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Faisal Mohammed Zakari, BA, MBA, MSc

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Guardianship: A sacred trust of the earth

In the realm of Islam, sustainability transcends mere trends; it embodies a sacred duty bestowed upon humanity. Deeply entwined with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah (practical examples of the Prophet Muhammad), the Islamic vision champions stewardship (khilafah), as pivotal tenets for nurturing our planet and fostering just, viable and vibrant societies. As the world grapples with intensifying challenges like climate change and social disparity, Islam presents a spiritually rooted and ethically robust paradigm for sustainable advancement.

To begin with, what exactly is sustainable development, and how does the Islamic viewpoint infuse it with significance?

The broader understanding of development that meets the needs of today and tomorrow within the Islamic framework mirrors much of the mainstream discourse, particularly concerning inter-generational fairness and the enhancement of life quality. Sustainable development is broadly characterized as progress that fulfills the needs of today without jeopardizing the future generations’ capacity to fulfill their own desires. The Islamic lens acknowledges that all creations on Earth exist for the benefit of humanity, a divine blessing from God.

Nevertheless, Islamic teaching of the Quran describes humans as khalifah (steward or trustee) of the earth, implying that humanity holds a sacred responsibility to protect and manage all aspects of creation as a trust (amanah) from Allah. This stewardship stresses accountability before Allah for the use, management, and preservation of natural resources. The misuse or waste of these entrusted resources is regarded as a violation of this trust and, thus, a spiritual and ethical failing.

Importantly, both mainstream and Islamic views emphasize inter-generational equity, hence preserving resources and environments so that future generations enjoy the same opportunities and benefits as the current one. The enhancement of quality of life is essential, not just materially but also socially and spiritually.

The use of these resources by the trustees (humans) for development becomes sustainable from the Islamic perspective when it is in observance of

• Balance (mizan), The Quran repeatedly refers to mizan—the divinely ordained balance in creation. This encompasses celestial balance (planetary order) as well as the equilibrium required in human interaction with the environment.

• Moderation (wasatiyyah), where Islam advocates for wasatiyyah, or moderation, which guides Muslims to avoid excess in consumption, production, and all human actions. This teaching aims to prevent waste (israf) and resource depletion, encouraging measured, thoughtful utilization of what the earth provides.

• Prohibition of Waste (israf): Misuse and wastefulness are explicitly condemned in Islam. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and Quranic verses stress the avoidance of unnecessary consumption and encouragement of frugality, values directly aligned with global sustainability agendas.

Aligning with Modern Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability: Islam prohibits excessive exploitation of nature. Natural resource conservation and protection are deeply encouraged through both scripture and prophetic traditions, fostering a culture of anti-exploitation and preservation of biodiversity. Overconsumption and uncontrolled production are among the world’s greatest challenges in contemporary times. Islam encourages moderate consumption, discouraging extravagance and greed. The Holy Quran frequently describes the perfect balance of nature in such ways as:

“Verily, We have created everything in due measure” (The Quran, 54:50). “…with Him is everything in proper measure” (13:9). “He has raised the heaven high and set up the measure, that you may not transgress the measure.” (55:8-9).

The teachings reinforce the emphasis that the Holy Quran places on conserving nature and not using any kind of natural resource without purpose or for luxury.

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Economic Sustainability: Islamic tradition aims to provide full and productive employment, dignified work for all members of a society, and steady, inclusive, and sustainable economic progress. The ethical consumption, rejection of materialism, and the Islamic finance principles, like the ban on interest (riba) and substantial risk and uncertainty, foster economic systems that prioritize equity and responsibility.

The revered Holy Quran and the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet) consistently caution Muslims against letting desires, avarice, arrogance, or rivalry infiltrate their hearts.

The moral tenets of Islam aspire to cultivate a harmonious, thriving world where nature prospers, individuals earn their bread lawfully, and the fundamental rights of timely remuneration for both entrepreneurs and workers are underscored.

The Holy Quran characterizes the economy as Khair (blessing, goodness) and Fazal (grace). This signifies that Islam welcomes economic progress; nevertheless, it seeks to amplify ‘goodness’ and ‘safeguarding’ for humanity and all living beings by crafting a realm where hunger, destitution, anarchy, and servitude are diminished.

Consequently, the Islamic financial framework not only zeroes in on economic exchanges but also provides principles for economic conduct that lies at the heart of the ethical economy. This fosters cultural and economic traditions of Ehsan (benevolence, fairness, or providing for people based on their needs), promotes equality, minimizes waste, and champions enduring sustainability, frequently resonating with modern Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ideologies and principles of responsible businesses and investment.

Social Sustainability: Justice (adl) and equity are fundamental Islamic principles, as emphasized in the Quran: “Stand firmly for justice” (4:136). Social justice serves as a cornerstone of Islamic ethics, promoting fair treatment, equitable resource allocation, and safeguarding the rights of the marginalized. This principle is intricately linked to social sustainability and unity. Welfare mechanisms like Zakat and Sadaqah (charity) facilitate wealth redistribution to uplift vulnerable populations, as articulated:

“Alms are only for the poor and the needy, and for those employed in connection with their collection and distribution and for those whose hearts are to be comforted, and for the freeing of slaves, and for those burdened with debt, and for those striving in the cause of Allah, and for wayfarers. This is an ordinance from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, Wise.” (The Quran, 9:60)

Additionally, Shura (mutual consultation) fosters participatory governance and social unity. In parallel, charitable endowments are employed to establish lasting, community-beneficial initiatives such as schools, hospitals, and public services, all vital components for a sustainable social safety net.

Conclusion

Islam goes beyond merely endorsing sustainability; it amplifies it. While numerous secular frameworks emphasize environmental and economic efficiency, Islam infuses a spiritual and moral essence into the conversation. Principles such as gratitude, humility, and accountability form the foundation of Muslim interactions with creation. Islam offers a comprehensive sustainability roadmap that intertwines ecology, equity, and economy, all enveloped in the fabric of faith and duty.

From minimizing waste to upholding justice and nurturing ethical finance, Islamic stewardship is not just aligned with global sustainability; it is indispensable to achieving it. As the world searches for inclusive resolutions, Islamic teachings can illuminate pathways for communities towards a balanced, equitable, and spiritually enriched future that bridges cultural divides, encourages inclusivity, and ignites broader grassroots movements. Read in Maltese