Fall 2026 – Amanah in Action: A Muslim’s Guide to Permaculture

Course Information

Course Description

Amanah & Action: Stewardship for the Earth-Conscious Muslim is an introductory course designed for Muslims seeking to embody their faith through regenerative and ecological living. Using Permaculture ethics and principles and illuminated by Islamic concepts, the course explores how Islamic spiritual practice and practical land stewardship are inseparable expressions of Ibadah. The sessions blend theological reflections, pattern observation, design thinking to help students learn to read natural systems with scientific tools and contemplative Islamic practice of muraqabah and taddabur, apply Permaculture design processes to personal or community spaces and begin to develop an action plan for their gardens and lives.

By the end of the course, students will be able to understand and apply Permaculture principles to their lives, identify strategies to contribute positively as caretakers of earth through soil regeneration, water wisdom, and polyculture planting applying the “make the least change for the greatest effect” principle to their lives and their gardens whether on a balcony or a community. Topics covered include: What is Permaculture? Ethical principles of Permaculture include the Mollison and the Holmgren Principles. Land and ecological systems and the importance of well-connected ecosystems.  Students will gain practical skills as well as a deeper conviction that caring for the Earth is an act of worship and that every Muslim regardless of space or experience can begin today.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define Permaculture, identify where it comes from and describe key influences that shaped its development
• Articulate the ethics and principles of Permaculture and analyse their correlation to Islamic principles
• Map and demonstrate the interconnected nature of all systems and evaluate their role as caretakers within these systems
• Apply the Permaculture design process, select the appropriate tools to their selected site and justify their design choices based on site-specific conditions and ethical considerations
• Recognise and identify natural patterns, construct a personal reflection plan and integrate spiritual practice with outer ecological action

Course Prerequisites

Course Materials

Students are responsible for purchasing all required textbooks before the start of class.
Ribāṭ textbooks are available at the Rabata Bookshop

Registration Information

Questions?
Contact registration@rabata.org

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions and participate actively in their learning. Consistent attendance supports academic success and helps maintain the collaborative learning environment of the classroom. If an absence is unavoidable, students are responsible for communicating with their instructor, reviewing missed material, and completing any assigned work.

Technology Requirements

To ensure a successful online learning experience, all students must have regular access to a personal computer and reliable high-speed internet. Courses at Ribāṭ University are delivered through Canvas and may include video lectures, interactive discussions, digital readings, and multimedia assignments.
Students are responsible for maintaining the technology needed to participate fully.

Minimum Technical Requirements

Technology Skills

Additional Notes and Technical Support

• Students are expected to check course announcements and email regularly.
• Technical support is available for login issues, course access, and basic troubleshooting.