Organic Farming as Islamic Agriculture

 

Human activities must not cause damage to anything; likewise, farmers must not harm the natural environment. However, modern agriculture—reliant on chemical inputs—has damaged nature and harmed natural predators of pests.

In recognition of this, superior agricultural methods have emerged—methods that are, in fact, more aligned with Islamic principles. Organic farming, LEISA (Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture), and smart farming represent a shift away from the practices of the Green Revolution. Organic farming is a form of agriculture that avoids or drastically minimizes the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth regulators, and stimulants. It is grounded in the principle of returning to nature. Nature functions as a unified whole comprising many parts—much like an organism and its organs. All components operate in harmony, serving and sharing with one another. Each part plays a distinct role, complementing the others and creating synergy to achieve optimal, sustainable balance. This reflects an organic nature, where the system harmoniously protects and nurtures its constituent parts.

Organic cultivation is by no means a new concept. As early as 5,000 BCE, farmers were using animal manure and plant residues to enrich the soil. Techniques such as crop rotation, intercropping, and the piling of plant residues were also practiced. The use of manure and compost was even documented in the Roman Empire between 23 and 79 CE. In Indonesia, organic farming skills have long been passed down from generation to generation. Examples include the swidden farming systems of the Dayak tribes in the interior of Kalimantan—adapted to soils containing toxic levels of aluminum—and the shifting cultivation practices of the Batak and Malay peoples, which effectively restore soil fertility. Other examples are the Javanese *Surjan* system, suitable for land with uncontrolled water conditions; intercropping systems that prevent outbreaks of pests and diseases; the "slash-and-burn" method used in Lampung and Sulawesi pepper farming to improve soil structure and consistency; seasonal forecasting systems used by the Batak, Javanese, Dayak, and Balinese to manage pest attacks; and the *Bondang* system in Silo Village, North Sumatra, which is highly effective in maintaining environmental balance.

It is worth noting that Muslim farmers and agricultural experts were pioneers in establishing the foundations of global agricultural knowledge; their contributions to world agriculture have been immense.

Prohibited Cultivation Practices

Any plant that is forbidden to consume—or whose use is prohibited except in cases of emergency—is also forbidden to cultivate; examples include *hashish* (cannabis) and similar substances. The same applies to tobacco: if one holds the view that smoking is harmful and *haram* (forbidden), then cultivating it is likewise considered *haram*.

Furthermore, Muslims are prohibited from cultivating or producing crops that are forbidden for Muslims, even if those crops are not forbidden for non-Muslims. For instance, a Muslim is not permitted to raise pigs for sale to Christians. On this same basis, Islam forbids the sale of grapes—which are inherently *halal* (permissible)—to a person known to intend to process them into alcohol.

Any form of cultivation or agricultural method that causes harm is strictly prohibited. Examples include planting short-rooted seasonal crops in water catchment areas, particularly on land with steep or rugged topography. The detrimental impact on the natural environment is evident, particularly for downstream areas, which face flooding during the rainy season and drought during the dry season. The insights and guidance of conservation experts must be heeded. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated a deep concern for environmental preservation. He and his companions implemented conservation practices—such as establishing protected areas (*hima*) and restricted zones (*al-Harim*), as well as rehabilitating abandoned land (*Ihya al-mawat*)—while simultaneously ensuring the rights of wildlife, including both animals and plants, were respected.

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