Hometown : Sungai Buloh, Selangor

Birthday: 29 March 2003

Height : 173 cm

Weight : 60 kg

Hobby : Reading Al-Quran

This week labelled the start of my third year at IIUM, and Sustainable Development was the second class I was meant to attend. I couldn't make it due to a serious digestive problem.

Fortunately, my friends Zulfahmi, Sholihin, Rasydan and Zafran helped me catch up by sharing what was discussed, including the ta'aruf session in which classmates introduced themselves and characterised both themselves and Sustainable Development (SD) in one word.

The class explored the definition of SD, its evolution, and its principles, emphasizing the balance between meeting present needs and preserving resources for future generations. It highlighted our role as khalifah on Earth, entrusted with caring for a planet that provides water, oxygen, and land. Yet, humans often neglect this responsibility, causing harm instead of protecting our environment.

Reflecting on this, I realized how critical Sustainable Development is in ensuring responsible progress while minimizing harm to the Earth. Achieving this requires collaboration among those in power and the inclusion of everyone’s voices, no matter how small, to find sustainable solutions for a better future.

In the second week, I attended class feeling healthy and energized.

The topic, "Islam and Sustainable Development," offered profound insights into the deep connection between sustainability and Islamic teachings. I was amazed by how this concept has been rooted in Islam for over 1400 years, as reflected in the Qur’an, Hadith, and the practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It truly showcases the beauty and comprehensiveness of Islam a faith that nurtures the soul while guiding us toward ethical, balanced, and sustainable living.

The lecture's emphasis on the shuratic process, which encourages consultation and participatory decision-making, was one of its highlights. Despite being firmly rooted in Islamic beliefs, this idea fits very well with modern governance methods that place a high importance on justice and inclusivity. It made me realize how progressive and all-encompassing Islam is when viewed in its whole.

Whether it's resource conservation, treating others fairly, or pursuing personal development, the lecture inspired me to be more conscious of what I do. Living sustainably is a spiritual duty derived from my faith, not just an environmental decision. I want to use these teachings in my everyday life going ahead and inspire others to see the connection between sustainability and Islamic principles. It serves as a potent reminder that action and faith must coexist.

This week we have our usual class which I attend.

This week in class, we covered the topic of challenges to sustainable development, and it was a real eye-opener. As we know, achieving sustainability is no easy task. We must understand the challenges that can hinder it. These challenges span of some important aspects:

1. Social Challenges: Poverty. Despite significant progress in many parts of the world, poverty remains a major barrier to sustainability. People living in poverty often lack access to basic resources like education, healthcare, and clean water. A cycle where communities cannot achieve long-term sustainability because their immediate survival needs are not being met. Sustainable development efforts must address these inequalities to ensure that everyone can contribute to and benefit from sustainable practices.

2. Economic Challenges: Consumerism. The consumer-driven model promotes the continuous production and consumption of goods, often without consideration of long-term environmental impacts. This results in overconsumption of resources, waste generation, and environmental degradation. Moving towards a more sustainable economic model requires shifting away from a consumption-based mindset to one that prioritizes resource efficiency, ethical production, and sustainable consumption.

These challenges highlight the complexities of achieving sustainable development. It’s clear that sustainability is not just an environmental issue, but a holistic challenge that requires coordinated efforts across social, economic, and environmental spheres.

For this class we learn about Role of Institution for Sustainable Development. Honestly this class is quite interesting for me because it emphasizes the responsibilities of institution for sustainable developments.

SDG 16

Focuses on promoting peace, justice, and building strong institutions.

It emphasizes the importance of creating transparent, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels to ensure sustainable development.

For example, strengthening the rule of law, reducing corruption, and enhancing citizen participation in governance are essential for creating a stable foundation for sustainable development.

Without strong institutions, achieving the other SDGs becomes difficult because governance and accountability are key to implementing effective policies.

SDG 17

SDG 17 calls for strengthening global partnerships to support and achieve the ambitious targets of the SDGs.

It emphasizes the need for collaboration across governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations.

An example of SDG 17 in action is the Paris Agreement on climate change, where nations came together to set collective goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. This partnership-based approach is essential because sustainable development requires cooperation and joint action across different sectors and countries.

Both SDG 16 and SDG 17 are crucial for the success of sustainable development. SDG 16 ensures that the systems and structures needed for effective governance are in place, while SDG 17 ensures that these systems can work together globally to tackle complex challenges like climate change, inequality, and poverty.

