ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the third component of the sustainability model which is the social capital. The social order in Islam is intricately linked to human existence as it represents the arena where humans find the possibilities of self-realisation and growth. The Islamic social order can be viewed at three levels: the community (ummah), the family and the individual. In this chapter, a focus will be on the community since this domain captures the essence of collective action and choice. This valued-based community is called a ‘median community’ (ummah wassat) to be commissioned to provide the common ground and common word for all people.
The social capital (arham) encompasses the human and social dimension from an Islamic perspective. The social system, community social contract and social norms will be addressed as part of holistic Islamic worldview. Trust fund (waqf) will be presented as a case study to explain the social cohesion and societal responsibility.
