Islam And Sustainability

  CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT  IN ISLAM

   The concept of sustainable development in Islam can be defined as “the balanced and simultaneous realization of consumer welfare,  economic efficiency, attainment of social justice, and ecological  balance in the framework of an evolutionary knowledge-based,  socially interactive model defining the shuratic process”  (EcoMENA, 2019)

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Islam teaches us to be moderate and balanced in all aspects of life, whether it is religion, worship, relationships, ideas, or daily activities. Principled moderation is one of the defining characteristics of good character in Islam.

Allah said:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِّتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا

Thus, We have made you a justly balanced community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

Surat Al-Baqarah 2:143

  FUNDAMENTAL OF ISLAM AND DEVELOPMENT    

• Relationship with Allah
• Relationship with Fellow human being
• Relationship with Environment (surroundings)  

Many Muslims believe human beings have guardianship or Khilafah of the planet, which means that each individual should act as a guardian or Khalifah. They will be held accountable for their guardianship on the Day of Judgement. Humans should treat the world with respect, as it is not ours to abuse. Guardianship allows humans to make use of the environment for their survival, but this must never be taken to the level of exploitation.

            Islam promotes the development and both socially and economically.

    

Islam prohibits poverty as it is close to disbelief (kufr). Islam provides effective means for socio-economic improvement via waqf (endowment) and zakat (alms) provisions, indeed, these Islamic economic principles are based on sharing and caring in wealth distribution, likewise any other trading or commercial transactions in Islam

       Social sustainability  has to  do with the goodness and welfare of the public. It includes a critical component of a community’s wellbeing and longevity. Islam encouraged Muslims to perform socially responsible activities just for the sake of Allah and do not look for any kind of monetary, economic or strategic benefits in response to welfare activities.

 

According to Islam, each man is the custodian of nature and must live in harmony with other creatures.  It is the duty of all Human beings to respect, nurture, and care for the environment. Much environmental degradation is due to people’s ignorance of what  their Creator requires of them. People should be made to realize that the conservation of the environment is a religious duty demanded by God.