By Zayed Alzyoud
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, the Faculty of Sharia at the University of Jordan (UJ) on Monday held a dialogue seminar titled “Zakat and Developmental Waqf: A Strategic Vision for Empowering a Sustainable Society”. The event brought together officials, religious leaders and specialised experts from Jordan and across the Arab world.
Zakat is Islam’s obligatory almsgiving, while waqf refers to charitable endowments aimed at long-term development and public benefit.
During the seminar, Prince El Hassan called for the establishment of a global institution specialised in zakat and waqf. He said the proposal is based on a joint study by the Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places and the School of Sharia at UJ.
He underscored that zakat and waqf are deeply rooted in the culture of states and the civilisation of nations, describing them as two key pillars for building societies and strengthening sustainability.
Addressing young people, the Prince urged a discourse grounded in integrity in thinking, development and governance. He also called for harnessing collective goodwill to build sustainability capable of withstanding crises.
He noted that developmental waqf offers a practical way to translate these principles into tangible impact. He added that the seminar seeks to renew momentum for achievement rooted in shared philanthropic responsibility.
Prince El Hassan also said the event aims to restore a system of values and ethics, beginning with the family as the first unit in building society.
The seminar was attended by Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohammad Khalayleh; Vice President for Accreditation, Global Rankings and Sustainability at UJ Prof. Faleh Sawair, representing UJ President ; the University’s vice presidents; and Dean of the School of Sharia Prof. Abdul Rahman Al-Kilani.
Also in attendance were Secretary General of AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy Yousef Khalawi; Chief Islamic Justice Dr. Abdul Hafez Rabtah; Grand Mufti of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Dr. Ahmad Al-Hasanat; and President of the Jordan Academy of Arabic Prof.Mohammad Al-Bakhit. A number of senior officials and experts specialising in zakat and waqf affairs also took part.
In remarks, Al-Kilani said the Prince’s patronage reflects meaningful support for efforts to develop waqf work and strengthen its developmental role.
He noted that the seminar comes at a time of pressing need to reactivate Islamic economic tools that historically contributed to building Arab and Islamic civilisation, and to mobilise them in responding to current challenges and advancing sustainable development.
He stressed the importance of moving beyond traditional charitable practices towards an institutional model anchored in governance and transparency, legislative reform and stronger public-private partnerships.
Al-Kilani also called for broadening waqf areas to include key sectors such as healthcare, education, scientific research, social protection, the environment and agriculture. He added that waqf can also play a role in supporting small and medium enterprises.
He also addressed the situation of endowments in Jerusalem and the serious risks they face, commending the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Al-Kilani welcomed the participation of Christian clergy in the seminar as a reaffirmation of unity in defending and preserving endowments.
Meanwhile, Khalawi said effective waqf work must be built on two pillars ,prudent spending management and the development of revenues. He said this approach is necessary to ensure financial sustainability and strengthen waqf’s impact in serving the public good.
The seminar featured four main themes.
In the first, titled “The State of Endowments in Jordan and Ways to Activate and Advance Them for Community Empowerment”, Khalayleh reviewed the Ministry’s establishment in 1930 and its experience in managing charitable endowments.
He noted that waqf in Jordan remains at an early stage compared with the number of registered endowments, stressing the need to develop, grow and invest waqf resources more effectively.
Khalayleh said waqf proceeds in Jordan over the past five years have totalled around six million Jordanian dinars. He also highlighted the role of the School of Sharia at UJ in preparing imams and preachers and supporting a moderate Islamic discourse.
He outlined investment mechanisms pursued by the Ministry, including cash and financing waqf, trade and partnerships, as well as the establishment of an equity portfolio on the Amman Stock Exchange to invest and develop charitable endowments. He said the goal is to build strong waqf institutions that serve the public interest and move beyond traditional management patterns.
In the second theme, “Leading Waqf Experiences in Islamic Societies”, Khalawi presented successful models for waqf investment. He highlighted the historical role of mosques as religious, economic and developmental centres since the earliest endowments in Islam.
He cited Quba Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque as early examples, stressing that mosques were not solely places of worship, but also institutions that served society. He called for reviving their economic and developmental role for the public good.
In the third theme, “Kuwait’s Experience in the Waqf Sector: Reality and Aspiration”, Acting Director General of Zakat House (Kuwait)
Dr. Majed Al-Azmi reviewed the establishment of Zakat House in 1982.
He said zakat jurisprudence remains dynamic and responsive to contemporary developments without undermining its role in social solidarity, poverty reduction and fair wealth distribution. He also outlined the institution’s key objectives and activities inside and outside Kuwait.
In the fourth theme, titled “Humanitarian Challenges and the Experience of Islamic Relief in Humanitarian Action”, co-founder of Islamic Relief Dr Hany El Banna reviewed the organisation’s establishment in 1984 and its humanitarian work at the Arab and international levels.
He emphasised women’s and youth empowerment as essential to building communities, and called for an integrated vision for zakat and waqf. He urged a shift away from traditional endowment management to maximise developmental impact and public benefit.
At the close of the seminar, Sawair presented Prince El Hassan with a commemorative shield in appreciation of his patronage and continued support for the causes of thought, development and waqf.