An Examination of Islamic Perspectives on Environmental Stewardship and Practice Among Muslims in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

This study examines Islamic perspectives on environmental stewardship and their practical application among Muslim residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. As environmental degradation intensifies in the Niger Delta region, the potential role of religious frameworks in motivating pro-environmental behaviour has gained increased relevance. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, administering questionnaires to 220 Muslim adults recruited from six mosques in Port Harcourt. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings reveal that respondents demonstrate high theoretical awareness of Islamic teachings on environmental care, particularly concepts such as Khalifah (stewardship) and the prohibition of Fasad (corruption/destruction of the earth). However, there is a notable gap between this awareness and actual environmental behaviour, with respondents citing poverty, poor waste infrastructure, and the absence of community-based Islamic environmental campaigns as contributory factors. The study recommends that mosque leaders incorporate environmental sermons into their programmes, that Islamic NGOs partner with state environmental agencies, and that future research explore the design of faith-based environmental behaviour interventions. This research contributes to the growing literature on religion and environmental ethics in sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: Islamic environmental ethics, Khalifah, environmental stewardship, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.