Islamic Ecotheology and Productive Zakat: A Bibliometric Approach to Green Economy

Abstract

Zakat is a vital instrument in Islamic economics, serving not only as a mechanism for wealth redistribution but also as a strategic tool for promoting social welfare and ecological sustainability. Amid rising socio-economic inequality and global environmental crises, integrating Islamic ecotheology—grounded in the principles of tawhid, khalifah, and amanah—provides a comprehensive framework for managing productive zakat in line with green economic development. This study uses bibliometric and qualitative descriptive–analytical library research methods to explore conceptual models of productive zakat that support environmental sustainability. The findings reveal that productive zakat can become a transformative instrument when allocated to eco-friendly economic activities such as organic farming, renewable energy projects, and community-based waste management. The integration of Islamic ecotheology in zakat management is operationalized through four key pillars: theocentric values derived from tawhid, justice in zakat distribution, environmental ethics guiding ecological stewardship, and sustainable empowerment to strengthen mustahik economic independence. Empirical evidence from Indonesia and other Muslim-majority countries shows that green zakat initiatives enhance community resilience and environmental awareness. Thus, productive zakat grounded in Islamic ecotheology holds great potential to advance sustainable development goals and foster socio-ecological justice through collaboration among zakat institutions, governments, and local communities.