New Delhi, 8-10 May, 1999, Resolution [Extracts]
Organized jointly by the Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi, Islamic Research and Training Institute of the Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah (K.S.A.) and Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation (Kuwait), this International Seminar on "Awqaf Experiences in South Asia, resolves as follows:
1. The large number of Awqaf of an exclusively religious nature ... in all countries of South Asia need suitable legislative, administrative and fiscal measure for their due preservation, maintenance, development and use for their assigned objects within the parameters provided by the Shari'ah. All such measures already in existence should be examined afresh, and wherever necessary new measure should be adopted ... in all countries of the region.
2. The numerous Awqaf of a charitable nature with which South Asia abounds are in need of a systematic exploration of their development potential ascertain ways and means for their optimum utilization for the socio-economic advancement of the local Muslim communities ... Steps should be taken on priority to initiate and complete such exploratory exercises ..
3. South Asia has a rich treasure of national legislations, administrative rules, and regulations and judicial decisions relating to the substantive, procedural and managerial aspects of Awqaf. They are in need of a comparative and critical study and research ...Academic institutions, research organization and welfare agencies in all parts of South Asia should give ... it a place of priority ...
4. The role and purpose of all ... categories of Awqaf in South Asia are to be suitably re-determined with a view to effectively tackling and successfully solving the problems of educational backwardness, economic poverty and overall underdevelopment of the local Muslim communities ... All possible measures should be adopted for this purpose in accordance with the authentic Awqaf jurisprudence and the relevant national laws.
5. There is ample scope in South Asia for regional cooperation in the field of ... Awqaf. The countries in the region should consider the feasibility of and the modalities for ... collaboration in such joint academic ventures and experience-sharing exercises.
6. ... It is advisable that those engaged in studies and research relating to Awqaf in the countries of this region duly takes into account the Middle Eastern expertise and experiment in the field through interaction with appropriate institutions.
7. An International Awqaf Development Fund should be established.
