Sami Al-Daghistani, ed. Recovering Environmental and Economic Traditions in the Islamic World.

In this edited volume, which is a part of Brill's themes in Islamic studies, Islamic medieval contributions to ecological and economic understanding are well restudied with regard to some modern and contemporary approaches to climate sustainability.Containing six chapters, one big introduction by the editor, and a foreword statement by Maria Dakake, this volume identifies where we can have a permanent solution to the present ecological crisis.By exploring the traditional understanding of the environment and economics, which was especially perceived by medieval Muslims as an example, this book has done a praiseworthy work in reminding us about the ecological and economic sustainability that had prevailed in the medieval Islamic world.According to Islam, nature (ab'ah) is regarded as a blessing for humans, and humans are identified as stewards (khulaf') on earth for protecting the beautiful natural world with which they are entrusted (amnah) by God.This implies humans are trustees of the property of God, and humans should properly maintain this trusteeship.As all ingredients of economics (iqtid) come from nature (ab'ah), in no way can economic thoughts and activities be performed that are not suitable with the natural environment.For putting all these Islamic principles in practice, humans need the purification of hearts (tazkiyat al-nafs) in terms of individual self and economic functions.Without a purified soul, no one can forward to work accordingly.