REFLECTION WEEK 2 - Islam, Maqasid al-Shariah & Sustainable Development

Date: 11 March 2025

sources: www.researchgate.net by Ascarya Ascarya

Assalamualaikum everyone, I am excited to share my new knowledge in subject of Sustainable Development (SD), focusing on its definition, principles, evolution, and applications. A lot of key lessons from the lecture are:

Islam & Sustainable Development are islam views sustainability as an inherent part of faith, aligning with Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and the role of humans as Khalifah (stewards of the Earth). Sustainable development in Islam is categorized into three dimensions are social sustainability (human well-being, equity, governance), environmental sustainability (conservation, ecological balance) and economic Sustainability (wealth distribution, ethical finance) and Islamic Principles of Sustainability. 

The Qur'an and Sunnah provide clear guidelines for sustainability through key principles:

Social Sustainability are Khalifah (Vicegerency) – Humans are responsible for maintaining balance on Earth, Shura (Consultation) – Decision-making must be participatory and just, Amanah (Trust & Responsibility) – Leadership and governance must be ethical, Rahmatan lil ‘Alamin (Mercy to all creation) – Islam promotes peace, justice, and welfare for all.

Environmental Sustainability are no harm, no infliction of harm – Resources must be used responsibly, mizan (Balance) – Ecological stability must be maintained. tahrim al-Israf (Prohibition of Wastefulness) – Avoid excessive consumption and destruction. Hima (Protected Areas) – Islam encourages conservation of natural habitats. Economic Sustainability are wealth is a means, not an end Islam promotes ethical earning and spending. Zakat (Almsgiving) & Sadaqah (Charity) – Redistribution of wealth to reduce poverty. Waqf (Endowment) – Long-term economic sustainability through community-based assets. Prohibition of Riba (Interest) – Ethical finance and trade to prevent economic exploitation.

Maqasid al-Shariah & Sustainable Development

Maqasid al-Shariah (Objectives of Islamic Law) aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring:

1. Protection of Faith (Hifz al-Din) → Partnership & Peace

2. Protection of Life (Hifz al-Nafs) → Social & Health Sustainability

3. Protection of Intellect (Hifz al-Aql) → Education & Knowledge Economy

4. Protection of Wealth (Hifz al-Mal) → Economic Equity & Ethical Trade

5. Protection of Lineage (Hifz al-Nasl) → Environmental & Family Sustainability

Islam promotes Intergenerational Equity, ensuring that future generations inherit a livable world with just economic and social systems.

The 5Ps of Sustainable Development & Their Islamic Counterparts

The lecture draws parallels between the SDGs’ 5Ps and Islamic teachings:

SDGs 5Ps	Islamic Principles
People	Intellect (Aql) & Social Justice (Ukhuwwah)
Planet	Ecological Balance (Mizan) & Sustainability (Hima)
Prosperity	Ethical Wealth (Zakat, Waqf) & Economic Justice (Adl)
Peace	Islam as a Religion of Peace (Rahmatan lil ‘Alamin)
Partnership	Interfaith Dialogue & Community Engagement

5. Sustainable Practices in Islam

Islam promotes sustainability through key economic, social, and environmental frameworks. Sustainable Consumption:Encourages moderation (Wasatiyyah) and discourages wastefulness (Israf). Promotes the use of lawful (Halal) and wholesome (Tayyib) resources. Sustainable Economic Models: Zakat & Sadaqah for wealth distribution.Takaful (Islamic insurance) for financial security. Waqf (Endowments) for long-term community support.. Environmental Responsibility: Planting trees & conservation (Prophet Muhammad encouraged planting trees as an act of Sadaqah Jariyah). Ethical treatment of animals & nature (Islamic teachings emphasize compassion towards all living beings). Renewable energy & responsible resource use as part of Mizan (balance in nature). Spirituality as a Foundation for Sustainability: Islam integrates spirituality with sustainability, emphasizing that all human actions should aim for seeking Allah’s pleasure. Spiritual transformation leads to ethical behavior, environmental consciousness, and economic justice. The true success (Falah) in Islam is not just material wealth but also social and environmental well-being. Comparative Religious Perspectives on Sustainability: Buddhism which is Encourages harmony with nature and non-violence. Confucianism which is Emphasizes balance and human-nature harmony. Christianity which is Promotes stewardship of nature as a divine responsibility. Hinduism which is Advocates for environmental preservation and sacredness of nature. Key Takeaway: Islam, like other religions, strongly emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the need for sustainable living. Integrating Islam into Sustainable Development Projects: The document encourages students to develop SD projects that integrate Islamic values, such as:

o Promoting ethical business & fair trade.

o Implementing green initiatives based on Mizan (balance).

o Enhancing Zakat & Waqf models for social sustainability.

o Using Islamic governance principles to improve community well-being.

Conclusion

Islamic principles, especially Maqasid al-Shariah, align closely with sustainable development goals, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental sustainability are upheld through justice, balance, moderation, and ethical responsibility.