Development of Waqf Land: Issues, Prospect and Strategies

Abstract

The issues of abandoned and undeveloped waqf land are not new and the problem is faced particularly by the trustee. The factors that inhibit the development of waqf land are also publicly known. Although some waqf land has been developed in Malaysia, it is limited to the provision of mosque, religious school, and cemetery. This has hindered waqf properties from generating income that can benefit the Muslim society in this country. Therefore, there needs to be a new approach and strategy in creating an administrative system that is well-managed, efficient, and responsive, especially in the use of latest information technology, and a new dimension of development that can make waqf land the country's main economic strength, which will change the perception of the society about the traditional waqf practices. This paper gives a number of recommendations to the authorities for developing waqf land in the hope that they provide a path towards the full exploitation of waqf land for the economic development of the ummah and the society at large.