Banten's local wisdom, reflected in the scientific tradition of scholars such as Sheikh Nawawi al-Bantani, is integrated in six study programs: Qur'anic Science and Tafsir, Hadith Science, Aqidah and Islamic Philosophy, History of Islamic Civilization, Arabic Language and Literature, and Islamic Library and Information Science. This distinction not only strengthens the academic character, but also builds a scientific narrative that is rooted in local traditions and contributes to the global constellation of knowledge.
In the context of the global environmental crisis, the ecotheological approach is becoming increasingly relevant. The Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab UIN SMH Banten, through its local wisdom distinction, has great potential to contribute to the strengthening of Islamic ecotheology based on local traditions and spirituality. Islamic ecotheology is a theological approach that places nature as an integral part of man's spiritual relationship with God. Banten's wisdom teaches harmony between humans and nature. Values such as tata titi, ngaji alam, and earth gratitude that live in the tradition of Banten people can be a theological foundation for building ecological awareness. In the study of Aqidah and Islamic Philosophy, for example, the concept of tawhid is not only interpreted as a vertical relationship with God, but also as a horizontal responsibility towards His creation.
Academic and Theological Relevance
The Qur'an and Tafsir study program can explore ecological verses with a local tafsir approach, which links the text with Banten's natural context. Similarly, Hadith Science can trace narrations that emphasize environmental ethics, such as the prohibition of destroying trees, torturing animals, and the importance of protecting water. Ecotheology is not just discourse, but praxis. Through community service and research based on local wisdom, students and lecturers can develop pesantren-based conservation models, spiritual-based sustainable agriculture, and environmental campaigns rooted in Islamic values of the archipelago. Allah Swt says in Surah Al-Hijr verse 19:
“And We have spread out the earth, and We have placed on it mountains, and We have grown in it everything according to measure.” This verse shows that everything created on earth has an orderly measure and function. This is the foundation of ecotheology about order and sustainability.
By making local wisdom the entry point for ecotheology, the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab not only builds locally relevant knowledge, but also answers global challenges with a down-to-earth spiritual approach. This is a form of real contribution from Banten to the world: building a theology that not only saves souls, but also preserves the earth.
