Islam and Sustainable Development

Fabliha Afia:

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind

The Holy Quran encompasses the concept of sustainable development. Some Quranic verses, which can be interpreted, to establish that it encompasses all of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), are as follows:

SDG 1: NO POVERTY

“You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, Allah is fully aware of it” (Quran 3:92). “Do not worship except Allah; and do good to parents, relatives, orphans and the poor. And speak kindly to people, and establish prayer and give zakat” (Quran 2:83). “Who spend in the cause of Allah during ease, and hardship; who restrain their anger, and forgive others. Allah loves such good-doers” (Quran 3:134). “Whoever will come to Allah with a good deed shall have ten times as much” (Quran 6:160). “Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom’s weight; while if there is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward” (Quran 4:40). “As for those who believe and do good deeds, We do not let the reward of anyone who does a good deed go to waste” (Quran 18:30). “And whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward” (Quran 73:20). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 1: No poverty.

SDG 2: ZERO HUNGER

“His is the dominion of the heavens and earth” (Quran 57:5). “Do you not see that Allah has subjected to your service, all that is in the heavens and on the earth, and has abundantly bestowed upon you all His bounties, both visible and invisible?” (Quran 31:20). “Did they not look at the earth – how much We have produced therein from every noble kind?” (Quran 26:7). “There is no creature on earth but Allah is responsible for providing its sustenance. He knows where it dwells and where it will permanently rest” (Quran 11:6). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “Nothing is hidden from Allah, in the earth or in the heaven” (Quran 3:5). “Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise” (Quran 59:1). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 2: Zero hunger.

SDG 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

“O you who believe! Guard your own souls” (Quran 5:105). “Do not lose hope, nor be sad” (Quran 3:139). “No one besides Allah can rescue a soul from hardship” (Quran 53:58). “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me” (Quran 26:80). “The truth is from your Lord, so never be among the doubters” (Quran 2:147). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 3: Good health and well-being.

SDG 4: QUALITY EDUCATION

“Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into the light” (Quran 2:257). “If Allah helps you, no one can defeat you” (Quran 3:160). “Allah determines the outcome of all matters” (Quran 31:22). “You Alone we worship; You Alone we ask for help” (Quran 1:5). “My Lord, increase me in knowledge” (Quran 20:114). “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good” (Quran 29:69). “Indeed, my Lord is with me. He will guide me” (Quran 26:62). “Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive” (Quran 11:61). “Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. And bestow upon us Your mercy. Truly, You are the Bountiful” (Quran 3:8). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 4: Quality education.

SDG 5: GENDER EQUALITY

“And speak nicely to people” (Quran 2:83). “Men and Women have equal rewards for their deeds” (Quran 3:195). “And We created you in pairs” (Quran 78:8). “And among His signs is the fact that He created spouses for you from among your own kind so you can dwell with them in harmony. Indeed, He put love and mercy between you, and there are signs in this for people who think” (Quran 30:21). “And treat them [women] kindly!” (Quran 4:19). “And He has made me blessed wherever I am” (Quran 19:31). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 5: Gender equality.

SDG 6: CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

“We send down from the sky pure water” (Quran 25:48). “And have you seen the water that you drink? Is it you who brought it down from the clouds, or is it We who bring it down? If We willed, We could make it bitter, so why are you not grateful?” (Quran 56:68-70). “O you who believe, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles” (Quran 5:6). “You Alone we worship; You Alone we ask for help” (Quran 1:5). “Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. And bestow upon us Your mercy. Truly, You are the Bountiful” (Quran 3:8). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation.

SDG 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

“Allah rescues you from this and from all other distresses” (Quran 6:64). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy.

SDG 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

“Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds [that] for them there is forgiveness and great reward” (Quran 5:9). “Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his followers to become the dwellers of Hell” (Quran 35:6). Every soul will be rewarded according to their efforts” (Quran 20:15). “Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. And bestow upon us Your mercy. Truly, You are the Bountiful” (Quran 3:8). “Whoever will come to Allah with a good deed shall have ten times as much” (Quran 6:160). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth.

 SDG 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

“Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom’s weight; while if there is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward” (Quran 4:40). “As for those who believe and do good deeds, We do not let the reward of anyone who does a good deed go to waste” (Quran 18:30). “And whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward” (Quran 73:20). “You Alone we worship; You Alone we ask for help” (Quran 1:5). “My Lord, increase me in knowledge” (Quran 20:114). “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good” (Quran 29:69). “Indeed, my Lord is with me. He will guide me” (Quran 26:62). “Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive” (Quran 11:61). “Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. And bestow upon us Your mercy. Truly, You are the Bountiful” (Quran 3:8). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure.

SDG 10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES

“When you speak, be just, even if it concerns a near relative” (Quran 6:152). “And speak nicely to people” (Quran 2:83). “Men and Women have equal rewards for their deeds” (Quran 3:195). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 10: Reduced inequalities.

SDG 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

“My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise” (Quran 66:11). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities.

SDG 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

“Then Satan whispered to him, saying: ‘O Adam, shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?’ (Quran 20:120)”. “Do not waste. He [Allah] does not love the wasteful” (Quran 6:141). “Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely He does not like the wasteful” (Quran 7:31). “And do not spend wastefully” (Quran 17:26). “Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. And bestow upon us Your mercy. Truly, You are the Bountiful” (Quran 3:8). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production.

