5 Dec, 2022, Kuala Lumpur – INCEIF University’s research arm, ISRA Research Management Centre, and Maybank Islamic recently organised a joint forum to review the newly published translated book of the late Sheikh Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi. The book, originally written in Arabic titled Ri‘ayat al-Bi’ah fi Shari‘at al-Islam, was translated into English with the title, Conservation of the Environment in Islamic Law.

First published in 2001, the book comprises six main chapters covering the Islamic foundation of environmental conservation, problems and threats, and the Islamic strategy to protect the environment. The translated English version enables the book to reach a wider global audience, beyond the Arab-speaking world, particularly given the global appeal of the sustainability agenda.

As an institution of higher learning with a focus on postgraduate studies in Islamic finance, INCEIF University seeks to contribute towards the collective efforts in ensuring that the industry is more authentic to the true spirit of Islamic law and uphold the objectives of Shariah (Maqasid al-Shariah) of doing good to people and the planet. The publication of Sheikh al-Qaradawi’s book is one of the testaments of this effort.

During the forum held on campus on 28 November, panellist Mr Radzuan Tajuddin who is a Consultant with World Bank Group Malaysia, said in response to the global environmental imbalances, “Qaradawi’s thoughts on ‘Islamic Green New Deal’ serves as a credible framework for greening the Islamic finance, in building the capacity to mobilise green capital for financing and investing in environmental conservation activities. Qaradawi has indeed laid down the foundation for a high-level environmental sustainability and framework to preserve human well-being’.

Another panellist, Prof Ashraf Md Hashim who is CEO of ISRA Consulting said: “Islamic references on the environment in English language is scarce. This book is excellent because it provides prescriptions from both the theoretical Islamic guidelines (Quran and hadith) and practical examples of how Islamic civilisation historically treated threats to the environment.”

Panellist Mr Ismail Hj Abdullah, President & CEO of International Green Trends Cockpit, said “The Quran and Sunnah, which are a complete guide for humans as caliphs, have incorporated the key principles of environmental conservation. Therefore, we need to learn and understand what has been outlined in both sources of the Shariah and apply those teachings into practise.”

INCEIF University has always strives to be the bridge between academia and industry, be it in its teaching, research, and executive training programmes, to translate the knowledge gained in classrooms and gleaned from textbooks into real, adaptable industry-focussed solutions. As a proponent of Islamic finance, the university remains steadfast in the belief that Islam and Islamic finance have the capacity and inspiration to be the solution as a mercy to mankind (Rahmatan lil alamin). Islamic finance must endure as the catalyst in promoting the real economy which in turn serves the interest for a just and progressive society.

Prophet Muhammad SAW said: ‘The world is beautiful and verdant, and verily God, be He exalted, has made you His stewards in it, and He sees how you acquit yourselves.’ (Sahih Muslim, hadith no. 2742)

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