Integrating Energy Justice and Maqasid al-Shariah to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Malaysia

Abstract

This article explores how the integration of energy justice and Maqasid al-Shariah can enhance Malaysia’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. While energy justice emphasizes procedural, distributive, and recognition justice in energy policy, Maqasid al-Shariah provides a holistic Islamic legal framework that promotes the protection of faith, life, intellect, progeny, and property. By aligning these two frameworks, the study identifies gaps in Malaysia’s energy policies and SDG implementation, particularly in rural electrification, environmental protection, and social inequality. Through doctrinal legal analysis, the study finds that incorporating energy justice principles and Maqasid al-Shariah can significantly improve the fairness, equity, and sustainability of energy-related policies. The results show that combining these frameworks offers a viable path to address distributive and environmental injustices, especially among marginalized communities.  This paper provides a novel interdisciplinary approach by merging energy law with Islamic legal philosophy to address contemporary sustainability challenges in Malaysia. Unlike previous studies, it proposes a dual-framework solution grounded in both international and Islamic justice principles, contributing to policy discourse and legal scholarship. Recommendations are made for regulatory reforms, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and integration of Islamic ethical values to strengthen SDG implementation strategies.