2nd week: Islam and Sustainable Development

Definition of Sustainable Development in Islam 

    Islam has related to environmental, social and economic sustainability through the maintenance of the relationship with Allah, fellow human being and the environment (surroundings). The concept of sustainable development in Islam can be defined as "the balanced and simultaneous realization of consumer welfare, economic efficiency, attainment of social justice and ecological balance in the framework of a evolutionary knowledge-based, socially interactive model defining the shuratic process".

How Islam related to Sustainable Development?

    Sustainable development is not a new concept to Muslim. What is set in sustainable development goals (SDGs) has been prescribed in the Qur'an and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w way back 1400 years ago. The need to follow the SDGs to achieve peace, harmony and economic growth for the well-being of mankind is also a duty of Muslim to achieve success in this world and the hereafter as stated in many verses in the Qur'an and indicated by the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Example of Islam and Sustainable Development

    There are many examples from the companions in the time of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w show that Islam is very concerned with sustainable development. One of them was Umar Al-Khattab r.a when he became a caliph. 

The story of Umar Al-Khattab:

    Umar ibn Al-Khattab ibn Naufal ibn Abdul Uzza or better known as Umar Al-Khattab came from the descendants of the Bani Adi, one of the bani in the tribe of Quraish. He converted to Islam in the sixth year of the apostleship of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and was called "Al-Faruq" which means a person who distinguishes between right and wrong. Saidina Umar became the second caliph during the time of Khulafa Ar-Rashidin after being nominated by Caliph Abu Bakr with the consent of the companions. During his 10 years as caliph, various reforms have been made in both the administrative, economic and social fields until his reign was considered as the golden age of the Muslims.

    Among the reform efforts made by Caliph Umar in the field of administration and politics was the establishment of a Syura Council which responsible for determining the national policy related to foreign relations and national governance. All matters involving political, social and national security issues are discussed in the Council and everyone has the opportunity to submit their thoughts and opinions for the good and justice of Islam. Besides that, the expanding Islamic colony was divided into several provinces in order to facilitate the administration. Several competent officers were assigned to carry out administration in those provinces. Military department, police department, national treasury department, judicial department were also established and judges were given monthly salaries. Then, land administration law was also reformed by Caliph Umar. Public lands belong to the local government and all yields from the land are used to finance the country's public facilities while the land owned by the residents will not be confiscated but taxed.

    On the economic side, Caliph Umar Al-Khattab built canals and waterways to develop agricultural systems such as the Abu Musa Dam in Basrah and the Amirul Mukminin Canal in Egypt. Land has also been surveyed for planting quality crops. The people are also encouraged to open new land and cultivate idle land to increase agricultural yields. To further increase the country's income, Caliph Umar introduced various types of taxes such as Jizyah and Kharaj. Rules that were unfair and burdening the people were also abolished. Other than that, he has also set up Baitulmal, a body that manages government property aimed at controlling the country's income stream. The country's financial resources from the collection of zakat, jizyah, kharaj, ghanimah and usyur are also kept in the Baitulmal.

    Apart from the administration and economics, Caliph Umar also made reforms in the social field. Among them, improving the status of slaves. Slaves at that time were given the right of social interest and good status. They are no longer insulted and oppressed. In addition, Caliph Umar was very concerned about social justice when the status and public rights were given equally to the Dzimmi group as what Muslims enjoy. Next, Caliph Umar has taken many steps to develop scientific activities and learning of the Qur'an. Religious teachers have been sent to various regions to teach the Quran and various other lessons. A place to study the Quran is also provided in the mosque area. To encourage the memorization of the Qur'an, those who memorize the entire contents of the Qur'an will be rewarded and Muslims are required to memorize certain surah.

    In conclusion, Caliph Umar Al-Khattab has many contributions to the progress of the Muslims during his reign. All the reforms that he has made coincide with the goals of sustainable development to preserve the environment, economy and welfare of the people, especially at that time. Caliph Umar is a good example as a successful leader to be followed by Muslims.