Week 2 Reflection : Islam, Maqasid al-Shariah & Sustainability

 

Week 2 felt like a spiritual refresh, honestly. We took a deeper dive into sustainable development, but this time through the lens of Islam and I didn’t realise how closely they’re tied together until now.

The lecture highlighted how sustainability isn’t just a modern thing it’s actually embedded in our deen. The whole concept of us being Khalifah (caretakers of the Earth) hit different. It’s not just about being “eco-friendly”; it’s about fulfilling a trust from Allah. That really reframed how I view my everyday actions, even the small things like wasting food or overconsuming stuff I don’t need.

We looked into the three main pillars that are social, environmental, and economic sustainability but from an Islamic view. Concepts like Shura, Amanah, and Rahmatan lil ‘Alamin aren’t just spiritual ideals, they’re actual tools for creating a just, balanced society. Islam wants us to be responsible, fair, and compassionate.

Then we got into Maqasid al-Shariah, the objectives of Islamic law and how they align with the SDGs. I found that part especially eye-opening. Protecting life, wealth, intellect, and lineage? These aren’t just abstract goals but they’re foundations for any sustainable society. The fact that Islam had these principles lined up long before the west  did… it made me feel kinda proud, not gonna lie.

Also, I loved how we explored sustainable practices already embedded in Islam like Zakat, Waqf, and even planting trees as Sadaqah Jariyah. It made me realise how the solutions to today’s problems might already be in our tradition. It’s just about reviving those values in the modern context.

The comparison with other religions like Buddhism and Christianity was cool too as it showed that this whole idea of sustainability isn’t exclusive to one belief system. It’s a shared human responsibility.

What I’m taking away from this week is that sustainability isn’t just about policies or projects, it’s about purpose. As a Muslim, as a student, and insyaAllah one day a professional in law, I feel like I’ve got a duty to carry these values forward. Not just because it’s good practice, but because it’s part of who I am.