Programmes conducted by Mohammad Abdullah Nadwi, Markfield Institute of Higher Education, UK. This paper explores the concept of Waqf, its role in contemporary society and its growth, usage and methods of implementation. The programmes reveals that historically, Waqf was well established during the period of Islam’s establishment in the seventh century and went on to become utilised with a variety of driving forces across the growing Muslim world in the centuries which followed. However, having been marginalised as an effective social development tool in more recent generations, contemporary Muslim societies across the globe are now witnessing a revival of Waqf awareness and value. Furthermore, this study focuses on Waqf in Muslim minority environments, exploring contemporary Waqf usage in comparison to permanent legal trusts in England, offering tangible strategic and procedural proposals for the enhancement of effectiveness in contemporary Awqāf, particularly in the United Kingdom.

In the broader context, we at Islamic Relief Academy are keenly engaged in exploring key issues around faith and development, including fiscal aspects of Islam, such as Islamic philanthropy, Waqf and Islamic microfinance. Consequently, published programmes can inform the development sector through empirically-based, evidential programmes in the field of Islam and development and, more broadly, lend our support for the positive value faith adds to humanitarian and development work.

Office
http://iracademy.org.uk/

Citation
Islamic Relief Academy (2015). Comparing the Effectiveness of Waqf and English Charitable Trusts, Islamic Relief Academy, Birmingham, UK.