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Human and Inclusive Housing: Aligning the UN Vision with the Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

#ECOSOC #UNHabitat #WorldHabitatAwards #AntonioGuterres #NewUrbanAgenda #AminaJMohammed #SDG11 #summarecon

By
Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia
(Indonesian Educational Foundation)
Special Consultative Status in ECOSOC, United Nations (since 2013)

Important Note.

This article is submitted to UN-Habitat as a contribution of ideas in support of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) on sustainable cities and human settlements. It seeks to harmonize the United Nations’ vision of adequate, safe, affordable, and inclusive housing with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) regarding spacious homes, the rights of neighbors, and the development of humane communities, as exemplified in Medina.

Through a case study of Summarecon Serpong as an integrated township model in Indonesia, the article demonstrates how high-quality architecture, environmental sustainability, and humanistic values can create housing that enhances quality of life. The author also proposes the potential nomination of Summarecon for the World Habitat Awards and highlights the contribution of Indonesian national developers to post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza. This approach is intended to inspire people-centered global solutions aligned with universal values.

Keywords:—“On sustainable cities and communities, we need action to address the global housing crisis and build smart, resilient and safe cities.” — UN Secretary-General #AntónioGuterres.

Introduction.

In an era of rapid urbanization, the provision of adequate, affordable, and sustainable housing remains a pressing global challenge. Through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities — the United Nations aims to “ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums” by 2030.

Progress, however, has lagged. According to recent UN-Habitat reports and SDG data (2024–2026), approximately 1.16 billion people — nearly one in four urban dwellers — live in slums or inadequate settlements, while more than 3 billion face housing challenges, including unaffordability and lack of basic services. Without accelerated action, this figure is projected to exceed 1.2 billion by 2030.

The UN vision extends beyond physical structures to the fundamental right to adequate housing, which encompasses security of tenure, affordability, habitability, accessibility, appropriate location, and cultural adequacy.
The Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on Housing and Community
More than fourteen centuries ago, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) established foundations for humane and sustainable housing and urban development. He emphasized the importance of a spacious home as part of a Muslim’s happiness. In a hadith, the Prophet (SAW) stated:

“ Part of the happiness of a Muslim is a spacious dwelling, a righteous neighbor, and a comfortable mount.”(Narrated by Ahmad, graded sahih by al-Albani)

He also stressed social harmony in community development. The rights of neighbors hold such high importance that Angel Jibril (AS) repeatedly reminded him:

“Jibril kept advising me about the neighbor until I thought he would make him an heir.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

In a detailed hadith, the Prophet (SAW) outlined neighbors’ rights:

“ If he borrows from you, lend to him; if he seeks help, help him; if he is in need, give to him; if he falls ill, visit him; if he dies, follow his funeral… And do not build your house so high as to block the breeze from his, except with his permission…” (Narrated by At-Tabarani, graded hasan)

The Prophet’s development of Medina serves as the foremost example: building the mosque as a community center, equitable land distribution, social integration, and the creation of an environment that supported worship, commerce, and family life. Housing was not merely shelter but a means to build a righteous, productive, and caring society.

Summarecon: Embodying Architectural and Humanistic Values in Indonesia
In Indonesia, Summarecon stands out as a professional developer that integrates high-quality architecture with a humanistic approach, aligning with both SDG 11 and the teachings of the Prophet (SAW). Through its projects, particularly Summarecon Serpong in Tangerang, the company has created integrated townships that provide not only housing but complete living ecosystems.

With extensive green open spaces, natural lakes, parks, educational facilities, commercial areas, healthcare services, and business districts, Summarecon enables residents to live, work, and thrive within one sustainable area. Its designs emphasize natural ventilation, daylight, privacy, and community harmony — reflecting the Prophet’s principles of “spacious homes” and respect for neighbors. Round-the-clock security, smart home systems, and strong environmental commitments further align with the UN’s vision of inclusive and resilient cities.

The author and family currently reside in Summarecon Serpong. We experience firsthand how thoughtful planning creates a comfortable environment that supports residents’ productivity and strengthens community bonds — mirroring the spirit of the Medina community built by the Prophet (SAW).

Summarecon and the Potential for the World Habitat Awards: Human-Centered Housing Deserving Global Recognition.

