How Compatible Are SDGs with Divine Principles? A Critical Literature Review (CLR)

Abstract

Islam is described by Allah as the most standard creed (Din-ul-Qayyimah) because its divine principles are eternally consistent for achieving global peace, human progress, economic growth, and sustainable development. This chapter discusses the compatibility of SDGs with divine principles of Islam using a qualitative research method. The required pieces of information sourced from Qur’an, Hadith, online resources and scholarly articles were subjected to critical literature review (CLR). After a critical review, it was found that the seventeen (17) SDGs of the United Nations are compatible with the five (5) thematic objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid al-Shariah), namely: (i) preservation of religion, (ii) preservation of life, (iii) preservation of intellect, (iv) preservation of progeny, and (v) preservation of wealth. The chapter concludes, recommending that the ideals of SDGs should be adopted, implemented, and monitored by all member countries of the United Nations for the betterment of this world and the hereafter as well. Two practical/managerial implications emerged. Firstly, discussing the compatibility of SDGs drawing evidences from the Qur’an and Hadith has provided theological foundation for SDGs as Shari’ah-compliant ideals. Secondly, the evidence-based justification would strengthen adoption and compliance with the SDGs by Muslim nations and policymakers because the sustainable development ideals of the United Nations have been situated within the realm of Maqasid al-Shariah (Objectives of Islamic law). This supports the theory of Islamic Revivalism and Maududian Affirmative Islamic Revivalism. The suggestion for the future is for researchers to carry out an empirical investigation on the compatibility of SDGs with the divine principles of Islam.