The impact of biospheric values and religious obligations on environmentally sustainable behaviour, does Islamic education matter? (A moderated-mediated model)

Human behaviour is a major contributor to environmental degradation. This study investigates the determinants of environmentally sustainable behaviour (SEB) by examining the direct and indirect effects of biospheric values, environmental self-identity, personal norms, and religious obligation. It further explores the mediating roles of environmental self-identity and personal norms, as well as the moderating influence of Islamic education on these relationships. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional, causal-predictive design, data were collected from 648 participants (female = 407, male = 241), comprising students from general educational institutions (n = 352) and Islamic educational institutions (n = 296). Data analysis was conducted using partial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Environmental self‑identity and personal norms strongly and significantly influence SEB, while biospheric values and religious obligation show no direct effects. Both environmental self‑identity and personal norms mediate the links between biospheric values, religious obligation, and SEB. The moderating role of Islamic education remained statistically insignificant (p > 0.05), indicating that Islamic institutional background is not a primary driver in the development of ESB. Environmental self-identity demonstrates the strongest influence, followed by personal norms. This study contributes to the development of the Values – Identity – Personal Norm theory within Muslim societies and educational contexts.