CONTEXTUAL ECOTHEOLOGY AND SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY : A THEOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE INDIAN MUSLIM COMMUNITY OF MEDAN, NORTH SUMATRA

Abstract

This research aims to understand how contextual ecotheology is applied in the religious and social life of the Indian Muslim community in Medan, North Sumatra. The primary focus of this research is to uncover the relationship between Islamic theological teachings, socio-religious practices, and ecological awareness that develops in the diaspora community. The research uses a qualitative approach with literature studies and content analysis of theological sources, academic literature, and socio-religious community documents. Data were obtained through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with community leaders, and analysis of mosque-based environmental practices. A contextual theological approach is used to interpret the relationship between Islamic values (tawhid, amanah, mizan, and caliph fil ardh) and the ecological behaviour of the community. The study results show that the environmental awareness of Medan’s Indian Muslim community grew from grounded Islamic spirituality. Theological values are actualised through social activities such as mosque cleanliness, waste management, environmental greening, and the “Environmental Alms” program. This ecological awareness is collective and participatory, rooted in the view that protecting nature is part of worship (‘amal shalih) and an expression of faith. This research confirms that Islamic ecotheology becomes effective when translated into local social and cultural studies. The contextual ecotheological model developed by the Indian Muslim community in Medan can become a new paradigm for faith-based ecological movements in Indonesia’s urban society. This study offers an original contribution by uncovering the dynamics of environmental theology in urban minority Muslim communities, which have received little attention in studying Islamic ecotheology.