From left: Dr. Musa Mohamed with a copy of the booklet, Imtiaz Ali and Aziz Mohammed,
President of Takaaful T&T

An attractive booklet entitled ‘Waqf, A Sustainable Development Institution for Muslim Communities’ authored by Imtiaz Ali, was launched at the annual dinner of Takaaful T&T Friendly Society on May 9th, 2009.

In brief but incisive comments on the publication, Dr. Musa Mohamed - an Assistant Professor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) - commended the author and the Society for a well-written and well-researched document. The Sudanese-born Agronomist added that Waqf (Islamic endowments) has had a long and valuable history in the Muslim world where it is currently experiencing a revival.

Malaysian Professor and Chairman of the Middle Eastern Business World, Dr. Ma’sum Billah who wrote the Foreword of the book had also stated, “It is, therefore, timely that Mr. Imtiaz Ali (the author) through his wise concern and intellectual effort has re-discovered the importance and application of the institution of Waqf (Voluntary Charity) within the parameters of contemporary practical reality. Though the manuscript is not lengthy, it succeeds in addressing this intellectual, rational and practical paradigm with acceptable results, particularly as an answer to the existing global socio-economic and cultural challenges.”

The booklet begins with an introduction to Islam and a concise explanation of the meaning of Waqf. It explores the general concept of charity in Islam and then focuses on the ‘lasting charity’. It further establishes that the institution of Waqf has played a significant role in sustainable development in the history of Islam and that Waqf institutions are integral to the survival and growth of Muslim communities (minorities). The paper stresses the importance of co-operation and solidarity among Muslims especially those in minority settings and seeks, in general, to promote the establishment of Waqf institutions among Muslim communities and to encourage Muslim families and individuals to give in Waqf.

In order to further substantiate the need for Muslim communities (minorities) to rediscover the history and importance of Waqf, Ali quoted contemporary world-renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Monzer Kahf viz. “We need to spend effort to revitalize the process of creating Awqaf (plural of Waqf) in the Muslim communities in the West for the purpose of generating a permanent and stable flow of revenue that can support the needs of the community activities and enhance its religious and social programmes. The process of creating new Awqaf should be made available to every Muslim family in our communities not only to the rich few.”

Click on the image above to download the Waqf Booklet.