syafiqah amalynn

  After returning from the mid-semester break, the class focused on the roles of institutions in sustainable development, discussing global, national, and local contributions to achieving SDGs. Global and national institutions play key roles in policy development, funding, innovation, monitoring, and advocacy. Local institutions contribute through service provision, policy execution, community engagement, resource management, and fostering inclusivity. Emphasis was placed on capacity building, data acquisition, and collaborations with various stakeholders. Institutions at all levels are crucial for addressing challenges, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable development, highlighting the interconnectedness of global strategies and localized actions in achieving long-term sustainability goals.

 Salam and hi everyone!  Learning about the importance of the Malaysian Shariah Index has made me appreciate how critical it is in assessing governance based on Maqasid Shariah.It serves as a valuable tool to measure the government’s commitment to policies aligned with Islamic principles, ensuring they benefit society as a whole. By identifying areas that need improvement, this index provides a clear benchmark for progress, guiding policymakers to focus on practical changes that align with Islamic values. To me, this reflects a translation from ideals into action, fostering accountability and ensuring the nation’s administration serves both current and future generations effectively.

This week, our fieldwork activity focused on the 'Bring Your Own Cutlery (BYOC) Campaign,' which gave us valuable insights into how small actions can drive large-scale sustainability. Through this campaign, we realized that something as simple as using reusable cutlery can significantly reduce plastic waste. It was a reminder that every individual contribution counts and, when combined, can make a meaningful difference on our campus and in our communities.One of the most impactful lessons we learned was the power of raising awareness. Many of our peers were not fully aware of the environmental harm caused by single-use plastics, but through our campaign, we were able to engage them and encourage a shift in perspective. It became clear that education and awareness are key drivers of change.Additionally, we learned that students can play a pivotal role in sustainability efforts by leading by example. By practicing what we preach—using reusable cutlery and encouraging others to do...

  Today, our class was conducted online via Zoom, focusing on the challenges to sustainable development from social, economic, and environmental perspectives. The session began with updates on our group projects before our lecturer discussed the pressing obstacles to achieving sustainability.  General challenges include inequalities in access to education, healthcare, and essential resources like food and clean water. These disparities highlight the need for fairness and equity in addressing fundamental human needs.Specific challenges include climate change, clean energy, sustainable transportation, global poverty, resource conservation, public health, sustainable consumption, and social inclusion. Tackling these requires collaboration among governments, organizations, and communities to develop long-term solutions.  Key challenges like instability, implementation, and governance were also discussed. Political and economic instability disrupts progress, while go...

 Alhamdulillah, today our group visited the Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity, the heart of sustainable development efforts on our campus. This centre plays a vital role in disseminating the *Sejahtera* concept and advancing sustainable development initiatives. It reflects IIUM's commitment to good governance, aligning with SDG 16, as the university leads in implementing and promoting sustainability. The second lesson we learned emphasizes the transformative power of education in driving sustainable development. The Sejahtera Centre showcases how IIUM integrates sustainability into its curriculum, co-curricular activities, and campus culture. This holistic approach encourages students to think critically about their responsibilities toward society and the environment, bridging theory with practical applications through impactful programs and projects. Finally, we observed the importance of global collaboration in strengthening sustainability efforts. IIUM partners wi...

  In Week 5, our visit to the "Asas Takaful" book exhibition at Dar al-Hikmah Library highlighted how Takaful aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Maqasid Shariah, and Sejahtera. Takaful, an Islamic cooperative insurance model, is rooted in social responsibility, transparency, and community welfare, promoting a sustainable financial system that benefits society. Takaful supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) by providing a financial safety net, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by fostering financial inclusion, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through job creation in ethical Islamic finance, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by ensuring transparency, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by educating students about ethical finance.   Aligned with Maqasid Shariah, Takaful preserves wealth (hifz al-mal) by ensuring financial protection and life (hifz al-nafs) through assistance during critical times. It also reflects Sejahtera by fostering soc...

  In Week 4, we explored key conventions, declarations, and frameworks of sustainable development, as well as the concept of Sejahtera and its local implementation. The history of global conferences began in 1972 with the UN Conference on Human Development, culminating in the 2016 SDGs. The Rio de Janeiro Conference in 1992 introduced the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21, while the Kyoto Protocol (1997) focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Johannesburg Summit (2002) addressed challenges like population growth and conservation, with an emphasis on oceans, coasts, and islands. The Bali Conference united 180 countries to tackle climate change collaboratively. Dr Suhaimi then explained Sejahtera, a concept of harmony and balance encompassing physical, mental, social, and environmental well-being. It emphasizes justice, fairness, and coexistence with nature. Locally, Sejahtera is implemented through initiatives like Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and the Falsafah Pendidikan Keb...

This week’s visit to the IIUM Gallery showcased the integration of Maqasid Shariah and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through architectural replicas of the Gambang campus. These designs highlighted sustainability using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features, aligning with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. They also emphasized community engagement through inclusive spaces that foster social interaction and belonging, promoting social well-being. The exhibition served as an educational tool, raising awareness about environmental responsibility and aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education, inspiring future generations to adopt sustainable practices.   The replicas also focused on health and well-being by incorporating features like natural light and open spaces, supporting physical and mental health, in line with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and the Maqasid Shariah principle of preserving life (Nafs). Additionally, the use of local cultural elemen...

In Week 2, the focus was on Islam's perspective on sustainable development, emphasizing the integration of faith and responsibility. Prof. Dr. Suhaimi highlighted the concept of stewardship (Khilafah), where humans are entrusted as caretakers of the Earth. Guided by the Quranic principles of justice (Adl), balance (Mizan), and trust (Amanah), sustainable development in Islam calls for wise resource management for the well-being of current and future generations. Environmental sustainability emphasizes responsible use of resources like water and land, fulfilling our Amanah to Allah. Social sustainability is rooted in Rahmatan Lil Alamin, governance through Amanah, and Shura. Economic sustainability is upheld by addressing poverty through Zakat, Waqf, and continuous charity, ensuring prosperity aligns with Islamic values.

  The Sejahtera Week 1 session offered deep insights into sustainable development and its significance. Prof. Dr. Suhaimi explained that sustainability is balancing and meeting current needs without compromising the future. The three pillars—environmental conservation, economic development, and social well-being— highlight the importance of a harmonious relationship between nature, community, and the economy. It was fascinating to learn about the evolution of sustainable development, from the Millennium Development Goals to the comprehensive 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) we have today. The "5Ps" framework— People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership—stood out as a powerful guide for creating a better, sustainable future for all.