WEEK 2: Islam and Sustainable Development

Assalamualaikum w.b.t and hello!

On 11th March 2025, we had our 2nd class via Zoom, where we discussed the topic "Islam and Sustainable Development". 

Islam and Sustainable Development can be categorised into three key aspects. Here are some insights that I managed to take note of:

1. Islam and Environmental Sustainability- in short, in Islam, the right to benefit from the environmental resources such as water, minerals, and land belongs to all members of society. These resources are considered public property where no individual is entitled to own and exploit it on their own. Islam does not hinder mankind to benefit from the resources, but it is our responsibility to be mindful and consume the natural resources according to our needs, without excess and always considering the environmental effect. For example, if we cut down trees, we must ensure it is not done excessively, and is our job to replant it back to maintain the environment. 
2. Islam and Social Sustainability- this aspect is guided by the concept of Islam as Rahmatan lil-'Alamin. It includes the role of man as Khalifah on Earth, concept of Shura, and Amanah as fundamental governance of society. 
3. Islam and Economic Sustainability- it is clear that Islam promotes both social and economic development. while strongly prohibits poverty as it is close to disbelief (kufr). That is why, Islam provides numerous means for socio-economic improvement, such as via waqf and zakat, to ensure equitable wealth distribution among society. Allah s.w.t. mentioned in surah al-Qasas, verse 77:

"And seek the (betterment of) the Ultimate Abode with what Allah has given to you, and do not neglect your share from this world, and do good as Allah did good to you, and do not seek to make mischief in the land. Surely, Allah does not like the mischief-makers."

        Additionally, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said: 

"When a man dies, no further reward is recorded for his actions, with three actions: Sadaqah Jariah (donations with which continue to be benefited) or Knowledge from which benefit continues to be reaped or a prayer of a good son to his dead father."      

Islam has provided guidelines and principles of sustainability in the Quran, long before the establishment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These Islamic principles include adl (justice), mizan (balance), wasat (middleness), rahmah (mercy), amanah (trustworthiness), taharah (spiritual purity and physical cleanliness), haq (truthfulness and rights), and ilm naf'i (usefulness of knowledge and science). 

All in all, I am truly grateful to be an IIUM student. The university consistently reminds us to uphold the values of Rahmatan lil-'Alamin and "habluminallah habluminannas" as part of our role as Khalifah in this world. 

That's all I can share this week. Thank you for reading!