Rethinking Sustainable Community Governance in Muslim Societies: Case Study in Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

This article examines sustainable community governance frameworks within Muslim societies, with specific focus on Sabah, Malaysia. The discussion explores how Islamic principles integrate with contemporary governance models to create resilient, community-centered administrative structures. Drawing from theoretical frameworks and empirical observations, this article analyzes the intersection of Islamic values, local customs (adat), and modern governance practices in shaping sustainable development initiatives. The case of Sabah demonstrates unique challenges and opportunities in implementing community governance models that honor religious principles while addressing contemporary environmental, social, and economic sustainability concerns. Key findings reveal that effective community governance in Muslim societies requires balancing traditional Islamic consultation mechanisms (shura) with participatory democratic processes, integrating religious charitable institutions (waqf and zakat) into development frameworks, and respecting indigenous knowledge systems. This synthesis offers insights for policymakers, community leaders, and scholars interested in culturally-responsive governance approaches.