The Compatibility of SDGs with Maqasid al-Shariah: Are there any Missing Goals

Abstract

Abstract 
 After the partial success of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs -2015), the UNDP has introduced Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs – 2030) for next fifteen years. The seventeen goals of SDGs are adopted at much broader level by almost all members of UN. These goals cover mainly three dimensions of social, economic and environment in the context of sustainability of resources and life on earth. The Muslims constitutes more than 1/4th of world population with fifty seven sovereign states. This paper is an attempt to evaluate sustainable development goals in the light of Islamic approach to human survival and resource sustainability. The Islamic vision of peace, progress and its continuity has backed by early Muslim thinkers in the form of Maqasid al-Shariah. The objective of this paper is to provide relevance of SDGs with Maqasid al-Shariah as well as to identify the gaps wherever exist in the light of universality of Islamic teachings. The study elucidates on SDGs to reestablish the subject of the goals from primary Shariah sources. Subsequently, the issue of important missing goals and dimensions when compared with axioms of Maqasid al-Shariah is provided. These are related to justice, ethics, character and humanity, which will make SDGs unique and universal. This is a distinctive study of its kind in which an attempt has been made to augment the globally recognized socioeconomic objectives of SDGs with most significant dimensions and aspects. Consequently, it will help for better understanding and applicability of sustainable development goals of UNDP in Muslim societies.