By: Rashid Chopdat
Awqaf SA was among international guests attending the 13th edition of the World Zakat and Waqf Forum (WZWF) where delegates took far reaching decisions to revive – and revise – the Awqaf system in the world.
Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, founding CEO of Awqaf SA represented the organization at the forum which was held in November 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Participants included Zakat & Waqf administrators, representatives from Muslim states, corporate entities, NGOs and members of local communities and leaders from around the world.
The Conference highlighted that Zakat and Waqf serve as beacons of support and transformation for people around the world and emphasized to integrate Zakat and Waqf in a way that transforms lives and strengthens communities.
“This can only be achieved through collective vision encompassing the individual, the family, and the wider social order, fostering a comprehensive approach to socio-economic development, said Cajee who was a panellist at the conference.
“Hence, we will be planning seminars and training forums in SA for Waqf and Zakat administrators, corporate entities, small businesses, non-profit organizations and members of local communities and leaders in SADC countries,” he added.
Awqaf SA is recognized as a world pioneer in reviving the Waqf concept in countries where Muslims are minorities. Cajee said that as part of the Awqaf SA plan to spread the Awqaf concept to Muslim minority countries, they had discussions with interested parties in Mauritius, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Nigeria and Uganda. He reported that Mauritius had already set up an Awqaf institution.
Among the important decisions the WZWF took are:
- Established a Global Zakat and Waqf Policy Advisory Council, where the foundational principles of Zakat (Zakat Core Principles) and Waqf (Waqf Core Principles) will serve as the twin policies for transformation.
- The council will uphold the integration of these core principles as guiding forces for unified, sustainable, and impactful policy development in the Zakat and Waqf sectors worldwide.
- To establish a robust Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure systematic management, transparency, accountability and integrity. This includes setting up an advanced archiving system for the preservation and accessibility of historical records, as well as implementing structured membership protocols to enhance engagement and representation within the WZWF.
- Affirmed its aim to position the World Zakat and Waqf Forum as a vibrant, enduring institution, aligned with the aspirations of the 21st century and beyond.
- Called upon the members to take a leading role in championing green initiatives by working in a unified commitment to sustainable development and resilience-building, to mitigate the profound impacts of climate change and protect future generations.
The WZWF called upon the leadership of Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) member countries, alongside the Muslim communities globally, to acknowledge the urgency of reinvigorating Zakat and Waqf in daily life.
The Forum also reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to upholding the rights and interests of the Palestinian state, in alignment with international laws, established protocols, and relevant United Nations resolutions.
