Week 3: Maqasid Shariah and Sustainable Development

As we already discussed in week 1 on the definition and concept of sustainable development, today we're going to explore the maqasid shariah together. Did you know that these two have a relationship and share similarities, as both aim to promote human welfare, protect essential needs, and ensure a balanced approach to economic, social, and environmental sustainability?

What is Maqasid Shariah?

Maqasid Al-Shariah is defined a "objectives of Islamic law." It represents the ethical and legal framework within Islam intended to ensure human welfare and protect essential needs.

The main objectives (maqasid) includes:

• Preservation of Faith - حفظ الدين (Hifz ad-Din): Promoting spiritual values and respect for religious practices.
• Preservation of Life - حفظ النفس (Hifz an-Nafs): Protecting life and ensuring a peaceful existence.
• Preservation of Intellect - حفظ العقل (Hifz al-‘Aql): Valuing knowledge, education, and intellectual growth.
• Preservation of Lineage - حفظ النسل (Hifz an-Nasl): Preserving family, community, and environmental well-being for future generations.
• Preservation of Wealth - حفظ المال (Hifz al-Mal): Encouraging economic activity that respects ethical boundaries and prevents harm.
  
  

Relation Between SDGs and Maqasid Al-Shariah:

1. Shared Focus: Both the SDGs and maqasid shariah aim to promote human welfare and balance economic, social, and environmental well-being.

2. Aligned Goals: The SDGs’ "5 Ps" (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership) align with maqasid shariah objectives, as both prioritize protecting life, promoting prosperity, fostering peace, and using resources responsibly.

3. Spiritual and Ethical Basis: While the SDGs are secular, maqasid shariah includes a spiritual dimension, making sustainable development a moral duty for Muslims. Protecting the environment and ensuring justice is both practical and a form of worship.
   
   

Apart from this, my groupmates and I have made a visit and observation to IIUM gallery. During this visit, we gained valuable insights and inspiration to excel in academia.

Below is a sneak peek of the main points I have gathered:

Protecting Life and Resources: The sustainable campus poster aligns with the Maqasid goals of preserving life (ḥifẓ an-nafs) and wealth (ḥifẓ al-mal), emphasizing balanced resource use to benefit future generations.

Preserving Knowledge: The briefcase from the education conference embodies the Maqasid principle of protecting intellect (ḥifẓ al-‘aql), highlighting the role of learning and innovation in sustainable development.

Justice and Equity: The certificates and books reflect the Maqasid principle of justice, resonating with sustainability’s emphasis on fairness and well-being for all.

That is all for this week's sharing. See you!