WEEK 6 - UNIVERSITIES AND THE SOUL OF SUSTAINABILITY

This week’s topic made me reflect more deeply on the true role of a university—not just as a place to gain qualifications, but as a space that shapes people, communities, and the future. As a student of IIUM, I realize more and more that we’re part of something bigger than just academic life. We are part of a university that carries a mission: to nurture balanced individuals grounded in knowledge, ethics, and spirituality.

Sustainability, as we discussed, isn’t just about environmental action or economic policies—it’s about values. It’s about what kind of people we’re becoming and what kind of legacy we’re leaving behind. At IIUM, the integration of Islamic values with academic pursuit reminds me that sustainability isn’t a foreign concept—it’s already in our principles: rahmatan lil ‘alamin, trust (amanah), justice (‘adl), and moderation (wasatiyyah).

Being here, I’ve come to see that universities aren’t just preparing students for jobs—they’re preparing us to live with purpose. The “soul” of sustainability, in my view, lies in that purpose. Are we studying just for ourselves, or to contribute to something greater? Are we using our time here to grow not just intellectually, but also morally and spiritually?

IIUM challenges me to look beyond my books and exams, and to ask: How am I contributing to a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world? Whether through simple acts like conserving resources on campus, engaging in community work, or just being mindful of how my choices affect others—I now see sustainability as a deeply personal and spiritual commitment.

In the end, I think universities like IIUM are not just academic institutions; they are moral campuses. And our task isn’t just to graduate—it’s to grow into individuals who carry the soul of sustainability with us, wherever we go.