A study conducted by the Economic and Social Council revealed that the number of endowments (waqf) in Jordan is estimated at 10,475, with a total value exceeding JD 1 billion.
اضافة اعلان
The study, titled “The Role of Charitable Endowments in Contributing to Sustainable Development in the Kingdom – Opportunities and Challenges”, indicated that the role of waqf in Jordan currently focuses on religious buildings, particularly mosques, a number of schools, two hospitals, and four health centers.
The research, prepared with the contribution of several experts and discussed in a dialogue session attended by the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs along with specialists and Islamic scholars, revealed the presence of unused waqf lands and buildings.
Statistics highlighted the potential to expand the investment dimension of waqf, noting that most waqf activities currently center on mosque construction and maintenance.
Dr. Mousa Shtaywi, Chairman of the Economic and Social Council, said in a statement on Monday that the study aims to shed light on the state of waqf in Jordan and its potential contribution to various development fields such as education and health, building on distinguished initiatives in recent years to expand its developmental role.
He added that the Islamic waqf system, with deep historical roots and a value-based framework of integration, provides an opportunity to address development challenges in Jordan.
The study explores the possibility of waqf contributing to sustainable development by highlighting guiding principles, reviewing its current status and evolution, and examining its charitable role in supporting individuals and local communities.
Statistics from the study indicate that the investment dimension of waqf could be increased, as 64% of waqf lands are currently devoted to mosque construction and maintenance.
The study concluded with several key recommendations, including:
Developing a national strategy for waqf and its uses in Jordan, taking into account developmental areas such as education and health.
Conducting a comprehensive study covering all aspects of waqf implementation and its expected economic and social impacts.
Learning from best practices in other countries and clearly defining waqf’s developmental role.
Aligning waqf planning priorities with national economic and social programs.
Launching the “Waqf Atlas Project”, including databases and a guide for endowers.
Designing awareness programs for citizens and endowers, encouraging the establishment of waqf schools, hospitals, and other initiatives.
Reviving national initiatives related to educational and health endowments, including investment funds to manage schools, hospitals, healthcare centers, and support for persons with disabilities and micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Establishing jurisprudential adaptations to accommodate differing legal interpretations, including the conditions of the endower, to improve waqf performance.
Activating the role of media in raising awareness about various types of waqf and reviewing the 2012 Waqf Deeds Law and its regulations to maximize their benefit.
— (Petra)
