Views /Opinion

Qatar’s ‘Awqaf Index’: Revitalising Islamic endowments for a sustainable future

The ‘Awqaf Index’ represents a strategic initiative by Qatar to consolidate and disseminate knowledge about Islamic endowments (Awqaf). This effort aligns closely with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming Qatar into an advanced society capable of achieving sustainable development. QNV 2030 is built on four interconnected pillars—Human Development, Social Development, Economic Development, and Environmental Development—that collectively guide Qatar’s progress toward a knowledge-based, prosperous, and equitable society.

To this end, the ‘Awqaf Index’ directly supports the Human Development pillar by promoting education and research in Waqf (endowment). By providing access to over 8,200 scientific entries and publications, the platform enhances intellectual capital and empowers researchers to contribute to the global discourse on Waqf. This initiative aligns with QNV 2030’s emphasis on developing a world-class education system and preparing individuals to address modern challenges while preserving Qatar’s cultural heritage.

Under the Social Development pillar, the ‘Awqaf Index’ promotes cultural preservation and social cohesion by raising awareness of historical and contemporary significance of Waqf. It strengthens moral and religious values central to QNV 2030’s vision of a just society grounded in Islamic principles. The platform also promotes community engagement by highlighting the role of Waqf in supporting welfare initiatives, thereby reinforcing social solidarity.

The ‘Awqaf Index’ contributes to the Economic Development pillar by showcasing the potential of Waqf as a sustainable financial mechanism for development projects. Globally recognized for its ability to generate revenue for welfare schemes, Waqf aligns with QNV 2030’s goal of diversifying Qatar’s economy and reducing dependence on hydrocarbons. By promoting transparency and efficiency in Waqf administration, the platform supports economic innovation and investment in knowledge-based sectors.

Finally, the platform indirectly supports the Environmental Development pillar by encouraging sustainable practices through Waqf-related projects that adhere to Islamic principles of stewardship over natural resources. The preservation of historical Waqf assets also contributes to cultural sustainability, integral to QNV 2030’s vision of balancing modernization with tradition.

Beyond the pillars, the ‘Awqaf Index’ serves multiple strategic objectives. Primarily, it acts as a platform to document and share knowledge related to endowments, strengthening the role of Waqf in community and cultural development. This aligns with the Ministry’s aim to promote Islamic values among youth and ensure compliance with Shari’ah principles in modern life. This comprehensive database underscores the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging information technology and enhancing research capabilities. Moreover, it raises cultural and historical awareness of Waqf’s significance in Muslim communities fostering a deeper understanding of its role in Islamic history and contemporary society. In recent years, there has been exponential growth in Waqf-related research publications and citations, reflecting increasing interest in its contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Maqasid al-Shari’ah. Globally, estimates suggest there are at least 1.5 million Awqaf units (excluding mosques and graveyards), highlighting their potential for generating significant revenue for welfare schemes. Qatar has been proactive in promoting Waqf research and development through initiatives such as the establishment of the General Directorate of Endowments in 2007 and now the ‘Awqaf Index.’

The ‘Awqaf Index’ offers numerous benefits to researchers and stakeholders in Islamic endowments. Its database includes an extensive collection: 193 manuscript titles, 91 titles on laws and regulations, 3,858 articles, 406 research papers, 1,679 books and publications, 1,394 classification topics, 654 academic theses, and 16 media sources. This diverse repository enables researchers to produce high-quality studies while benefiting from advanced search capabilities via a user-friendly interface. In addition to its website platform, mobile applications for iOS and Android enhance accessibility. Although currently available only in Arabic, expanding language options—such as English—would broaden its reach to international audiences. The platform facilitates global collaboration by facilitating knowledge exchange among local and international researchers while aligning with Qatar’s efforts to ensure transparency in endowment administration.

The launch of the ‘Awqaf Index’ by Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs marks a significant advancement in Waqf research and awareness. By providing a comprehensive, reliable, and user-friendly resource, Qatar aims to cultivate research excellence, promote cultural awareness, and ensure the continued relevance of Waqf in community development. This initiative not only benefits local researchers but also contributes meaningfully to global discourse on Waqf—potentially driving innovative solutions for sustainable development and social welfare.

-- This piece has been submitted by HBKU’s Communications Directorate on behalf of its authors. The thoughts and views expressed are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect an official University stance.