WEEK 3 - Maqasid Shariah and Sustainable Development

IIUM Gallery

Exploring the Connection Between Islam and Sustainable Development at IIUM Gallery

    Today’s class was not held in a traditional classroom. Instead, we visited the IIUM Gallery, where we learned about the university’s rich history, notable achievements, and influential alumni. This trip helped us understand the legacy and values of IIUM more deeply. During the visit, our lecturer assigned us an interesting task: to write about three observations connecting Maqasid Shariah (the goals of Islamic law) with Sustainable Development.

Three Observations on Maqasid Shariah and Sustainable Development

1) Protecting Life (Hifz al-Nafs)
One of the pictures in the gallery reminded us of the struggles people faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This time brought challenges such as losing loved ones, mental health issues, and economic problems. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 focuses on ensuring good health and well-being for all. This is closely connected to Hifz al-Nafs, which emphasizes protecting and valuing life. Both ideas share a goal: to promote health and safeguard people from diseases so they can live happily and healthily.

2) Preserving Faith (Hifz al-Deen)
Another gallery picture showed the rector and former rectors of IIUM. These leaders play a big role in protecting our faith (deen) by ensuring that education supports strong religious beliefs. Education is crucial for shaping good values and understanding how Islam guides every part of life. This also aligns with SDG 4, which promotes quality education. Together, they show how learning and faith work hand in hand to create a better future.

3) Protecting Family Lineage (Hifz al-Nasl)
The third observation came from a picture about divorce laws. These laws are important because they protect the rights of children and preserve family lineage. They also align with SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. By addressing issues like custody, visitation, and financial support, these laws help create stable environments for children after divorce. This ensures fairness and justice for families.

What We Learned and How to Apply It

    The IIUM Gallery showed us how the university supports our growth and dreams while promoting Islamic values. This inspires us to stay committed to our goals and practice good behavior rooted in Islam. Activities during the tour also taught us the importance of teamwork, good communication, and building strong relationships.

Conclusion

    Our visit to the IIUM Gallery made it clear that Maqasid Shariah and Sustainable Development share a balanced approach to sustaining the world. Seeing how these ideas connect has deepened our understanding of both. We are excited to explore more about this connection in future classes and continue learning about how Islam aligns with building a better world.