Accra:Shaikh Dr. Rashid bin Mohammed bin Futais Al Hajri, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Islamic Endowments Affairs, emphasized the significance of GCC Endowments Week as a Gulf initiative that underscores the role of Islamic endowments in sustainable giving, charitable work, and national development. He highlighted that these endowments are crucial for strengthening social solidarity.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Dr. Al Hajri praised the support for endowments in Bahrain, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This backing has enhanced the role of waqf in community service and national development.
He described Islamic endowments as a long-standing model for charitable giving and community development, historically fulfilling societal needs in various sectors. Shaikh Dr. Al Hajri emphasized the importance of evolving the waqf system, enhancing its efficiency, and ensuring resource sustainability to address future development needs.
The theme of GCC Endowments Week, he noted, highlights the necessity of aligning waqf goals with development priorities. He stressed the importance of developing investment methods, improving governance, and institutional efficiency to maximize returns directed towards key social and developmental needs.
Shaikh Dr. Al Hajri commended the joint Gulf initiative for organizing GCC Endowments Week, which facilitates the exchange of expertise and successful experiences among Gulf Cooperation Council countries. He called for using the occasion to promote waqf awareness and community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of charitable efforts.
Additionally, Shaikh Dr. Al Hajri expressed gratitude to endowers and benefactors for their contributions, acknowledging their generosity, benevolence, and social responsibility, which bolster social solidarity and sustain waqf for societal benefit and prosperity.