Empowerment and Self-reliance as Mechanisms of

Sustainable Community Development in Islam

• Measures designed to improve the level of autonomy of individuals and

communities are termed empowerment and self-reliance. It is about
improvement of skills of people which can enable them overcome the
sense of selflessness, and avail them some level of influence, autonomy
and recognition in managing their communities and resources for
sustainable growth and development. Adams (2008, p. xvi)
 Definition of Empowerment

• the capacity of individuals, groups and communities to take control of

their circumstances, exercise power and achieve their own goals; and the
process by which, individually and collectively, they are able to help
themselves and others to maximize the quality of their lives‖.
• Empowerment to people is therefore about self-reliance, life of dignity,
self-strength, right of choice, self-power and gaining control
 Islam encourage to the empowerment
• Islam is very much familiar with the concept of empowerment in order to
improve the lives of people. In a Hadith, Prophet Muhammad SAW said,
If you went out with a rope (the forest) and bring home with bundles of
firewood, then sell them, he has obtained honorable. The act is better than
begging, whether given or not‖ (Bukhari).
 cont
• similarly, Allah said, ―Because Allah will never change the grace which
he hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own)
souls; and Verily Allah is He who heareth and knoweth [All things]‖
(Q8:53).
• Every attempt in an effort to be independent is highly encouraged in
Islam.
 cont
• Therefore, changes desired by community members can only occur if
they seek to change. However, such changes are meaningless in Islam if
they do not benefit others (individuals and community) as Prophet
Muhammad said ―The best man is the one that has greatest benefit for
others‖
 Peace and Unity as Mechanisms of Sustainable Community Development in Islam

• Across the world, peace and unity have been described as prerequisites of
all sustainable development plans. Emphasizing on this, Odonor (2017)
notes that absence of peace in a community ultimately affect their
stability, social cohesion and economic greatness of the people. Every
peaceful settlement creates opportunity for robust development. Peace is
therefore necessary at all times for a meaningful development (Odonor,
2017).
 cont
• Over the years, various communities have experienced Many artificial
conflicts by some individuals and groups using the name of Islam. It is
obvious that the actions of these persons are not in consonance with the
principles of Islam, and their actions endangers communal social cohesion
and threatens harmony. Allah says in the Qur‘an ―…take not life, which
Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He
command you, that you may learn wisdom‖
 cont
• (Q6:151). In another verse, he said ―"… that if anyone killed a person -
unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be
as if he killed the whole mankind: and if any one saved a life, it would be
as if he saved the life of the whole of mankind" (Q5:32).
 Generosity and Charity as Mechanisms of
Sustainable Community Development in Islam
• Muslims believe that all possessions are bounties from Allah who is Most
Generous (Al-Kareem), and everyone and everything will one day return
to him.
• These possessions are temporary bounties that can be regarded as a ―loan‖
from Him (Allah). It is therefore logical to be humble and share what they
• have with others. The Muslim faithful considered Allah the Provider, who
expects His servants to share whatever He gave them generously, to their
family members, neighbours and communities.
 Community Development and rights to
Neighbours
• In Islam, Muslims have certain rights to their neighbours which they are
expected to be considerate of. They include the following:
• i. Concealing the sins of one‘s neighbours
• ii. Sharing food with them when one buys, or prevent
• them from seeing it to avoid being envious
• iii. Never transgress upon neighbours‘ or their rights
 Cont
• iv. Support neighbours when they are in need
• v. Avoid constructing high buildings without consulting neighbours to
prevent blocking ventilation or seeing them in an unsavoury condition
 cont
• vi. Visit and help neighbours when sick or calamity befalls them
• vii. Attend neighbours‘ funeral or cerebrate with them in times of
festivities
 Conclusion
• Conclusion
• In conclusion, this Chapter ascertains the presence of policies and
practices of community development in Islam, which serves as
ingredients of attaining socio-economic sustainability. The religion
directly mandates its believers to directly and indirectly engage in the
development of community with emphasis on human value, dignity and
consideration.
 cont
• It made provisions for spiritual rewards for anyone that volunteer for
goodness and provision of social service to the poor and needy, forbids
begging and encourage self-reliance and mandates unity and peaceful co-
existence with community members. These are undoubtedly necessary
ingredients in the attainment of any form of development