WEEK 3:MAQASID SYARIAH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Week 3 lecture on March 18, 2025, delivered by Prof. Dr. Suhaimi bin Mhd. Sarif, explored the integration of Maqasid al-Shariah with sustainable development. The session emphasized how Maqasid al-Shariah, which aims to enhance human well-being (maslahah) and prevent harm (mafsadah), safeguards five objectives: faith (Hifz al-Din), life (Hifz al-Nafs), intellect (Hifz al-‘Aql), lineage (Hifz al-Nasb), and wealth (Hifz al-Mal). These align with the UN SDGs’ 5Ps: Peace (life), People (intellect), Planet (lineage), Prosperity (wealth), and Partnership (faith). The lecture highlighted spirituality (ar-ruhiyah) as a foundation for sustainability, with Muslims acting as Khalifah to steward Earth’s resources ethically, as per Quranic verses like 2:168, which promotes lawful and wholesome consumption. Other religions, including Buddhism’s ecocentric view, Confucianism’s harmony with nature, Christianity’s stewardship, and Hinduism’s respect for creation, were discussed for their ecological teachings. The session underscored that sustainable development has been part of Islamic life since the 7th century, but modern influences have led to unsustainable practices, necessitating a revival of spiritual values.

My Reflection

This lecture deepened my appreciation for how Maqasid al-Shariah provides a holistic framework for sustainability, aligning beautifully with the SDGs. The connection between Hifz al-Nafs and Peace inspired me to consider how fostering peace in my community reflects my role as Khalifah. The Quranic call to consume lawfully (2:168) made me reflect on my habits, like reducing single-use plastics to avoid harm to nature. I found the discussion on other religions’ environmental ethics fascinating, especially Buddhism’s view of interdependence, which complements Islamic teachings on Mizan (balance). Our group’s sustainable development project discussion progressed, with ideas for a community garden rooted in Hifz al-Nasb to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations. However, I’m still grappling with how to fully incorporate inter-faith dialogue (Hifz al-Din) into our project. The emphasis on spirituality as a driver for sustainability motivates me to act with intention, like conserving water to honor my role as a steward. I’m excited to explore how Sejahtera, introduced next week, localizes these principles.