WEEK 2 REFLECTION: Islam and Sustainable Development

Week 2: Islam and Sustainable Development

Reflection on Week 2 (11 March 2025)

SELF-STUDY & LECTURE OVERVIEW

In Week 2, we explored two key topics centered around the theme of Islam and Sustainable Development (SD). Under the guidance of Prof. Suhaimi, we examined sustainability from an Islamic perspective, encompassing spiritual, social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The lecture illustrated how Islamic teachings—rooted in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and values like justice (ʿadl), balance (mīzān), and trust (amānah)—offer a comprehensive ethical foundation for sustainable development.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE LECTURE

1. Islamic View of Sustainable Development
   Sustainable development in Islam involves the balanced and concurrent pursuit of economic well-being, environmental stewardship, social justice, and individual responsibility. It operates within a shuratic (consultative) and knowledge-based framework that emphasizes collective accountability.

2. Islam and Environmental Sustainability
   Nature is viewed in Islam as a divine trust (amānah). While humans are permitted to benefit from natural resources, this must be done responsibly and with awareness of long-term consequences.

• The Prophet (SAW) stated: “There shall be no harm and no reciprocating harm.”

• Qur’anic guidance (e.g., Al-Qasas 28:77; Al-Aʿrāf 7:31) warns against excess, waste, and corruption.

• Acts like preserving water, protecting wildlife, and planting trees are religiously meritorious.

3. Islam and Social Sustainability
   Principles such as Khalīfah (vicegerency), Shūrā (consultation), and Raḥmatan lil-ʿĀlamīn (mercy to all) promote a just and inclusive society.

• Ethical foundations from the Five Pillars and Six Articles of Faith cultivate empathy, equity, and social responsibility.

• Obligatory (farḍ ʿayn) and communal (farḍ kifāyah) duties provide a structure for societal contribution and balance.

4. Islam and Economic Sustainability
   Islam encourages economic justice and the eradication of poverty through various mechanisms:

• Tools such as zakat, waqf, takaful, and continuous charity (ṣadaqah jāriyah) help ensure equitable wealth distribution.

• The prohibition of riba (interest) fosters fairness in financial systems.

• Moderation and ethical consumption are core tenets of Islamic economic behavior.

5. Revisiting the 5Ps through an Islamic Lens

• People: Commitment to social justice and community welfare

• Planet: Environmental protection and stewardship

• Prosperity: Ethical and inclusive economic practices

• Peace: Upholding justice and moral order

• Partnership: Collective responsibility through Shūrā

PERSONAL REFLECTION

This week’s session reshaped my understanding of sustainable development—not merely as a modern global initiative, but as a concept inherently woven into the fabric of Islamic thought. The idea that caring for the environment is a religious duty resonated deeply with me. The principles of balance (mīzān) and trust (amānah) emphasize that our actions must be mindful and accountable. I now see sustainability as both a spiritual path and a practical framework, and I’m inspired to develop future initiatives that align with both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and core Islamic values of justice, compassion, and stewardship.