Sustainability by the Ethics of Unity of Knowledge Between Economy, Science, and Society by the Qur’anic Methodological Worldview of Complementarities

From Divine Trust to Sustainable Civilization: Reconstructing Consumption Ethics Through Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah in the Anthropocene

The Anthropocene has intensified scholarly concern regarding unsustainable consumption, ecological degradation, and growing inequalities within global food systems. Sustainability discourse has generated significant theoretical and policy responses, yet much of it emphasizes technology and regulation and pays comparatively less attention to the moral dimensions of consumption. This article proposes that Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah can inform the reconstruction of consumption ethics by framing consumption as a moral responsibility grounded in stewardship, accountability, gratitude, and justice. Drawing on qualitative and conceptual methods, the study undertakes textual analysis of the Qur’an, Prophetic traditions, and maqāṣid scholarship, complemented by comparative engagement with sustainability theory and environmental ethics. It examines the ethical significance of resource use, moderation, and human responsibility in relation to ecological challenges, with attention to food waste as an illustrative case of the wider consumption-ethics problem. The study finds that the Qur’anic moral economy and the objectives of Islamic law offer an integrated vision linking individual behavior, social welfare, environmental stewardship, and civilizational flourishing. Building on these insights, the article proposes the Maqāṣid-Based Sustainable Consumption Framework (MSCF), a conceptual model connecting divine trust, gratitude, moderation, responsible consumption, social justice, and ecological responsibility. The sequence and relationships within this framework are conceptual and remain to be tested empirically. The article concludes that sustainability requires ethical transformation alongside technological adaptation, and that Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah offers a relevant conceptual resource for thinking about sustainable civilization in an age of ecological crisis.

Ethics and the Circular Economy in Sustainability Transitions: a Bibliometric Synthesis for Development-oriented Policy and Practice

IQZATH Theory: Reconstructing Islamic Economics toward a Moral-Spiritual and Sustainable Paradigm

The rapid growth of Islamic economics has strengthened Sharia-compliant finance, halal industries, and Islamic social finance. However, its theoretical development remains constrained by the absence of an integrated framework explaining how spiritual consciousness generates ethical governance and sustainable economic outcomes. Existing paradigms largely emphasize legal compliance, institutional governance, and normative objectives while offering limited explanation of the causal mechanisms linking individual moral transformation to organizational governance and long-term sustainability. This study develops IQZATH Theory (Iqtishādiyyah az-Zakiyyah ath-Ṭāhirah) as a novel middle-range theoretical framework for reconstructing Islamic economics from a moral-spiritual perspective. Employing a qualitative conceptual design with a theory-building approach, the study synthesizes interdisciplinary literature on Islamic economics, governance, business ethics, sustainability, and Islamic philosophy through ontological, epistemological, and axiological analyses. The proposed framework identifies tazkiyah (spiritual purification) as the foundational causal mechanism that fosters Nazahah (ethical integrity), Syaffafah (institutional transparency), public trust, and ultimately Istidamah (sustainable governance). Unlike existing approaches that primarily prescribe normative ideals, IQZATH explains how spiritual values are transformed into institutional behavior through an integrated causal process connecting the individual, organizational, and societal levels. The theory contributes to Islamic economic scholarship by repositioning spirituality as an endogenous explanatory construct rather than merely a normative principle, thereby extending international discussions on ethical governance and sustainable development. Future empirical research is encouraged to operationalize and validate the proposed constructs across diverse institutional and cross-cultural settings.

Islamic Environmental Ethics in Global Context: A Trends, Gaps, and Theological Contributions

This study shows that Islam’s contribution to the discourse on eco-theology and environmental ethics tends to be limited. In fact, Islam possesses a strong theological-ethical foundation through the concept of Islamic Environmental Ethics (IEE). Using the PRISMA method and VOSViewer software, the author conducted a search using the keywords “Islamic AND Environmental AND Ethics” and identified 265 articles from 2004 through May 31, 2026. After undergoing an inclusion and exclusion process, 30 relevant articles were selected for analysis. The results of the bibliometric analysis indicate that IEE studies have developed significantly, focusing on the themes of khalīfah, maslahah, and ‘adl (justice); however, the majority remain normatively and legalistically oriented without strengthening their theological foundations. Visual analysis indicates that IEE serves as a bridge between Islamic concepts and global environmental issues (responsibility, sustainability, and conservation). The author proposes the Ash‘ari theological framework as an alternative approach to reconstructing IEE into an integrative paradigm of ecological theology, while also opening space for interfaith dialogue in building a just and sustainable global environmental ethics.

Revisiting Rationality: From Homo economicus to Homo Islamicus in the Pursuit of Sustainable Well-Being

Purpose: This study examines the limitations of conventional economic rationality, as represented by Homo economicus, in addressing contemporary global challenges such as rising inequality, environmental degradation, and recurring financial crises. It proposes Homo Islamicus, grounded in the maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah framework, as a prescriptive model of value-based rationality that prioritises God-consciousness (taqwa), justice (adl), and the collective good (maslahah) to achieve sustainable well-being. Methodology: The study employs a comparative conceptual analysis and multidisciplinary literature review to examine the philosophical foundations of conventional and Islamic economic rationality. It draws on secondary qualitative data from theoretical and philosophical literature, documentary evidence, contemporary conceptual frameworks, and relevant case studies to contrast the ontological assumptions and implications of both paradigms. Results: The findings indicate that conventional economic rationality treats sustainability as an ex post adjustment, whereas the Islamic paradigm embeds sustainability as an ex ante criterion for rational decision-making. The analysis further reveals that the transition towards a Homo Islamicus-based framework is constrained by ‘maqāṣid-washing,’ the use of ethical rhetoric without substantive implementation, and by an overemphasis on procedural Sharīʿah compliance at the expense of measurable social impact. Novelty and Contribution: The study advances Islamic economics by framing welfare-enhancing decisions through maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah, focusing on preserving faith, life, intellect, progeny, and wealth. It links Islamic ethics with measurable socioeconomic outcomes. Social and Practical Implications: Socially, the study promotes welfare, justice, and responsible economic decision-making. Practically, it supports policymakers and Islamic financial institutions in developing indicators and governance mechanisms to assess social impact, accountability, and sustainable development.

Balancing Prosperity and Ethics: Economics through the Lens of Indian Knowledge Traditions

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) encompasses a wide range of intellectual traditions that developed in India over millennia, covering philosophy, sciences, arts, medicine, governance, and economics. Among these, economic thought has played a vital role in shaping ancient and medieval Indian society. Classical texts such as the Arthashastra, Manusmriti, and Mahabharata reflect detailed insights into taxation, trade, labour relations, property rights, and welfare economics. Rooted in ethical and spiritual frameworks, Indian economic thought integrated material prosperity (artha) with social responsibility (dharma) and ultimate liberation (moksha). This paper examines the interlinkages between IKS and economics, analysing ancient frameworks of wealth creation, resource distribution, and governance, while also assessing their relevance to modern economic theory and sustainable development. This research paper explores the intricate relationship between dharma (righteous duty) and artha (material prosperity) in ancient Indian philosophical traditions and examines their relevance to contemporary economic thought. The paper analyses how the Indian knowledge system offers a unique framework for understanding economics that integrates material wealth with moral and ethical considerations. Through examination of classical texts including the Arthashastra, Mahabharata, and various Puranas, this study demonstrates how the dharma-artha paradigm provides valuable insights for addressing modern economic challenges including sustainability, corporate responsibility, and inclusive development.