Do Islamic principles matter for green development?

This study examines the role of two Islamic environmental principles, Hima and Mawasim, in enhancing carbon sequestration (CSE) across Middle Eastern countries. Hima, a traditional system of land protection, and Mawasim, which governs seasonal patterns of resource use, represent ethical frameworks rooted in Islamic cultural and religious values. Using panel data from 1990 to 2020 and a Generalised Least Squares (GLS) approach, the analysis investigates how these principles influence carbon sequestration in socio-environmental contexts. The results show that Hima and Mawasim contribute significantly to protecting carbon sinks, such as forests, wetlands, and soils, providing an ethical foundation for modern conservation strategies. These findings highlight the relevance of Islamic environmental ethics for addressing global challenges posed by carbon emissions and climate change. It underscores the significance of their strategies in the East and their applicability to global Islamic audiences. The study concludes by proposing the integration of Hima and Mawasim into Islamic national and regional environmental programs, positioning them as cultural and ethical assets for sustainable development and ecological resilience.