Certain Legal and Administrative Measures for the Revival and Better Management of Awqaf

Waqf is the most popular expression of Muslim philanthropy. Millions of awqaf were created during the past 1400 years. Many of these perished due to various reasons, but at least a million awq f still exist today. The enormous potential possessed by these for the socio–economic regeneration of the ummah, particularly in the field of poverty alleviation, is waiting to be utilized and managed effectively. This paper identifies six of such problematic issues, which are presently confronting awq f, and hampers their optimum utilizations. These issues are: (1) An urgent need of conducting a thorough survey of waqf properties in the whole of the Islamic world and also in the Muslim minority countries in order to know details of the number, valuations, incomes, objects, expenditures, etc. of every waqaf property to devise an effective administrative policy. (2) The need of Muslim public participation in the present state controlled waqf administration pattern, which is proving to be counterproductive. (3) A need to have a second look at the abolition of family awq f and to examine the desirability of their revival. (4) The urgent need of stopping the colossal wastage of waqf income on litigation and a suggested way out of this situation. (5) The present costly and protracted mode for the recovery of encroached waqf properties through litigation need to be replaced by a suggested administrative process, which is relatively much quicker and cost-free. (6) There is an urgent need to develop waqf properties, which are lying neglected. As development of awq f is the key to the treasure trove of these properties that have now acquired economic potential beyond imagination. The paper concludes with recommendations of actions for revival and improved management of awqaf.