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Week 3: Maqasid Shariah and Sustainable Development

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  Salam all,  This week’s lecture gave me a deeper understanding of how Islamic principles, particularly the Maqasid al- Shariah , align with the modern concept of sustainable development. I was especially surprised to see how closely the objectives of Shariah,  preserving life, faith, intellect, lineage, and wealth,  match the 5Ps of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: People, Planet, Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership. It shows that sustainability is not a new concept but one that has already been deeply rooted in Islamic teachings since the 7th century. What stood out to me most was the emphasis on spirituality as the foundation for sustainability. I never really considered how faith and spiritual values could influence our approach to environmental issues.  The idea that being spiritually connected to Allah encourages us to act as responsible vicegerent ( khalifah ) of the e arth really made me reflect on my own lifestyle choices and responsibilities. I r...

Week 2: Islam & Sustainable Development

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Salam all, Reflecting on Week 2’s session of SCSH 1201: Islam & Sustainable Development, I find myself both humbled and invigorated by the depth with which Islamic ethics intersects with the pillars of sustainability. This week’s lectures illuminated how the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and classical jurisprudence (fiqh) provide a holistic blueprint for balancing human welfare, economic prosperity, social justice, and ecological stewardship SCSH1201 Week 2 Islamic  Sustainable Development. Embracing Environmental Stewardship The prophetic injunction, “there shall be no damage and no infliction of damage,” resonates as a powerful reminder that human dominion (khilāfah) carries with it an unbreakable bond of responsibility toward nature SCSH1201 S3 Week 2 Islam  Sustainable Development. I was struck by how this principle demands we distinguish “needs” from “wants” before tapping into common resources, ensuring that consumption remains just and need-based. Reflecting on the verses ur...

Week 1: Understanding Sustainable Development

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Salam all, For the first week of the SCSH 1201 titled "SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ISSUES, PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES" course at IIUM introduces us to the basic concepts that link the balance between development and sustainability. What is Sustainable Development? Sustainable development, as defined in the Brundtland Report (1987) as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition highlights various concepts like the needs of future generation. At its core, sustainable development seeks to integrate three aspects: economic importance, environmental integrity, and social equity. The Evolution of Sustainable Development Historically, development efforts have often led to unsustainable outcomes, depleting natural resources, marginalizing communities, and contributing to climate change. In response, the global community has gradually shifted from purely economic models of development ...