HUKAMANEWS GreenFaith - Amid the looming threat of the climate crisis, zakat is finding new momentum as an instrument of both social and ecological justice. Hening Parlan, National Coordinator of GreenFaith Indonesia, introduces the concept of green zakat—zakat that not only supports the mustahik (recipients) but also protects the Earth. A collaboration between BAZNAS, Bank Syariah Indonesia, and UNDP has led to the creation of the Green Zakat Framework, which opens opportunities for zakat funds to be allocated to renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration.
According to Hening, with its potential reaching up to IDR 327 trillion annually, zakat can be managed as socio-ecological capital to address climate vulnerabilities: coastal flooding, crop failures, and air pollution. This is a step of faith that transcends ritual—presenting zakat as both a light for humanity and a source of green energy for the planet. Here is the full note.
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GREENFAITH promotes the idea of green zakat as an expression of faith’s care for the Earth—protecting the environment while also upholding sustainable social justice.
The concept of green zakat is finding its critical momentum. Indonesia’s National Zakat Board (BAZNAS), in collaboration with Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) and UNDP, has recently launched the Green Zakat Framework. This framework positions zakat not only as an instrument for poverty alleviation but also as a driver of climate action. Zakat funds can now be directed toward renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. While rooted in its traditional aim of serving the mustahik (zakat recipients), it also expands to nurturing the Earth as our common home (Tempo.co, 2023).
The potential is significant. BAZNAS estimates that Indonesia’s zakat could reach IDR 327 trillion annually. So far, much of this flow has been allocated toward short-term consumption. However, if managed with a vision of sustainability, zakat can become “socio-ecological capital” to slow the pace of the climate crisis. In this way, zakat answers not only structural poverty but also ecological vulnerability—coastal flooding, crop failures due to drought, and worsening urban air pollution (Kumparan, 2023).
It is here that GreenFaith Indonesia finds its role. From the start, this interfaith movement has positioned religion as a moral force to reject exploitative practices, advocate for clean energy transition, and weave interfaith solidarity for a sustainable planet. Programs such as Clean Energy, Clean Heart or green house of worship tours are essentially the early embodiments of green zakat in practice. Zakat can become fresh fuel for GreenFaith’s agenda: transforming people’s concern into concrete programs that benefit the poor while also protecting the environment (GreenFaith Indonesia, 2024).
So, how can zakat shift toward becoming truly green? Three bridges must be built. First, the bridge between theology and policy—sermons, interpretations, and spiritual guidance should be translated into practical tools: energy audits for houses of worship, solar panel endowments, or clean water donations. Second, the bridge between funds and impact—zakat must be linked to measurable green projects, such as water-saving irrigation, urban food gardens, or communal solar rooftops. Third, the bridge between local and global—community-based programs must align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that the impact is felt not only in local villages but also strengthens Indonesia’s commitments on the global stage (IPB University, 2022).
However, this potential comes with important responsibilities. At least four principles of governance must be safeguarded for green zakat to be fair and effective. First, progressive sharia compliance—environmental programs must be valid within the zakat categories (asnaf) while addressing climate vulnerabilities faced by the poor. Second, additionality—zakat funds must not simply replace state or corporate obligations, but add real value, particularly for vulnerable groups. Third, impact transparency—public reports must clearly show how many kilowatts of clean electricity were generated, how many tons of emissions avoided, how many families were supported. Fourth, cross-sector collaboration—BAZNAS, zakat organizations, GreenFaith, local governments, universities, and international partners need to sit at the same table, with clear mandates and measurable targets (UNDP–BAZNAS, 2023).
Imagine these principles brought to life. Zakat could provide solar panels for mosques and Islamic boarding schools, significantly reducing energy costs for mustahik. Funds could establish green food gardens in densely populated neighborhoods, not only providing nutrition but also buffering against food price volatility. Zakat could support mangrove restoration, which doubles as an outdoor classroom for interfaith youth. It could even finance green microcredit for small businesses, helping them adopt energy-efficient technologies without being burdened by high-interest loans (Antara, 2023).
All of this requires a renewed imagination of zakat. It is no longer seen merely as an annual ritual, but as the collective endeavor of the faithful to heal the Earth. Believers not only fulfill a religious obligation but extend its mercy to all living beings. The Qur’an affirms that humankind is God’s steward (khalifah) on Earth—green zakat is the embodiment of that mandate: a social act of worship oriented toward sustainability (Muhammadiyah.or.id, 2024).
Green Zakat, supported by faith-based movements like GreenFaith Indonesia, can mark a new chapter in the management of religious funds. It binds faith, knowledge, and action. It unites care for humanity and creation. Most importantly, it provides concrete answers: the blessings of zakat no longer stop at the distribution of rice or cash but manifest as cleaner air, clearer water, and more dignified lives for the most vulnerable. In this direction, zakat not only eases today’s burdens but also safeguards tomorrow. It is not just ritual charity but a long-term socio-ecological investment. This is the great momentum: making zakat a light of faith and a source of green energy for the Earth.***