Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, the School of Sharia at the University of Jordan organized a panel discussion on Monday entitled: “Zakat and Developmental Waqf: A Strategic Vision for Sustainable Community Empowerment.” The event was attended by the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaileh, along with a distinguished group of scholars and specialists in waqf affairs from Jordan and across the Arab world.
In his keynote address, His Royal Highness called for the establishment of a specialized global institution dedicated to zakat and waqf, arising from a joint study between the Ministry of Awqaf and the School of Sharia. He emphasized that zakat and waqf represent civilizational pillars embedded in the identity of the Muslim community and serve as essential mechanisms for strengthening societal resilience and sustainability. His Royal Highness noted that the current phase requires efforts grounded in intellectual integrity, proper governance, and the collective utilization of social benevolence to achieve long-term development. He highlighted the transformative potential of developmental waqf in turning values and principles into tangible developmental impact.
Prince El Hassan added that the overarching aim of the event is to build a renewed capacity for achievement rooted in collective philanthropic thought and the restoration of human ethics beginning with the family. He affirmed that human dignity is fundamental, and that the true capital of any society is its people.
For his part, Dean of the School of Sharia, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Kilani, stated that the patronage of His Royal Highness reflects a strong endorsement of ongoing efforts to advance waqf-related work. He noted that the timing of the event is particularly significant, as it coincides with an urgent need to reactivate the economic tools that historically contributed to the development of Arab and Islamic civilization. He stressed the importance of transitioning from traditional charitable practices to a modern institutional model grounded in governance, transparency, and effective partnerships between public and private sectors. Dr. Al-Kilani also highlighted the need to direct developmental waqf toward critical sectors such as healthcare, education, scientific research, social protection, agriculture, and small and medium enterprises.
He further addressed the challenges facing Islamic endowments in Jerusalem, commending the Hashemite custodianship for its continued protection of Islamic and Christian holy sites. He also acknowledged the participation of Christian clergy in the event as a reaffirmation of unified commitment to safeguarding the religious endowments of the city.
Minister of Awqaf Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaileh presented an overview of the development of waqf work in Jordan and the ongoing efforts to enhance its developmental impact, outlining the historical trajectory of the Islamic Awqaf Directorate within the national institutional framework.
Additionally, Dr. Majid Al-Azmi, Director of Kuwait’s Zakat House, showcased Kuwait’s pioneering experience in managing zakat funds since the establishment of the institution in 1982, highlighting its role in collection, distribution, and promoting public awareness of zakat’s developmental importance.
Speakers emphasized the necessity of exchanging expertise, refining practical ideas, and documenting actionable proposals to ensure that the outcomes of the discussion can be translated into viable implementation pathways.
At the conclusion of the event, the School of Sharia presented an honorary shield to His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal in recognition of his continuous support for intellectual and developmental initiatives and his dedication to strengthening institutional charitable work.