week 3 reflection

 

Week 3 of the course discussed the profound connection between Maqasid Shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic law) and sustainable development, presenting a moral and spiritual foundation to address the sustainability requirements of the day. The lecture highlighted how Islamic values enhance and complement the world's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reiterated that sustainability is no new contraption but an ageless divine ordinance.

One of the most perceptive sections was to explore the five fundamental objectives of Maqasid Shariah: safeguarding faith (Deen), life (Nafs), intellect (Aql), lineage (Nasl), and property (Mal). These objectives discovered a strong echo with the 5Ps of the SDGs (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership), leading towards an all-encompassing synergy. For instance:

• Life (Nafs) mirrors Peace, since Islam by definition promotes peacefulness and condemns violence.
• Intellect (Aql) speaks to People, emphasizing education and rationality as paths to develop society.
• Lineage (Nasl) reflects Planet, emphasizing justice across generations and preservation of the world.
• Wealth (Mal) speaks to Prosperity, advocating equitable economic systems like Zakat and Waqaf.
• Faith (Deen) speaks to Partnership, advocating cross-religious understanding and shared moral principles.

Discussion of spirituality as the way to sustainability was revolutionary. The word Khalifah (stewardship) reminded me that stewardship and social responsibility are a divine duty, not a choice in policy-making. Portions like "Eat what is lawful and wholesome" (Quran 2:168) reminded me of my own eating habits—how often do I prioritize convenience over sustainability? The belief that "true prosperity (Al-Falah) balances material and spiritual well-being" reframed my thinking on development, testifying against me to make ethical decisions in everyday decisions.

Cross-perspective study of the other faiths—Buddhism's Dharma, Confucianism's harmony with nature, and stewardship in Christianity—revealed a shared ethical consensus towards sustainability. The diversity was inspiring; it was clear that interfaith collaboration would enhance world sustainability practices.

In the future, I aim to integrate Maqasid Shariah values into my group project by proposing community Waqaf projects in parks or initiatives linking Islamic morality with waste conservation. The reading this week reaffirmed that sustainability is not technology or policy but heart transformation—behavior aligned with values of justice, balance, and empathy.