Sustainable Development: Islamic Perspectives and Implementation

Abstract

While humankind’s well-being is the major goal of most forms of development, it is now universally acknowledged that it cannot be at the expense of exhausting the earth’s natural resources. The unconditional utilisation of these resources will not only affect the sustainability of current industrial development but also leave future generations with lesser resources for their own development. This concern has given rise to the concept of sustainable development. Many countries have committed themselves to the implementation of sustainable development goals. The Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022 prompted me to consider the approaches of Muslim environmentalists and select Muslim states that have factored in sustainable development issues. My research findings indicate that while some Muslim environmentalists work within the framework of the standard definitions of sustainable development, others suggest alternative definitions based on primary Islamic texts. They also refer to several institutions in early Muslim history to demonstrate that many sustainable development principles are found in Islamic teachings. This article presents the Islamic approach to sustainable development by Muslim environmentalists and identifies Muslim states that have adopted Islam-specific charters; these are in addition to United Nations resolutions on sustainable development. It concludes with recommendations by Muslim environmentalists on the implementation of sustainable development goal.