Islamic forum calls for establishing waqf associations
Participants in the eighth forum on waqf issues yesterday urged Muslim nations to establish waqf associations. The conferees in a statement at end of their gathering, held at Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, said states could supervise such associations, financial resources of which could be employed for funding education, research centers and vital activities — not financed by the state budget. They called for establishing a panel of scholars, auditors and economists to draft legislations for these associations.
They expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, President of Oxford University Lord Chris Patten and Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Bandar Hajjar. Identical sentiments were addressed to the sponsor of the forum, the Kuwaiti Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri and the State of Kuwait ambassador the UK, Khaled Al-Duwaisan.
On Friday, Director of the center Dr Farhan Nizami said that His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah played a critical role in supporting the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS). He lauded Kuwait’s role in supporting humanitarian and social projects around the globe, affirming that this effort displayed the GCC country’s keenness on the welfare of the international community. OCIS has several prominent Kuwaiti figures within its board of trustees including former Foreign Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah AlSalem Al-Sabah amongst others, said Dr Nizami, adding that the center, established in 1985, was recognized by the English Monarchy led by Queen Elizabeth II.
The scholarships and programs offered by the center play a huge role in spreading the good word about the religion of Islam and Kuwait, in this regard, is helping the OCIS to achieve this vital goal, said the Director. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah donated 10 million pounds in 2010 to help establish a building for the OCIS, a recognized independent center for the University of Oxford.