Waqf Development and Innovation: an introduction

This chapter provides a high-level introduction to the main issues discussed in the book. It examines the socio-economic importance and potentials of waqf and the need for innovation in addition to issues relating to the legal and regulatory framework. It also briefly summarises and identifies case studies from selected jurisdictions. Finally, the chapter provides future directions as major key takeaways from the book. These are important policy issues ranging from the socio-economic importance of waqf, the significance of having a robust legal and regulatory framework, structuring innovative waqf models, addressing management issues and professionalizing awqaf management, embracing technology in awqaf management and delivery, and learning from best practices, amongst others.