WAQF-MAQASID SHARIAH TRANSFORMATION AGENDA FOR 4th.  INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

 

The establishment of WAQF enables any Muslim to dedicate properties in perpetuity either for charitable devotions with no restriction in the use or with restriction for specific purposes and beneficiaries. WAQF represents a major socio-economic institution which contributes significantly to the civilization of Muslim world beyond the normal charitable deeds in Islam. The mission is to increase and maximize the volume and value of WAQF assets globally.  WAQF provides the social, spiritual and economic platform for the Muslim to meet higher objectives and better well-being. Thus, the evolution of WAQF is connected to the societal development through religious practices, knowledge dissemination, educational advancement and economic enhancement.

The Maqasid al-Shariah of WAQF is to meet the utmost objectives and dedications of Shariah (Islamic Law). It relates to the necessity for mankind to live peacefully in this world. Al-Quran and al-Sunnah designate the ultimate essentials of Maqasid al-Shariah to include the protection of (1) life, (2) al-Din [Islam], (3) progeny or offspring, (4) intellect or faculty of reason, and lastly (5) material wealth or resources. The success of comprehensive preservation of the five essentials nurtures and protects human life the is reflected in the well-being of society which is directly related to health, and indirectly but intimately associated to faith, morality, and wealth.

The emergence of the 4th Industrial Revolution requires a dynamic transformation in the role of WAQF in developing a sustainable Muslim society globally. WAQF must not only be associated donation or permanent assignment of one’s wealth but it represents an instrument to achieve the higher Shariah objectives in promoting the common benefit and preventing and protect the society from harm. WAQF directs Muslims’ participation in civil society, political governance, health-related programs and similar activities in their mutual quest for mercy, justice and success.

The 4th Industrial Revolution involves the transformation of the entire systems of production, management, and governance within a dynamic technological innovation environment which is the driver of future economic growth. The integration of WAQF and Maqasid Shariah should be able to strive for the optimal achievement in the well-being of the Muslim society leveraging on the surge of 4th Industrial Revolution. The 6th WAQF Global conference invites fellow scholars, practitioners, technocrats, policy makers and students as the future inheritors of Muslim ummah to deliberate this theme to come up with the strategic plan and directions by capitalizing WAQF and Maqasid Shariah in approaching the 4th Industrial Revolution.