Week 2


Week 2 Reflection: Islam and Sustainable Development πŸŒΏπŸ•Œ

Date: 11 March 2025
Course: SCSH 1201 – Sustainable Development: Issues, Principles and Practices (Section 4)

Sustainable Development exists as a natural element of Islamic teachings from generations past, according to this week's class knowledge presentation.

Different sections of the Quran alongside Hadith texts combined with Islamic principles establish a detailed system that promotes sustainability across environmental, economic and social domains. According to Islamic teaching, sustainable living principles exist through interactions between humans and the environment as well as between society and their management of resources.


Key Lessons and Takeaways πŸ“

1. Islam & Environmental Sustainability



Anas reported Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying,

 “Never does a Muslim plant trees, or cultivate land, and birds or a man or a beast eat out of them but that is a charity on his behalf.”

The Islamic command declares that damaging nature remains prohibited.


The basic Islamic principle about environmental ethics arises from this short yet powerful prophecy, which defines natural resources as shared trusteeships rather than ruthless commercial items. 🌎


The Islamic tradition allows humans to use natural resources through two essential responsibilities: first, we need to answer to Allah regarding our usage of resources, and second, we need to protect these blessings for future generations. Allah reminds Muslims twice through the Qur'an to conserve resources by warning "Eat and drink, but waste not by excess" (Al-A'raf 7:31) as well as instructing "Do not cause corruption in the earth" (Al-A'raf 7:56). Using water during wudu reminds believers of their disposition because the Prophet ﷺ taught that wasting water is forbidden irrespective of being near a flowing river. 🚿


2. Islam & Social Sustainability

Throughout our research, we learned about Khalifah because it represents Earth's vicegerents and requires them to be stewards who work to create just, secure, inclusive societies.


Social sustainability in Islam follows three essential fundamental values, including:


Shura (consultation) 🀝


Amanah (trust) 🀲


Rahmah (mercy) ❤️


The Pillars of Islam together with the Articles of Faith function as spiritual foundations which support the formation of a socially healthy community. Faith and action operate as a single entity because beliefs should manifest through ethical practices social charity along with justice-based governance and right behavior.


3. Islam & Economic Sustainability

Rather than disapproving of wealth, Islam provides instructions regarding the acquisition and utilisation of financial assets. 🏦

Key teachings include:


Religious law prohibits interest to maintain fairness in business transactions.


The practice of Zakat and sadaqah allows the community to share wealth through charitable donations for helping the needy.


Waqf (charitable endowment) for long-term community benefit.


Encouraging trade and entrepreneurship within ethical boundaries.


He Prophet ο·Ί taught that following death three aspects produce positive results for mortal beings.


Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah),


Beneficial knowledge,


Religious children who make continuous prayers for their deceased family members.


The profit from economic actions needs to create perpetual benefits according to this teaching, instead of focusing on short-term financial gains.

Personal Reflections 

This week revealed to me that Islamic teachings deliver an entire sustainability framework which establishes three interconnected relationships between Allah and humans, and nature.
Sustainability exists as an inseparable part of following Islam because it represents the true lifestyle adopted by every faithful Muslim.


I understand better that routine everyday practices like water conservation, recycling, charity donation, and equitable treatment constitute spiritual practices. 
I will move ahead to take on personal challenges.


Merely paying attention to my daily waste production remains my objective for self-improvement.
My approach toward society interactions needs to follow Islamic ethical principles.


We should organise ourselves to accomplish tasks which support the well-being of future generations.
Let us keep walking with attention and purpose on Earth until our next weekly meeting. 

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