Beyond Scarcity: Natural Resources And Human Needs In Islamic Economics
Keywords:
Islamic Economics; Natural Resources; Human Needs; Resource Governance; Consumption Ethics
Abstract
This article critically examines the existence of natural resources from the perspective of Islamic economics by challenging the modern economic paradigm that assumes natural resources are limited while human needs are unlimited. Using a qualitative approach with a critical–normative literature review design, this study analyzes classical and contemporary economic theories, empirical findings, and Islamic normative sources, including the Qur’an, Hadith, and authoritative tafsir literature. The findings indicate that the scarcity paradigm is not absolute, as the existence of natural resources is dynamic and continuously transformed through technological development, innovation, and human management. Empirical evidence further shows that environmental and economic crises are more closely related to unequal distribution, institutional failure, and excessive human behavior than to the absolute depletion of resources. From the Islamic economics perspective, natural resources are viewed as a divine trust (amanah) provided sufficiently for human welfare, while human consumption is normatively restricted by ethical and moral principles. This study concludes that the primary problem lies not in resource existence, but in flawed economic systems, unjust governance, and uncontrolled consumption behavior.References
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Auty, R. M. (1993). Sustaining development in mineral economies: The resource curse thesis. Routledge.
Bank, The World. (2023). Perubahan Iklim.
Chapra, M. Umer. (2000). The Future Of Economics: An Islamic Perspective.
Chapra, M. Umer. (2008). The Islamic Vision Of Development In The Light Of Maqasid Al-Shariah.
Daly, H. E. (1996). Beyond growth: The economics of sustainable development. Beacon Press.
Faruk, Ahmet, Bakkar, Yassine, Ul-Durar, Shajara, & Nawaz, Umar. (2023). Natural Resources Governance And Conflicts : Retrospective Analysis. Resources Policy, 85(Pa), 103942. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Resourpol.2023.103942
Hasan, Z. (2010). Islamic perspective on economic development. International Islamic University Malaysia Press.
IPCC. (2021). Climate change 2021: The physical science basis. Cambridge University Press
Kamali, M. H. (2008). Shari’ah law: An introduction. Oneworld Publications.
Krautkraemer, J. A. (2005). Economics of natural resource scarcity: The state of the debate. Resources for the Future, 14(2), 1–9.
Mankiw, N. Gregory. (2022). Principal Of Economics.
Okolo, Chukwuemeka Valentine, Wen, Jun, & Susaeta, Andres. (2023). Maximizing Natural Resource Rent Economics: The Role Of Human Capital Development, Financial Sector Development, And Open-Trade Economies In Driving Technological Innovation. Environmental Science And Pollution Research, 31, 4453–4477.
Rahim, Syed, Murshed, Muntasir, Umarbeyli, Sukru, Kirikkaleli, Dervis, Ahmad, Mahmood, Tufail, Muhammad, & Wahab, Salman. (2021). Resources , Environment And Sustainability Do Natural Resources Abundance And Human Capital Development Promote Economic Growth ? A Study On The Resource Curse Hypothesis In Next Eleven Countries. Resources, Environment And Sustainability, 4(December 2020), 100018. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Resenv.2021.100018
Raworth, K. (2017). Doughnut economics: Seven ways to think like a 21st-century economist. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Rockström, Johan. (2024). Reflections On The Past And Future Of Whole Earth System Science. Global Sustainabbility, 32(1–8).
Sachs, Jeffrey D, & Warner, Andrew M. (2001). The Curse Of Natural Resources. Science Direct, 45(4–6), 827–838.
Sasmita, Sulastri. (2015). Reformasi Struktur Perdagangan Internasional Dalam Wto : Perspektif Joseph E Stilitz. Jurnal Hubungan Internasional, 4 (2), 192–203.
Samuelson, P. A., & Nordhaus, W. D. (2010). Economics (19th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Shihab, M. Q. (2002). Tafsir Al-Misbah: Pesan, kesan, dan keserasian Al-Qur’an. Lentera Hati.
Solow, Robert M. (2016). Resources And Economic Growth. Oae, 22 (2), 5–11.
Stiglitz, J. E. (2012). The price of inequality: How today’s divided society endangers our future. W. W. Norton & Company.
Tilton, J. E. (2003). On borrowed time? Assessing the threat of mineral depletion. Resources for the Future.
Trihatmoko, Roderikus Agus, & Susilo, Yuvensius Sri. (2024). Natural Resource Governance And Strategic Economic Resources : The Perspective Of. Humanities & Social Science Communications. Https://Doi.Org/10.1057/S41599-024-02772-5
Ummah, Maslachatul. (2023). Konsep Kelangkaan Dalam Persepktif Ilmu Ekonomi. Jurnal Ekonomi Syariah Kontemporer, 5(2), 145–154.
UNEP. (2019). Global environment outlook 6: Healthy planet, healthy people. United Nations Environment Programme.
Qardhawi, Y. (1997). The lawful and the prohibited in Islam. Islamic Book Trust.
Wassie, Simachew Bantigegn. (2020). Natural Resource Degradation Tendencies In Ethiopia : A Review. Environmental Systems Research, 1–29. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S40068-020-00194-1
World Bank. (2020). The changing wealth of nations 2021: Managing assets for the future. World Bank Publications.
Xiong, Yuyu, Guo, Hongxiang, Juga, Datin Dr Mariani Md, Song, Lagu, & Dai, Li. (2023). Penipisan Sumber Daya Mineral, Degradasi Lingkungan, Dan Eksploitasi Sumber Daya Alam: Covid-19 Aftereffects. Science Direct, 85(A).
Zaman, A. (2012). Crisis in Islamic economics: Diagnosis and prescriptions. Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Islamic Economics, 25(1), 143–166
Published
2026-10-22
How to Cite
Lutfi, A., Jannah, M., & Fahlefi, R. (2026). Beyond Scarcity: Natural Resources And Human Needs In Islamic Economics. Jurnal Ekonomi Syariah Pelita Bangsa, 11(02), 293-305. https://doi.org/10.37366/jespb.v11i02.3270
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Articles
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