اور اسلامی نظام معیشت:ایک تقابلی و تنقیدی مطالعہ (SDGs 2030)اقوام متحدہ کے معاشی ترقیاتی اہداف

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030) and the Islamic Economic System: A Comparative and Critical Study

Abstract

Islamic teachings provide comprehensive and timeless guidance for humanity in all eras and circumstances. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030) presented by the United Nations represent a major global development framework of the modern age, adopted in 2015 by all UN member states, including Pakistan. These goals aim to address critical global challenges such as poverty, hunger, inequality, and economic instability by integrating social, economic, and environmental dimensions of development. This research presents a comparative and critical study of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with particular focus on Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), in the light of the Islamic economic system. The primary objective of the study is to examine whether the principles and mechanisms provided by the Holy Qur’an, Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and Islamic jurisprudence regarding poverty and hunger alleviation align with the objectives of the SDGs, and to what extent Islam offers a more comprehensive and value-based framework. The study reveals that Islam does not treat poverty and hunger merely as economic issues but regards them as collective moral and social responsibilities. Institutional mechanisms such as Zakat, Sadaqat, Ushr, Waqf, and Bayt al-Mal ensure equitable distribution of wealth, social protection, and food security. While the SDGs largely emphasize policy-driven and material development, the Islamic economic system integrates these objectives with social justice, human dignity, and accountability in both worldly and spiritual dimensions. This research employs applied, qualitative, descriptive, and argumentative methodologies, utilizing data from the Qur’an and Hadith, classical Islamic jurisprudence, United Nations documents, and official records of Pakistan. The findings indicate that aligning SDGs 2030 with Islamic economic principles can lead to a more just, sustainable, and human-centered development model, particularly in addressing poverty and hunger.