Bridging Faith and Sustainable Development: Islamic Principles for Achieving SDG 6.2

Islamic principles prioritize community welfare, environmental stewardship, justice, and dignity—values that align closely with the objectives of SDG 6.2. Islam teaches that water is a divine blessing that must be protected and used responsibly. Furthermore, cleanliness and sanitation hold significant importance in Islamic teachings, highlighting the need for personal and communal hygiene. By integrating Islamic principles into sanitation initiatives, organizations can promote practices that resonate deeply with local beliefs and encourage widespread participation in sanitation efforts.

1. Stewardship of Resources (Khilafah): Responsible Water Management

The concept of Khilafah (stewardship) emphasizes humans’ role as caretakers of Earth’s resources. This principle calls on individuals and communities to protect and use natural resources wisely. In relation to SDG 6.2, Khilafah underlines the importance of conserving water resources, preventing contamination, and ensuring that water is available to all. For development practitioners, this principle translates into programs that promote sustainable water use, encourage rainwater harvesting, and educate communities about preventing pollution.

Practical initiatives that incorporate Khilafah may involve:

• Educating communities on the responsible use of water for sanitation and hygiene.
• Implementing rainwater harvesting systems to provide reliable sources of clean water.
• Training households and community leaders on best practices for water conservation and pollution prevention.

By focusing on these areas, development organizations can support the effective, sustainable management of water resources, in alignment with both SDG 6.2 and Islamic values.

 2. Emphasis on Cleanliness and Purity (Taharah): A Foundation for Hygiene

Islam places a strong emphasis on Taharah (cleanliness and purity) as an essential part of faith. This focus on cleanliness aligns closely with the aims of SDG 6.2, which seeks to ensure access to adequate sanitation and hygiene. Islamic teachings encourage regular cleaning of the body and surroundings, making hygiene practices both a religious and practical priority.

Development programs can leverage this emphasis on Taharah by:

• Designing culturally resonant hygiene education programs that connect Islamic teachings on cleanliness with modern sanitation practices.
• Promoting handwashing, safe toilet usage, and the importance of keeping communal spaces clean.
• Working with local religious leaders to promote hygiene messages within communities.

This approach not only supports the adoption of hygiene practices but also strengthens community buy-in by linking hygiene with religious teachings, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

 3. Equity and Inclusion (Adl): Ensuring Access for All

Islamic principles of Adl (justice) and Ihsan (compassion) emphasize the duty to support the welfare of all members of society, especially the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. These principles are aligned with SDG 6.2's focus on equitable access to sanitation, especially for women, children, and people with disabilities. By centering development efforts on justice, organizations can prioritize inclusive solutions that ensure sanitation facilities are accessible, safe, and dignified for everyone.

In practice, this could mean:

• Building gender-sensitive sanitation facilities that offer privacy, safety, and comfort for women and girls.
• Designing accessible latrines and handwashing stations for individuals with disabilities.
• Ensuring equitable distribution of sanitation resources in both urban and rural communities.

This commitment to equity and inclusion reflects the Islamic call for justice, creating development initiatives that uplift entire communities while addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.

 4. Community Participation (Shura): Empowering Local Involvement

The Islamic principle of Shura (consultation) encourages inclusive decision-making, where community members have a say in matters that affect them. This participatory approach is invaluable in sanitation and hygiene projects, as community involvement ensures that solutions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.

Organizations can incorporate Shura into their projects by:

• Involving community members in the planning, design, and maintenance of sanitation facilities.
• Consulting with local leaders, including religious figures, to gain community support and guidance on cultural considerations.
• Conducting regular feedback sessions with users of sanitation facilities to address issues and improve service quality.

This approach ensures that sanitation initiatives are community-driven, sustainable, and better suited to the unique needs of each population, aligning closely with the participatory goals of SDG 6.2.

 5. Human Dignity (Karama): Providing Safe and Respectful Sanitation Facilities

Human dignity, or Karama, is a cornerstone of Islamic teachings. In the context of sanitation, ensuring dignified conditions means providing safe, private, and hygienic facilities. This is particularly crucial for women and girls, as well as for people with disabilities, who are often underserved in traditional sanitation efforts.

Development programs that honor human dignity might focus on:

• Building sanitation facilities that provide privacy and safety, especially in schools and public spaces.
• Ensuring that facilities are well-maintained, clean, and meet the needs of all users.
• Educating communities on respectful and non-discriminatory use of shared sanitation facilities.

By emphasizing human dignity, organizations can create sanitation solutions that resonate with Islamic values, thereby encouraging community acceptance and support.

 6. Zakat and Waqf: Mobilizing Islamic Social Finance for Sanitation

Islamic social finance, through mechanisms like Zakat (mandatory almsgiving) and Waqf (endowment), provides innovative funding solutions for sanitation projects. Zakat funds can be used to support sanitation initiatives for impoverished communities, while waqf endowments can be established to maintain sanitation infrastructure over the long term.

For NGOs and INGOs, Islamic social finance can be mobilized to:

• Provide financial support for building and maintaining sanitation facilities in underserved areas.
• Establish waqf funds dedicated to sanitation and hygiene education within communities.
• Collaborate with local mosques and Islamic organizations to raise awareness and funding for hygiene initiatives.

Utilizing Islamic social finance not only helps to address resource limitations but also fosters community ownership, making sanitation initiatives more sustainable and locally driven.

 Conclusion: A Pathway to Dignity and Well-Being Through Islamic Development Principles

Islamic development principles offer a rich framework that aligns closely with the goals of SDG 6.2. By embracing stewardship, cleanliness, equity, community participation, dignity, and Islamic social finance, organizations can develop sanitation initiatives that are not only effective but also deeply rooted in local cultural and religious values. These principles provide a pathway to achieving clean water and sanitation for all, fostering dignity, health, and sustainable well-being in Muslim communities.

For NGOs and INGOs, integrating these principles into their strategies can lead to stronger, more sustainable partnerships with communities, making SDG 6.2 a shared goal that is both actionable and inspiring. By building programs on Islamic values, development organizations have an opportunity to create a lasting impact that resonates deeply with the communities they serve, ultimately contributing to a world where dignity and well-being are accessible to all.