MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – GreenFaith Indonesia, together with Muslims for Shared Action on Climate Impact (MOSAIC) and the Muhammadiyah Council for Religious Opinion and Tajdid, hosted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in Jakarta on April 23. The discussion focused on how Islamic charitable funds (ZIS) can be used to support fair and sustainable energy transition efforts in Indonesia.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including religious organizations, zakat institutions, government representatives, and energy researchers. They discussed how ZIS funds can play a role in addressing climate change and promoting clean energy, a topic that has not been widely explored from an Islamic perspective.
Director of GreenFaith Indonesia Hening Parlan said the discussion was part of a broader effort by civil society to bring religious values into real solutions for the climate crisis.
“Energy transition isn’t just about technology. It’s also about values. Clean energy from sources like the sun and wind, in our view, is heavenly energy. Religious communities have the spiritual and social strength to lead this change together,” said Hening.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of MOSAIC Nur Hasan Murtiaji emphasized the need for clear and practical Islamic guidance on how to use ZIS funds for clean energy programs. He pointed to the large potential of zakat in Indonesia and the importance of working together to manage it effectively.
“Indonesia’s zakat potential is estimated at Rp327 trillion. However, to use that amount for clean energy, we need clear Islamic and legal guidance. This kind of discussion is essential for building that understanding together,” said Nur Hasan Murtiaji.
Besides, a member of the Muhammadiyah Council for Religious Opinion and Tajdid Niki Alma noted that many still believe charitable funds can only be used to help the poor. However, she argued that supporting clean energy also aligns with Islamic goals.
“People often think zakat is only for the poor. However, transitioning to clean energy, which helps protect the environment, fits with the Islamic principle of hifzhul bi’ah (environmental protection) and should be seriously considered,” said Alma.
Ustaz Faisal Farouq, representing the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Environmental Division, also suggested that the guidance discussed in the FGD should be submitted to the MUI Fatwa Commission for broader recognition.
“If we also include waqf, which can be managed for the long term and benefits everyone, not just Muslims, the impact could be even greater,” said Faisal.
The event was attended by several organizations, including LazisMU, BAZNAS, Dompet Dhuafa, Rumah Zakat, Islamic Relief, Human Initiative, PPIM UIN Jakarta, LazisNU PBNU, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Many of these organizations already have environmental programs, though they are still relatively small. For example, LazisMU reported that in 2022, only 11 percent of its program funds were allocated to environmental causes.
This discussion marked an important step toward exploring how Islamic giving can contribute to climate action in Indonesia, bringing together faith, finance, and environmental responsibility.
