week 2 reflection

 

Week 2 of the course went in-depth about Islam's profound connection with sustainable development and how Islamic philosophy presents a comprehensive approach to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The lecture made me realize even more that sustainability is not a new idea but a component of Islamic philosophy that is ingrained in the Qur'an, Hadith, and the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

One of the greatest learnings was Islamic philosophy toward environmental sustainability. The concept of "no damage and no infliction of damage" (La darar wa la dirar) emphasizes stewardship over natural resources. Verses such as "Eat and drink, but waste not by excess" (Al-A'raf 7:31) and the Prophet's admonitions on water conservation emphasized moderation and accountability. The idea that thriving in nature is connected to its preservation was highly appealing to me as it merges the modern-day culture of sustainability with centuries of ancient knowledge.

The discussion of social sustainability introduced the concepts of Khalifah (stewardship) and Amanah (trust), which call for equitable governance and the welfare of the community. The Five Pillars of Islam and Six Pillars of Iman were not only presented as religious obligations but also as pillars of an equitable and integrated society. Zakat (alms-giving) and Waqaf (endowments), for instance, display Islam's redistributive economic paradigm that allows for the circulation of wealth and the eradication of poverty. This prompted me to ponder how the said principles could be employed to address today's inequalities as long as done systematically.

From an economic standpoint, Islam's prohibition of Riba (usury) and promotion of Takaful (Islamic insurance) and moral trade made provisions that prioritize equity over exploitation. The Prophet's quote on Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity) demonstrated how environmentally friendly activities like planting trees or spreading knowledge lead to long-term fruit for future generations. This compelled me to think long term in my professional as well as personal choices.

The 5Ps of the SDGs (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership) were best articulated in the Islamic values of Adl (justice), Mizan (balance), and Rahmah (mercy). This synergy established that achieving sustainability requires values that are holistic, not policies.

In the future, I would like to implement such learning on my group project by researching Islamic alternatives like community Waqaf for park areas or Hadith-based water-conservation awareness campaigns. This week's material has made me think about sustainability as not just a duty but also an opportunity to align one's actions with ethical and religious values.