week 6 reflection

 

Week 6's examination of the university role in advancing sustainable development was both enlightening and transfiguring. The lecture emphasized that universities are not merely schools of academic brilliance but transformative institutions for creating comprehensive, moral, and functional sustainability solutions.

The greatest take-home was Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas's synthesis of Islamic philosophy of education, which considers balancing knowledge (fard 'ain and fard kifayah) with moral stewardship (khalifah). This resonated with me, as it framed sustainability as a moral and intellectual mandate grounding environmental stewardship on ihsan (perfection) and adl (justice). The critique of "education without soul" also compelled me to look at my own education: am I not only learning for professional success, but also cultivating values to contribute to the betterment of society's welfare?

The argument for transformational learning versus conventional education was equally convincing. Colleges must move beyond "a mile wide and an inch deep" proficiency to produce critical thinkers that address real-world disparities. Nobel laureate Ahmad Zewail's advice to concentrate on research for the "bottom billion" highlighted the need for localized, inclusive innovation. This shifted my way of thinking regarding academic success; true impact results from fixing real issues such as access and affordability of resources, not publishing for peer validation.

The third mission of universities such as community outreach demonstrated a feasible path for transformation. Examples include participatory research and links with industry, which show how academia can assist in bridging theory and practice. Post-COVID, this role is more important than ever, as universities must lead the way in reconstructing equitable, sustainable societies.

Personally, this week made me think of applying my education for sustainability. Whether it is through community work, ethical research, or working on curriculum reform, I now see myself as a responsible change agent. The call to "turn around the landscape" with blue ocean thinking compels me to find solutions that prioritize people and planet over profit.