Ecological Da'wah in Coastal Communities: An Islamic Communication Strategy Based on Ecotheology in Central Tapanuli

Abstract

This study examines Islamic communication strategies based on ecotheology in strengthening environmental awareness among Muslim coastal communities in Tapanuli Tengah, North Sumatra. The study is motivated by ecological problems in coastal areas, including waste accumulation, flooding, coastal degradation, and the vulnerability of local communities to hydrometeorological disasters. Using a qualitative field approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observation. The informants consisted of a religious leader, mosque administrators, and community members who were purposively selected based on their involvement in religious communication and local environmental issues. The findings show that ecotheological messages are accepted more effectively when environmental issues are linked to Islamic values such as amanah, khalifah, mizan, thaharah, ihsan, and the prohibition of fasad. The study identifies five strategic patterns: strengthening theological environmental messages, optimizing religious forums, involving families and local communities, developing mosque-based ecological actions, and building collaboration among religious actors, communities, and local institutions. This study contributes to the discussion of Islamic environmental communication by showing that ecological awareness is not merely a technical matter, but a moral and theological process rooted in everyday religious life.