Without peace, justice, and strong institutions, it would be impossible to create meaningful partnerships. Similarly, without global cooperation, even the strongest institutions cannot address issues that transcend borders. Together, these SDGs create a foundation for achieving the other SDGs and ensuring that sustainability efforts are effective and lasting.

Now that quiz day has arrived, how did i feel? Of course, I was anxious because I was a last-minute learner. For this question, I stayed up all night, thanks to anxiety and coffee.

I first answered every question on the test without any issues, but several of them were just plain confusing. I answered every question like I knew the answers, even though I had no idea what they were asking. Fake it till you make it, isn't that right? Then all of a sudden, the scores were made public, and guess what? Every response was found to be TRUE. Considering my condition, I think my score of 91 out of 100 is quite adequate for my smart mind.

One question on the quiz, which had to do with Malaysia's Syariah Index, caught my attention because I knew nothing about it. "What even is this?" was my thought as I sat there looking at the question. But rather than wasting time, I trusted my instincts and chose TRUE, crossing my fingers.

From this quiz, I learned a few important lessons that go beyond just the questions themselves. First, preparation matters, pulling an all-nighter might get me through the quiz, but it’s not the most effective way to truly understand the material. It worked this time, but I know it’s not sustainable in the long run.

Second, I realized the value of staying calm under pressure. Even when I didn’t know the answers, I trusted my instincts and kept moving forward instead of freezing up. That confidence helped me power through the confusing questions, like the one about the Syariah Index in Malaysia.

Lastly, I learned that quizzes aren’t just about testing what I know but they’re also a chance to identify what I don’t know. The Syariah Index question reminded me that there are gaps in my understanding that I need to fill. This experience has motivated me to manage my time better and review topics more thoroughly, so I don’t rely on luck the next time.

This week, we didn’t have any face-to-face classes—Alhamdulillah, Ya Allah—but we were tasked with visiting the IIUM Gallery. The visit was insightful, showcasing several projects that connect Maqasid al-Shariah to sustainability principles. Here’s what stood out:

1. Community Empowerment Project

   This project emphasizes safeguarding human life and dignity, a key objective in Maqasid al-Shariah. By providing support to asnaf (those in need), it ensures their basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, are met. This aligns with SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger, promoting their physical and mental well-being and enabling them to live with dignity.

2. The First Ever Frozen Zoo in Southeast Asia

   The Frozen Zoo highlights the preservation of life, extending Maqasid al-Shariah’s principles to all living beings as part of God's creation (Khalq). Protecting endangered species reflects the responsibility to preserve biodiversity, aligning with SDG 15: Life on Land, which focuses on safeguarding ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial resources.

3. Conversion Therapy: IIUM Perspective

   The discussion on gender conversion therapy in Islam ties to several objectives of Maqasid al-Shariah. It reflects Hifz al-Nafs (protection of life), emphasizing the importance of physical and mental well-being. Islam supports treatments that benefit individuals while adhering to its principles. Additionally, Hifz al-Din (protection of religion) comes into play, as Islam defines clear roles for men and women, discouraging gender changes unless under exceptional circumstances.

Although we didn’t have a physical class, Sir provided a lecture video that tied all these elements together. The video highlighted how Maqasid al-Shariah integrates seamlessly with sustainable development goals, emphasizing the balance between fulfilling human needs and safeguarding the environment for future generations. It was a week of profound learning despite the lack of in-person interactions.

Another day, another no class—but there’s always something to do. This week, we were assigned a task to visit the IIUM Library and find books, articles, or references related to Sejahtera Concept.

Our library visit turned out to be quite enlightening. We came across several insightful books, including Caring Society by Cho Kah, Kitchen Table Sustainability by Wendy Sarkissian, and Total Sustainability in the Built Environment. Each of these books provided valuable perspectives on the Sejahtera concept in sustainable development.

1. Lesson 1: Holistic Well-being Through “Caring Society” by Cho Kah

   This book highlights the importance of empathy and social responsibility in creating a caring community, which aligns closely with the Sejahtera concept. We learned that fostering empathy within a society significantly enhances community well-being, encouraging individuals to act in ways that support one another.

2. Lesson 2: Grassroots Sustainability from “Kitchen Table Sustainability” by Wendy Sarkissian

   This book focuses on the power of grassroots initiatives in driving sustainable development. We explored how simple community-based actions, such as creating community gardens and establishing local recycling programs, contribute to the Sejahtera concept by fostering collaboration and shared responsibility.

