Profundity in maxims of Eco-Islam among hospitality students

• Published in: Heritage, Culture and Society: Research agenda and best practices in the hospitality and tourism industry - Proceedings of the 3rd International Hospitality and Tourism Conference, IHTC 2016 and 2nd International Seminar on Tourism, ISOT 2016
• Main Author: Farook F.; Din N.; Razali M.A.; Ismail A.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: CRC Press/Balkema 2016
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85016230095&partnerID=40&md5=dd1a09f92eb8c17ba41dc1e31e937c07

The foundations of Islamic principles have connected its teachings with caring for the environment in great lengths. However, the emphasis of formal and informal strategies in implementing successful environmental programs and policies usually lacks the inculcation of environmental ethics of individuals, who play pivotal roles as executors of the environmental policies. This study proposes that the maxims of Islam could be an effective basis for developing inherent environmental ethics. In that light, this study narrows on university students enrolled in hospitality programs whom will be the future of hospitality industry’s key players. Three focus group sessions consisting of 21 undergraduate students were conducted, 19 of whom are Muslims. The topic of discourse revolved around the five Eco-Islam maxims related to conceptualization to the environment. The results indicate moderate consciousness in relating Islam to the preservation of the environment. While respondents regard themselves as spiritually connected to the religion, the connection in relating the requirements Islam makes in the preservation of the environment is slight. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, London.