The College of Islamic Sciences at the University of Baghdad discussed a Ph.D. dissertation titled, “Good Governance and Sustainable Development Goals from the Perspective of Contemporary Islamic Political Thought: A Contemporary Intellectual Study.” The dissertation was written by student Ahmed Shakir Zaidan Al-Allaq from the Department of Creed and Islamic Thought. The discussion took place in Al-Farahidi Hall, attended by the Dean of the College, Professor Dr. Ne’ma Dahish Farhan, his Administrative Assistant, Professor Dr. Arkan Rahim Jabr, and several professors and researchers.
Study Objectives and Findings
The study aimed to analyze the concept of good governance from the perspective of Islamic political thought, identify its core components, and assess their alignment with modern standards of good governance. It also sought to discover the relationship between good governance and Sustainable Development Goals , explaining how Islamic political thought can contribute to achieving these goals.
The research reached significant conclusions, most notably that contemporary Islamic political thought contains strong principles of good governance and sustainable development. However, the lack of precise institutional modeling and the absence of transparency and accountability in practice hinder the effective implementation of these values. The study also highlighted the increasing need to re-interpret religious concepts in light of global changes, without sacrificing authenticity or being overly impressed by Western models. This calls for developing a mature Islamic vision that integrates Islamic law with the requirements of good governance.
Committee and Recommendations
At the conclusion of the discussion, the researcher recommended the need to re-examine and activate religious values within Islamic political thought, taking into account contemporary changes to provide genuine and effective solutions to current problems.
The dissertation committee approved the thesis with a grade of “Satisfactory.” The committee members were:
- Professor Dr. Walid Abdul Jabbar Ahmed (Chairman)
- Dr. Awad Jadou (Member)
- Professor Dr. Dhahir Fayadh (Member)
- Professor Dr. Ammar Basim (Member)
- Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Salam (Member)
- Dr. Jasim Muhammad Har Jan (Member and Supervisor)
