Over 800 acres of land in Sarawak given away as ‘wakaf’ — Council

MIRI: A total of 261 lots over 820 acres of land across the state have been handed over for ‘ wakaf’, while another 125 lots over 55 acres of land are still under the documentation process.

In Islam, ‘ wakaf’ is defined as ‘a perpetual dedication of property by a person, a group or a body through a will, donation or directive – meant for religious and charitable purposes’.

According to Sarawak Islamic Council ( MIS) president Datu Misnu Taha, several new initiatives have been established for the management of ‘wakaf’ in Sarawak.

Under the ‘Skim Wakaf Semasa’ ( Current Wakaf Scheme), these initiatives are grouped under Education Wakaf, Health Wakaf, Commercial Wakaf, Development Wakaf, Facilities Wakaf, Property Management Wakaf and Cash Wakaf.

“We are also working on establishing more (initiatives) under Education Wakaf (provision and maintenance of MIS-governed schools and infrastructure), Cash Wakaf and Property Management Wakaf,” he said at the opening of the ‘Sarawak Wakaf Seminar 2017’ here yesterday.

Misnu pointed out that the focus of ‘wakaf’ in Sarawak is divided into three roles – the registration of ‘wakaf’, establishing a ‘wakaf’ scheme ‘wakaf’.

“It is hoped that this seminar would be the most viable field to solve all issues, interests and also the scope of the ‘ wakaf for Muslims.

“We also believe that this seminar would enlighten participants, for them to play a more practical and integrated role in assisting Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak ( TBS) in its drive and administering towards the development of the ‘ ummah’ ( society) through the ‘wakaf’ ( practice),” he said.

Meanwhile, the two-day seminar is hosting over 500 participants from Sarawak and Brunei, who get to learn more about ‘wakaf’ through presentations by Muslim experts in the field, including Sarawak Mufti Datu Kipli Yassin with his paper on ‘Wakaf Practice’, Universiti Teknologi Mara ( UiTM) Sarawak Rector Prof Datuk Dr Jamil Jamali with his talk on ‘ Educational Wakaf – UITM’s Experience’, and also TBS general manager Datu Abang Mohammad Shibli Abang Mohammad Nailie with his topic ‘Wakaf Hybrid, Sarawak Experience’, to be presented today.

Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to officiate at the closing ceremony today.