Submitted:
12 August 2024
Posted:
16 August 2024
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Abstract
Keywords:
Introduction
Human Development Index and the Ecological Footprint
Alarming Point
Ecology and Human Well-Being
Islamic Finance, Sustainability, and Equity
Economic Paradigm Shift
Educational Reforms
Islamic Finance and Sustainability
Regulatory and Technological Support
Climate Change
The Finite Limits of Earth’s Resources
Economic Growth and Environmental Impact
Historical Context and Future Directions
Decoupling Economic Growth from Resource Consumption
| SDG | Description | Islamic Finance Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 1. No Poverty | End poverty in all its forms everywhere. | Zakat (compulsory charity), Sadaqah (voluntary charity), and Qard Hasan (benevolent loans) provide direct financial support to the needy, aiming to reduce poverty. |
| 2. Zero Hunger | End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. | Islamic microfinance can support small-scale farmers, while investments in Halal industries promote sustainable agriculture practices. |
| 3. Good Health and Well-being | Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. | Islamic social finance instruments can fund healthcare services and infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions. |
| 4. Quality Education | Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. | Waqf (endowments) can be used to establish and maintain educational institutions, scholarships for students, and funding for educational materials. |
| 5. Gender Equality | Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. | Islamic finance emphasizes equitable treatment and provides opportunities for women to participate in economic activities, including business ownership and financial decisions. |
| 6. Clean Water and Sanitation | Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. | Investments in water and sanitation projects through Islamic bonds (Sukuk) can finance infrastructure developments in line with Shariah principles. |
| 7. Affordable and Clean Energy | Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. | Islamic finance can fund renewable energy projects through green Sukuk, promoting environmental stewardship and clean energy. |
| 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth | Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment. | Islamic finance supports SMEs and entrepreneurship through Mudarabah (profit-sharing contracts) and Musharakah (joint venture), fostering economic growth and job creation. |
| 10. Reduced Inequalities | Reduce inequality within and among countries. | Islamic finance principles promote wealth distribution and discourage excessive leveraging, aiming to reduce financial inequalities. |
| 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities | Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. | Financing urban development projects through Islamic finance can support infrastructure that is sustainable and benefits communities equitably. |
| 13. Climate Action | Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. | Green Sukuk and Islamic investments in sustainable projects support environmental preservation and combat climate change. |
| 16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. | Shariah principles advocate for justice, ethical conduct, and transparency, which align with building strong and accountable institutions. |
| 17. Partnerships for the Goals | Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. | Islamic finance encourages partnerships and collaborative investments to achieve broader social, economic, and environmental goals. |

Sukuk
Market Evolution
Green Sukuk’s Role in Sustainable Development
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
1. Lack of Awareness and Understanding
2. Regulatory and Standardization Issues
3. Limited Environmental Expertise
Opportunities
1. Alignment with Global Sustainability Goals
2. Market Expansion and Diversification
3. Enhancing Reputation and Compliance
Conclusion
Supplementary Materials
References
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