Revisiting the Principle of Israf (Avoiding Waste) in the Con-text of SDG-12 and Circular Economy Models

Zubaer Hossain Hridoy; Mohammad Shahabuddin; M. D. Helal Uddin

doi:10.61132/iceat.v3i1.252

Authors

Zubaer Hossain Hridoy National University
Mohammad Shahabuddin University of Science and Technology
M. D. Helal Uddin University Tenaga Nasional

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61132/iceat.v3i1.252

Keywords:

Circular economy, Environmental ethics, Green economy, Islamic sustainability, Israf, SDG-12, Waste reduction

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between Islamic Israf (wasteful actions) and Sustainable De-velopment Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) while also linking Israf to Circular Economy Practices. Currently, we are experiencing a worldwide crisis on Waste Generation, over consumption and inadequate Recycling, due to many developed and developing countries' econ-omies not considering Moral and Spiritual Values to guide their actions towards being more re-sponsible. To conduct the research for this study, relevant Qur'anic verses, Hadiths, Muslim Classical and Contemporary Scholars, UN Sustainability Documents and Sustainable Practices of Several Islamic Majority Countries were evaluated. This comprehensive analysis shows that there is a clear synergy between Islamic Teachings on Waste Reduction, Resource Conservation and Fair and Responsible Consumption with the Primary Global Sustainable Development Goals, which include: Moderation, Balance, Justice, Stewardship and Individual Accountability. The results illustrate that including Israf within current sustainability programs provides a key motivator for environmentally and socially responsible behavior, increasing environmental results and enhancing community in-volvement through spiritual and ethical motivations. Furthermore, this research indicates that Is-raf-based methods can assist and promote Circular Economy (CE) strategies, specifically encour-aging reuse, recycling, and proper management of resources. The conclusion of the study suggests that Israf is an effective ethical framework for enhancing the sustainability initiatives of today's so-ciety through its combined focus on ethics regarding spirituality, social justice, and economics. In-tegrating Israf values into government, education, and community projects will help promote awareness of consumer choices and lead towards a more sustainable future through continued ef-forts at sustainable development.

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