Strategic Investment in Waqf Institutions with Social and Educational Functions

Abstract

UDK
28-463:37.014.521

This paper highlights the importance of investing in waqf institutions that serve vital social and educational roles. Special emphasis is placed on the need to establish modern educational awqāf, inspired by historical examples of esteemed and impactful waqf-based institutions. The paper argues that, just as awqāf once represented the backbone of quality education and societal advancement, they can today offer a system capable of producing educated, competent, and socially responsible professionals. The author stresses the urgent need to establish waqf institutes to train experts in different professions - engineers, architects, doctors, artists, social scientists, and other professionals essential to societal development. These institutions should not only provide high-quality education but also offer a thoughtful, context-aware understanding of modern societal needs. The paper proposes the concept of a new or adapted type of waqf, tailored to the specific educational and social needs of local contexts, with particular attention given to providing free education to all strata of society and ensuring academic autonomy for educators who will be free from any external influences.