Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Mahdiyeh Ghanizadeh ¹
• Manijeh Ramsheh ²

¹ Department of Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

² Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: In the contemporary era, growing concerns over environmental degradation and the increasing importance of sustainability across economic, social, and environmental spheres have made sustainability reporting a fundamental mechanism for enhancing transparency regarding the impacts of organizational activities. Organizations are increasingly expected to disclose the environmental impacts of their operations to promote accountability, facilitate informed decision-making, and contribute to sustainable development. Despite the growing importance of this issue, the legal obligation to disclose environmental sustainability information remains a subject of ongoing scholarly and regulatory debate. Against this background, the present study analytically examines the obligation to report on sustainability from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence, with particular emphasis on its environmental dimension. It seeks to determine whether the principles and jurisprudential foundations of Islamic law provide sufficient grounds for recognizing environmental sustainability reporting as a mandatory obligation. By analyzing relevant jurisprudential principles and legal maxims, the study aims to clarify the normative basis for mandatory environmental sustainability reporting within Islamic jurisprudence.
METHOD & FINDING: Using a descriptive-analytical method, the research finds that although mandatory environmental reporting may initially seem inconsistent with certain jurisprudential principles, such as the rule of authority over one's property (taslīṭ), it is strongly supported by established doctrines. These include the principle of no harm nor reciprocating harm (lā ḍarar), the rational implication between an obligation and its prerequisites, the priority of greater interests over lesser ones, the denial of means leading to wrongdoing, the prohibition of assisting oppression, justice and equity, respect for others' property, the maxim "whoever benefits bears the burden," and the duty to avert potential harm.
CONCLUSION: Accordingly, despite its development within international frameworks, sustainability reporting is substantively compatible with Islamic jurisprudential principles. Nonetheless, in light of current economic conditions, incentive-based governmental policies should be prioritized over coercive enforcement.

Keywords

• Sustainability Reporting
• Environmental Dimension
• Jurisprudential Foundations (Fiqh)
• Legal Obligation
• Sustainable Development

Main Subjects

• Social and Economic Issues

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