Eco-Sufism and Urban Sustainability: Reimagining the Relationship between God, Humans, and Nature in Dhaka

Author(s): Md. Abdur Razzak

Publication Date: December 30, 2025

Abstract

This article explores the transformative potential of Eco-Sufism in addressing the ecological challenges confronting Dhaka - one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world, grappling with environmental degradation and unsustainable growth. Rooted in Sufi principles of interconnectedness, compassion, and simplicity, Eco-Sufism reimagines the relationship between God, humans, and nature. Drawing on classical Sufi teachings and contemporary environmental ethics, this paper highlights Eco-Sufism’s perspectives, exploring the journey from the purification of the heart to the purification of the earth, the understanding of nature as a living manifestation of the divine, and the reorientation of human roles toward nature as caretakers rather than rulers, proposing actionable solutions tailored to Dhaka’s unique urban and climatic context. By bridging theology, mysticism, and environmental thought, this study advocates for a paradigm shift in how humanity perceives and interacts with the natural world. It posits Eco-Sufism as a vital pathway toward environmental sustainability and spiritual renewal, providing a spiritual roadmap for transforming Dhaka into a model of urban balance and ecological consciousness in the Global South.