The Relationship between Sustainable Development and the Objectives of Islamic Law in Addressing Economic Challenges

This study aims to analyze the relationship between sustainable development and the objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid al-Sharia) in addressing contemporary economic challenges, through an applied study of the United Arab Emirates. The study is based on the premise that the objectives of Islamic law are not merely an abstract theoretical framework, but rather constitute a normative and ethical reference point capable of guiding economic policies to achieve a balance between economic growth, social justice, and resource sustainability. The study examines the shared intellectual foundations between sustainable development and the objectives of Islamic law, highlighting the points of convergence between the goals of sustainable development and the overarching objectives of Islamic law, particularly in the areas of preserving wealth, protecting life, building human capacity, and achieving social solidarity. The study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to address the concepts of sustainable development and the objectives of Islamic law, alongside an inductive and analytical approach to assessing the UAE experience. The results demonstrate that UAE economic policies reflect a remarkable degree of alignment with the principles of sustainable development, especially in the areas of diversifying income sources, strengthening the non-oil economy, investing in human capital, and integrating environmental considerations into economic planning. The study also revealed that interpreting these policies from a purposive perspective demonstrates a clear alignment with the objectives of preserving wealth and ensuring financial stability, preserving life through improved living standards and services, and preserving intellect through support for education and innovation. The study concludes that integrating sustainable development with Islamic legal objectives enables the construction of a more inclusive and equitable development model and strengthens the legitimacy of economic policies in Muslim societies, while emphasizing the importance of deepening the distributive and social dimensions to ensure the long-term sustainability of development.