SDG 13: CLIMATE ACTION

“Or do you feel secure that He will not send you back into the sea another time and send upon you a hurricane of wind and drown you for your ingratitude? Then you will find no helper against Us” (Quran 17:69). “It is He who enables them to travel on land and sea until, when they are sailing on ships and rejoicing in the favouring wind, a storm arrives; waves come upon them from all sides and they feel there is no escape. Then they pray to Allah, professing sincere devotion to Him, ‘If You save us from this we shall be truly grateful’” (Quran 10:22). “Indeed, there is ease with hardship” (Quran 94:5). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is” (Quran 2:117). “If He willed, He could still the wind, and they would remain motionless on the sea’s surface. Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful” (Quran 42:33). “And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy” (Quran 25:48). “[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Creator  of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels as His message bearers, having two, three, or four wings. He adds to His creation what He wills. Indeed, Allah is able to do all things” (Quran 35:1). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 13: Climate action.

SDG 14: LIFE BELOW WATER

“Do you not see that Allah has subjected to your service all that is in the heavens and on the earth and has abundantly bestowed upon you all His bounties, both visible and invisible?” (Quran 31:20). “There is no creature on earth but Allah is responsible for providing its sustenance. He knows where it dwells and where it will permanently rest” (Quran 11:6). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “Do the disbelievers not realise that the heavens and the earth were a joint entity, and We separated them, and made from water every living thing? Will they not believe?” (Quran 21:30). “Allah is the Creator of all things” (Quran 39:62). “To Allah belongs what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. Allah encompasses all things” (Quran 4:126). “To Allah belongs the east and the west; wherever you turn, there is the presence of Allah” (Quran 2:115). “My mercy embraces all things” (Quran 7:156). “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth” (Quran 24:35). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 14: Life below water.

SDG 15: LIFE ON LAND

“And the earth – We have spread it out wide, and placed on it firm mountains, and caused everything to grow there in perfect balance” (Quran 15:19). “And We made firm mountains on the earth, so it should not sway with them, and We made passageways between them, so that they may be guided” (Quran 21:31). “And do not walk on the earth with conceit and arrogance. Surely you cannot cut through the earth, nor reach the mountains in height” (Quran 17:37). “Does he not know that Allah sees?” (Quran 96:14). “Not even a leaf falls without His knowledge” (Quran 6:59). “Have they not seen the birds in the open sky? None holds them up except Allah. Surely in this are signs for those who believe” (Quran 16:79). “There is no creature on earth, nor a bird that flies on its wings, but they are all communities like you” (Quran 6:38). “Do they not look at the camels – how they are created?” (Quran 88:17). “Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you mates from among yourselves, and pairs of animals. By means of which he multiplies you. There is nothing like Him. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing” (Quran 42:11). “Allah is the Creator of all things” (Quran 39:62). “To Allah belongs what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. Allah encompasses all things” (Quran 4:126). “To Allah belongs the east and the west; wherever you turn, there is the presence of Allah” (Quran 2:115). “My mercy embraces all things” (Quran 7:156). “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth” (Quran 24:35). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 15: Life on land.

SDG 16: PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

“O you who believe, stand for Allah and be witnesses for justice, and do not let the hatred of (or towards) others prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is aware of what you do” (Quran 5:8). “And do not insult one another, nor call each other with offensive names” (Quran 49:11). “And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colours. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge” (Quran 30:22). “There is no compulsion in religion. The right path has become clear from the wrong. So whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped a firm, unshakable support. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing” (Quran 2:256). “Do not concern yourself with things about which you have no knowledge. Indeed, your hearing, sight, and heart – all of these will be called to account” (Quran 17:36). “Do not seize one another’s property unjustly, nor bribe the authorities so that you may seize a portion of other people’s property sinfully and knowingly” (Quran 2:188). “Evil has appeared throughout the land and sea because of (the evil) that the hands of people have earned, so He [Allah] makes them taste some of the consequences of what they have done, so that they will return [to righteousness]” (Quran 30:41). “The true servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk humbly on the earth, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they [get aside], saying, Peace” (Quran 25:63). “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah hearts find peace” (Quran 13:28). “If you do good, whether openly or in secret; or pardon evil (then that is the attribute of Allah). Allah is ever Pardoning and Competent” (Quran 4:149). “The good deed and the evil deed are not the same. Repel evil with good. Then surely, your enemy will become as though he was a close friend” (Quran 41:34). “Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good” (Quran 16:128). “Is the reward for good anything but good?” (Quran 55:60). “Indeed, Allah is with the doers of good” (Quran 29:69). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions.

SDG 17: PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

“Do you not see how Allah has created the seven heavens in harmony with one another” (Quran 71:15). “Allah has not made for a man two hearts in his body” (Quran 33:4). “Allah says the truth, and He guides to the [right] way” (Quran 33:4). “And Allah is kind to [His] devotees” (Quran 2:207). “And if all the trees on the earth were pens, and the sea replenished with seven more seas [were ink], the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise!” (Quran 31:27). “And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth’” (Quran 18:14). “[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Quran 39:75). “So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran 55:13). “And remember when your Lord declared: If you are grateful [to Me], I will surely give you more and more” (Quran 14:7). “Allah likes those who are thankful” (Quran 39:7). “And to Allah prostrates all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth” (Quran 13:15). “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants” (Quran 27:59).

These verses, for example, can be interpreted to encompass SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals.

CONCLUSION

This analysis is original work. All praises to Allah.

Thus it is apparent from this analysis, that the Holy Quran encompasses all the 17 SDGs. Thus attaining all the 17 SDGs is compulsory, from an Islamic perspective. This analysis also shows that the guidance in the Holy Quran is peaceful, equitable, modern, liberal and all encompassing.

“And He gave you all that you asked Him for” (Quran 14:34). “And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied” (Quran 93:5). “And it is He who causes laughter and tears” (Quran 53:43). “But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners” (Quran 8:30). “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth” (Quran 24:35). “Allah – there is no god except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great” (Quran 2:255).

The writer is a Barrister-at-Law