Waqf in Pakistan: Contemporary issues and challenges from Shari’ah Perspective

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.11078985

Abstract

This research paper tried to collect the views and opinions of classical jurists and contemporary Muslim scholars about the contemporary Waqf issues and challenges faced by Waqf institutions such as the concept of Intellectual Properties (IP), copyrights tangible and intangible and moveable and immovable assets and properties. The purpose is to consolidate their opinions and reconcile for further discussions at the academic level and to explore new initiatives in Pakistan on a similar pattern as other Muslim countries are adopting to revive the Waqf institutions in their countries. They have been revising laws, refining their operational strategies, and enlisting the expertise of religious scholars and professionals to ensure compliance with Shari’ah principles. We believe that our researchers and academia can motivate the authorities through awareness and presenting Shariah-based practical models that can be helpful for the revitalization of this institution in Pakistan. This paper discussed such good models working currently in some other Muslim countries and that can be a base point for our researchers and practitioners.

This research paper used a systematic method to review and analyze the relevant literature identify the contemporary issues and challenges and their Shariah-compliant solutions for the betterment of the Waqf institution particularly and society at large.

This research paper concluded that there is a need to work continuously to provide Shariah compliant solutions for contemporary issues and challenges and introduce new initiatives to develop financial sector of Waqf such as Cash Waqf, Waqf Takaful, Capital Market of Waqf and similar other initiatives (as mentioned at the end of this paper) for socio-economic development of the society in Pakistan. A few recommendations were also proposed for the improvement of the Waqf institutions in Pakistan.