ASHRAF HAKIM

    Studying Sustainable Development at IIUM has been a valuable and eye-opening experience. It helped me understand how students can contribute meaningfully to building a more sustainable campus. Through fieldwork and observing IIUM’s efforts—such as composting food waste, conserving energy, and promoting social support like food banks and mental health services—I’ve come to see that sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about economic and social wellbeing.  These actions reflect key Islamic values like khalifah (stewardship) and ihsan (excellence). While the university has made notable progress, there’s still a need to strengthen student participation and foster a stronger sense of shared responsibility. This subject has encouraged me to take more initiative, both through small habits and by supporting sustainable efforts within the campus and beyond.

  This week’s lecture explored the vital role institutions play in achieving sustainable development, focusing on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). We learned that sustainability isn’t just about protecting the environment or growing the economy—it depends heavily on fair, transparent, and accountable institutions. As Dr. Suhaimi pointed out, justice and trust are the backbone of a stable society.  Without them, progress can’t be sustained. We also discussed how no country or organization can face global challenges alone. SDG 17 emphasizes the power of partnerships—across governments, sectors, and communities. These collaborations must be based on fairness and mutual respect, not exploitation. One key message that stayed with me was that global plans mean little without action at the local level. Whether it’s village leaders, local councils, schools, or religious centers—every part of society has a role.  Personally,...

 As an IIUM student studying Sustainable Development, this course has greatly deepened my understanding of the global challenges we face. I came to see how the environmental, social, and economic aspects of development are closely connected—when one is out of balance, the others are affected too. Learning about global inequalities, especially in access to basic needs like education, healthcare, clean water, and food, opened my eyes to the unfair systems that keep many communities in poverty. One striking example was the comparison between the small amount an African person earns daily and the large subsidy given to a cow in Europe. It really showed the need for more just and fair solutions. The Islamic approach to sustainable development made a strong impression on me. Values like stewardship (Khalifah), justice through giving (Zakat), and balance (Mizan) reminded me that caring for people and the planet is not just a modern concern—it’s a responsibility rooted in faith. Through ...

  This week’s session delved into the role of universities in advancing the sustainable development agenda. Initially, I was a bit skeptical—these kinds of topics often feel idealistic, full of grand visions that rarely translate into meaningful change on the ground. But as the discussion progressed, something shifted for me. What really resonated was the emphasis on education as something far deeper than the pursuit of credentials. It’s not just about getting degrees or securing jobs; it's about shaping individuals who are not only capable in their fields but also grounded in values, driven by conscience, and committed to serving both humanity and the planet. That broader, more soulful view of education felt both refreshing and necessary. One element that especially struck me was the integration of Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas’ philosophy. His emphasis on the ethical and spiritual dimensions of knowledge—the idea that true education must come with purpose, responsibility (a...

  Sejahtera is more than just a concept—it is a philosophy of life that embodies peace, balance, and spiritual well-being. It emphasizes living in a way that nurtures inner calm, fosters harmony with others, and upholds safety and justice in our surroundings. True prosperity in the Sejahtera sense is not limited to wealth but includes good health, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth. At the heart of this lifestyle is a deep connection to Allah and His creation, which encourages us to live purposefully and respectfully. Sejahtera promotes a well-rounded approach to life, balancing our intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. It reminds us that life is not just about material success, but about living with soul and sincerity. We also learned the importance of localising sustainability rather than simply adopting foreign models.   By aligning our environmental and social efforts with Malaysian values, Islamic principles, and the specific needs o...

  This week’s topic was pretty heavy—lots of global frameworks, UN declarations, and a whole alphabet soup of acronyms like UNFCCC, SDGs, and WSSD. They’re clearly important, but at times, it all felt a bit disconnected from everyday life. Given the state of the world, I couldn’t help but wonder—are these global goals truly within reach? One thing that stuck with me was realizing how long sustainability has been on the international agenda—since the 1970s! After all these years and conferences, the world still seems to be struggling. The goals sound promising, but maybe too much gets lost in political processes and slow decision-making. I found the Kyoto Protocol especially interesting. The idea of setting carbon targets and allowing countries to trade emissions was unique, but it also raised questions. Is it real accountability, or just a way for richer nations to appear environmentally friendly without making big sacrifices? What really brought things home for me was learning abo...