WEEK 2 - ISLAM, MAQASID AL-SHARIAH & SUSTAINABILITY

1. Nature as a Sacred Trust
In the Islamic worldview, the Earth is not a possession to be exploited, but a trust to be honored. Humanity walks the line not as owners, but as stewards—khalifah—charged with care, not control. Even in abundance, restraint is praised: water, though flowing endlessly, is never to be wasted. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) echo with ecological mindfulness—reminding us that purity of water, kindness to animals, and planting life are not just good deeds but spiritual acts.

2. Weaving the Social Fabric
Justice, consultation, and compassion are not lofty ideals—they are daily practices embedded in the Islamic tradition. Through shura (mutual dialogue), amanah (responsibility), and rahmah (mercy), communities are not just built—they are nurtured. The Five Pillars, too, are more than personal rituals; they knit people together in shared rhythms of generosity, humility, and solidarity, particularly through zakat, which redistributes wealth and rekindles human connection.

3. Wealth With Conscience
Islam envisions an economy where growth does not come at the cost of dignity. Financial systems are kept in check by prohibiting riba (exploitative interest), promoting generosity through waqf (endowments), and encouraging thoughtful consumption. In this model, prosperity is not hoarded but circulated, not flaunted but shared—sustaining not only livelihoods but values.