Eco-Theological Interpretation of the Story of the People of Saba’ (Q.S. Saba’ [34]: 15–17) to Minimize the Food Waste Crisis in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to examine the eco-theological interpretation of the story of the Saba’ people in Q.S. Saba’ [34]: 15–17 to minimize the food waste crisis in Indonesia. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, drawing primary sources from the Qur’an (particularly Q.S. Saba’ [34]: 15–17), supported by verses addressing tabdhīr (wastefulness), isrāf (excessiveness), resource reuse, and the prohibition of environmental degradation. Secondary sources include classical and contemporary exegetical works, literature on Islamic environmental jurisprudence (fiqh al-bī’ah), ecotheology, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and food waste studies. This study’s novelty lies in its attempt to link TPB with Qur’anic values as an ethical framework for food waste management. The results of the study show that the food crisis is not only rooted in technical distribution issues, but also in a crisis of spiritual values. Integrating eco-theology and TPB shows that attitudes (the belief that wastefulness is wrong), subjective norms (social encouragement through preaching and community), and behavioral control (regulatory and facility support) can strengthen changes in people’s behavior toward a zero-waste lifestyle. These findings confirm that solutions to food issues in Indonesia require both a technical approach and a spiritual transformation based on the values of the Qur’an. Accordingly, this study recommends empirically testing the proposed Qur’anic-TPB model through field surveys or case studies to assess the extent to which Qur’anic eco-theological values can translate into measurable behavioral changes in food waste management.

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