‘Waqf Ambassadors’ seminars strengthen community awareness

Doha, Qatar: The General Administration of Endowments and the Mosques Department have launched the inaugural "Waqf Ambassadors" seminar series, utilizing videoconferencing to educate imams and preachers about the religious and societal importance of waqf. The fifth seminar, titled "The Preacher as a Waqf Ambassador: From Influential Words to Creating Sustainable Impact," emphasized the imam's and preacher's influential role in society, where they can effectively communicate the essence of waqf to a wide audience.

The seminar highlighted the mosque pulpit as a powerful platform to educate the public about waqf, its various forms, and the enduring benefits it provides. It reinforced the importance of directing charitable donations through legitimate and trustworthy channels. Waqf was defined as a form of perpetual charity that preserves the original asset while ensuring continuous societal benefits, moving beyond immediate needs to fostering long-lasting resources.

Jassem Hassan Bu Hazza, Director of the Waqf Funds Department, explained that these seminars capitalize on imams and preachers' deep trust within their communities, positioning them as effective waqf ambassadors. He stressed that the message of waqf gains greater significance when tied to the community's specific needs and circumstances.

For instance, waqf contributions play crucial roles in healthcare, education, family support, Quran preservation, and mosque development, illustrating its relevance and fostering community solidarity and compassionate giving.

Bu Hazza stressed the necessity of collaborating with the Mosques Department to broaden waqf awareness, ensuring the message reaches a larger portion of society. He affirmed that imams and preachers act as vital bridges between religious teachings and community realities, with a single meaningful word capable of introducing new individuals to waqf avenues and inspiring participation in charitable activities through official means.

The seminar also underscored the significance of communicating waqf concepts in simple, understandable terms, highlighting their humanitarian and social dimensions. It explored practical strategies for promoting waqf awareness through Friday sermons, religious classes, and post-prayer talks, directing the public to official sources and reputable waqf initiatives.