The Balance and Sustainability: A Qur’anic Economic Vision of Environmental Harmony

This study constructs a comprehensive Qur’anic economic vision of environmental sustainability through the principle of al-Mīzān (the Balance) — presented in the Qur’an as the universal law regulating the relationship between humankind, nature, and resources. Using an integrated mixed quantitative–qualitative methodology, the research identifies 315 verses related to environment, stewardship (istikhlāf), and reform (iṣlāḥ), tracing their chronological development across the Meccan and Medinan periods. Findings reveal that 72% of the verses addressing balance and corruption belong to the Medinan phase, indicating a historical transition from moral exhortation to institutional legislation, and from individual responsibility to collective environmental governance. Building upon this evolution, the study introduces the concept of Maqāṣid-based Sustainability, which harmonizes the preservation of wealth (ḥifẓ al-māl) and the preservation of the environment (ḥifẓ al-bīʾa) as complementary objectives within the framework of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah (the higher objectives of Islamic law). The paper further proposes a practical model for Islamic environmental economics, grounded in three applied mechanisms: The Islamic Circular Economy – promoting responsible production and consumption. The Environmental Waqf (Endowment) – as a sustainable financing instrument. The Green Zakāt Fund – supporting ecological justice and renewable energy initiatives. By linking ethical accountability with contemporary sustainability goals, the Qur’anic principle of al-Mīzān offers both a moral and epistemological alternative to materialist development paradigms, redefining the human–nature relationship on the basis of stewardship, reform, and balanced coexistence rather than consumption and domination.