Abstract:
Most of the works on creation theology in the past have departed from a functional point of
view with the assumption that creation is for the sake of human use, thus a means to an end.
It has been believed that this utilitarian perception is supported by the sacred texts of theistic
religions, saying that people were masters and possessors of the natural world. They were
created in the likeness of God, ‘in His image’, and the rest of creation existed solely for human
benefit, to serve a human need. If there is an issue regarding the protection of the environment,
it is behind the logic of convenience. Thus, eco-theology aims to be a practical ethic controlling
and shaping human behaviour towards the natural environment. This article discusses a
different approach to nature that is not a utilitarian point of view, but mystical, which regards
creation as self-disclosure of God, so that each has its intrinsic meaning for itself and there is
genuine and deep respect for the integrity of creation.
CONTRIBUTION: This article gives an alternative approach to the issue on environment in the
study of eco-theology. The approach is an Islamic mystical approach. It also promotes interreligious studies on the subject and demonstrates the textual studies within Christian and
Islamic traditions, and beyond.