3. Lesson 3: Built Environment and the Sejahtera Concept from “Total Sustainability in the Built Environment”

   This book provides insights into how sustainable practices in architecture and urban planning can create harmony and resilience, key aspects of the Sejahtera concept. Examples such as green buildings and the use of eco-friendly materials show how the built environment can embody sustainability and contribute to long-term community well-being.

The role of university in sustainable development.

So, another class without a class. Today class is that we need to make one more observation around the IIUM. We need to locate sustainable features on the IIUM Gombak campus. We went to a number of locations, including as the IIUM Library and the Kulliyyah of Law, to see how IIUM incorporates sustainability into its infrastructure and culture.

We observed a number of efforts at the Kulliyyah of Education that were in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By making sure that students' medical requirements are satisfied, the IIUM Sejahtera Clinic apply SDG 3 which is Good Health and Well-Being. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities is supported by accessibility elements such as elevators for students with disabilities.

In keeping with SDG 15: Life on Land, the clinic's modest garden also supports ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Another example of sustainability in action was the IIUM Library. Its accessibility ramp, while posters promote energy and cleanliness. Recycling bins promote waste segregation and reasonably priced meal alternatives make sustainable practices accessible, demonstrating the café's compatibility with several SDGs.

Through applying these objectives into campus life, this experience shows how colleges act as living laboratories for sustainable growth.

As a student, I find it motivating to observe how seemingly insignificant actions support larger international endeavors.

In Week 4, we delved into the International Framework for Sustainable Development.

The International Framework provided a comprehensive understanding of how global efforts are structured to tackle sustainability challenges. The session focused on frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their emphasis on promoting economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.

One of the main insights from the lecture was the interconnected nature of the SDGs. It became clear that sustainable development is not a one-dimensional concept; it requires a holistic approach that considers the economic, social, and environmental aspects of growth. The SDGs are designed to ensure that no one is left behind, emphasizing inclusivity and equity in achieving global prosperity. These goals cover a wide range of areas, from poverty eradication and clean water access to combating climate change and promoting sustainable cities. I mean I did not know that before.

The lecture also discussed significant milestones in international efforts for sustainability, such as the Stockholm Conference of 1972 and the Rio Earth Summit of 1992. The Stockholm Conference was the first major international gathering to address environmental issues, leading to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It set the stage for future global dialogues on sustainability. In 1992, the Rio Earth Summit built on this momentum by adopting key frameworks, such as the agenda 21 action plan, which emphasized sustainable development as a global priority. These early conferences demonstrated the growing recognition of environmental issues and laid the groundwork for international cooperation on sustainability.

Ultimately, the framework for sustainable development emphasizes the need for collaboration, innovation, and accountability at every level global, national, and individual. It reminded me that achieving sustainability requires ongoing effort, commitment, and a commitment to balancing growth with respect for the planet and its people. This session also reinforced the importance of aligning these global efforts with ethical principles, such as those found in Islamic teachings, to ensure a future that is both just and sustainable.

So, our group choose IIUM roads, first because it is one of the examples of Sustainable and second one because it is used every day by me.

So, these are some of our insights:

1. Promoting Eco-Friendly Transportation

   IIUM main road provides 3 lanes which is including a lane, for cars, bicycle and beam. This innovation encourages students to use bicycles and beam as their main transportation to class. This will reduce the carbon emissions that produced the cars and motorcycles produce a healthier environment to the campus. However, we know in current situations the usage of cars and motorcycles still abundant in IIUM campus.

2. Efficient space utilization

   The three lanes, help students who riding bicycles and beam to Kulliyyah, to have more space for them to freely use the roads. This provides comfort and convenient to them. During the current situation, the usage of car and motorcycles are still more relevant than bicycles and beam, if IIUM successfully encourages students to use those, the traffic will be smoother. But we know, based on current situation the roads not smooth as we expected because number of cars increases but number of lanes is being reduced.

3. Building Sustainable Culture

   This conversion of main roads is a big start to encourage the students to start shifting their minds towards sustainability to produce a more carbon free environment in our IIUM campus.

Significance of Lesson

These lessons emphasis the role of small change in daily habits choosing beam or scooter in campus for example in achieving long term sustainability. We underscore the importance of shared responsibility among students in creating sustainable campus environment. As students, we can take little steps by at least reduce our usage of cars and motorcycles to class.