among the world’s most significant challenges over the next decade. Sharing alarming statistics, he mentioned that 2023 was recorded as the warmest year in history, emphasizing the urgency of taking action to protect the planet. 

In line with the workshop's theme, Dr. Khalifah quoted Surah Ar-Rum (30:41) from the Quran: “Corruption has spread on land and sea as a result of what people’s hands have done, so that Allah may cause them to taste [the consequences of] some of their deeds and perhaps they might return to the right path.” 

He elaborated on how Islamic teachings, for over 1,400 years, have emphasized environmental preservation as an act of worship. The concept is embedded in Maqasid Shariah (objectives of Islamic law), particularly in the principle of Hifzh al-Bi’ah or environmental protection. 

The workshop also addressed how waqf forests can contribute to environmental conservation. Dr. Khalifah discussed Islamic instruments, such as zakat and waqf, that serve both social and commercial purposes. Policies like Ihya al-Mawat(reviving barren land) and protected areas further demonstrate the role of Islamic principles in sustainable development.

He also shared the historical foundations of waqf forests, dating back to the Prophet Muhammad’s era when figures like Umar ibn Khattab and Abu Talha donated date palm gardens as waqf. The Ottoman Empire continued this legacy, with records showing over 107 hectares of waqf-based forests by 1907. 

The discussion shifted to the progress made in Indonesia, where Dr. Khalifah highlighted successful implementations of waqf forests across the country. These include a 5-hectare forest in Aceh established in 2012, a 2.5-hectare forest in Bogor in 2018, a 1.6-hectare forest in Mojokerto in 2021, and the most recent addition, a 2-hectare forest in Sukabumi in 2023. These initiatives demonstrate an increasing dedication to environmental conservation through the lens of Islamic principles. 

Lastly, Dr. Khalifah explained the three primary goals of waqf forests, referred to as the 3Es: Ecology, Economy, and Education. The ecological objective involves conserving forests through land acquisition and maintenance. The economic aspect ensures that waqf forests support the livelihoods of local communities while preserving the environment. Meanwhile, the educational goal aims to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious Muslims who understand the importance of conservation. 

This workshop provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of how Islamic values and waqf-based solutions can address modern environmental challenges. It also inspired attendees to consider how faith-driven initiatives can contribute to global sustainability efforts. 

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