Comparing Islamic Credo on Sustainable Development with Modern World Doctrines

Abstract

The objective of sustainable development - to provide a better life for humans - has been stressed in Islam, where the concept of hayat tayebah, which means good life, revolves around the foundation of sustainability. Despite the many principles, codes and guidelines by which Islam addresses sustainable development issues, the lack of awareness of these principles, even among the Muslim world, has already resulted in tremendous harm to the planet, including global warming. The objectives and goals proposed in Agenda 21, at the earth summit meetings and in the World Charter are not new. Rather, they were discussed and proposed by Islamic leaders 1400 years ago. This paper compares and contrasts the Islamic principles, models and keywords used to define sustainable development with the work of contemporary world scholars and theorists.

Keywords: Sustainable development, sustainability, Islam and sustainability, ayahs on sustainability, sustainability management, sustainable development model