Amid a global housing crisis affecting over 3 billion people, initiatives that successfully combine architectural excellence, sustainability, and humanistic values are rare and valuable. The World Habitat Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions in housing and urban development, provide a platform to celebrate such innovative solutions. Summarecon, particularly through Summarecon Serpong, demonstrates strong qualifications for nomination — and potentially winning — this award.

What are the World Habitat Awards?.

The World Habitat Awards are an international program organized by World Habitat (an independent organization focused on sustainable housing) in official partnership with UN-Habitat. Launched to identify, highlight, and disseminate innovative, people-centered, and sustainable solutions to urgent housing needs worldwide, the awards promote affordable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly housing; address urban poverty, evictions, climate resilience, cultural heritage, and community empowerment; and support SDG 11.

Winners are selected based on real impact, scalability, innovation, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability. Nomination of Summarecon would recognize Indonesia’s successful model of inclusive and sustainable new town development and inspire other developers.

Why Summarecon Deserves Nomination.

Summarecon has consistently applied a humanistic approach across its projects. Key qualifications include:

1. Humanistic Integrated Township Concept — Large-scale developments that integrate housing, business, education, healthcare, commerce, and recreation, reducing commuting and carbon emissions.
2. Focus on Quality of Life and Open Spaces — Abundant lakes, parks, pedestrian paths, and biophilic design that promote physical and mental well-being, echoing the Islamic concept of spacious homes.
3. Environmental Sustainability and Smart Technology — Use of smart systems, solar energy, rainwater management, recycling, and energy-efficient materials.
4. Inclusivity and Community Support — Comprehensive public facilities, job creation, family-friendly and disability-accessible design, and harmonious communities.
5. Scalability and Long-Term Impact — Proven replicable model across Indonesian cities with decades of experience.

From an Islamic perspective, Summarecon’s approach aligns with the Prophet’s teachings on neighborly rights, non-harmful development, and environments that support productive and spiritual lives.

Proposal for Nomination.

Given its strong track record, Summarecon merits formal nomination for the World Habitat Awards. Such recognition would highlight Indonesia’s success in creating inclusive, sustainable cities and encourage wider adoption of similar models.

Summarecon and Indonesia’s Potential Contribution to Gaza’s Reconstruction
In the context of President Prabowo Subianto’s active diplomacy supporting a two-state solution and Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace (BoP) initiative, Indonesia can contribute not only peacekeeping forces (up to 8,000 personnel) but also expertise in post-conflict reconstruction.

Gaza’s reconstruction is estimated to require tens of billions of dollars, with housing (hundreds of thousands of units), infrastructure, water, sanitation, schools, and healthcare as priorities. Summarecon’s expertise in large-scale integrated townships — featuring green spaces, community facilities, business districts, and sustainable design — offers a relevant model for new settlements in Gaza. Its social-oriented business philosophy, balancing profitability with resident welfare and environmental sustainability, aligns well with the need for humane, inclusive reconstruction.

This involvement could represent a concrete manifestation of Indonesia’s commitment — from peacekeeping to nation-building — while opening international expansion opportunities for Indonesian developers.

(Note: As of July 2026, Gaza reconstruction remains in the planning and early stabilization phase. Indonesian participation has focused on peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and diplomacy. Proposing Summarecon’s involvement is a forward-looking strategic idea.)

Conclusion: Toward Better Future Housing — Homes as the Foundation of Civilization.

Integrating the UN’s SDG 11 vision with the noble teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) unites heavenly and earthly perspectives in a shared humanistic framework. It means building not only walls and roofs but also moral, productive, harmonious, and compassionate communities.

Summarecon Serpong exemplifies how beautiful architecture, modern technology, abundant green spaces, and humanistic values can coexist. In an era of global housing crises and post-conflict reconstruction needs, Indonesia — through visionary diplomacy and capable national developers — has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully as both a peacekeeper and a builder of hope.

Good housing is not merely an individual asset; it is the foundation of a noble civilization — the birthplace of knowledgeable, ethical, and competitive generations. It reflects how we honor our trusteeship of the Earth.

Let us, together — government, developers, academics, and civil society — create inclusive, green, sustainable, and merciful cities in Indonesia and beyond. Cities that are not only pleasing to the eye but truly livable and beneficial to humanity. For that is the true essence of housing: not just buildings, but a legacy of civilization blessed by heaven and beneficial to our time.

Let us build a better future — one home, one community, and one shared humanistic vision at a time.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​