Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC) has announced plans to engage the government on establishing a Muslim endowment, known as waqf, to provide long-term support for the country’s most vulnerable communities.

Alhajie Essa Darboe, President of the GSIC, made the announcement during a meeting between President Adama Barrow and Banjul’s Muslim leadership at the State House on the occasion of Eid.

Darboe expressed gratitude to religious leaders for promoting peace and commended the generosity of wealthy individuals who distributed Ramadan gifts nationwide. However, he emphasized the need for a more structured and sustainable approach to charity, highlighting the potential of waqf as a solution.

“Waqf will provide a lasting means to ease the burden of the needy through organized charitable efforts within mosques and Islamic institutions,” Darboe said.

Understanding Waqf and Its Benefits

Waqf, an Islamic philanthropic institution, involves the donation of a fixed asset—such as land, buildings, or cash—whose revenue is used for charitable purposes. Unlike traditional charity, waqf ensures that the original asset remains intact while its benefits continue to serve the designated beneficiaries indefinitely.

Modern forms of waqf, including cash-waqf, allow funds to be invested in accordance with Islamic finance principles, generating sustainable income for social welfare projects. The influential World Fiqh Council has endorsed cash-waqf, further strengthening its legitimacy in contemporary Islamic philanthropy.

If established in The Gambia, a waqf system could help fund education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation initiatives, offering long-term relief to disadvantaged communities.

Next Steps in Implementing Waqf in The Gambia

The GSIC is expected to engage government authorities soon to discuss the framework for setting up waqf in the country. Darboe expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly improve the lives of those in need, providing stability beyond short-term donations.

Other religious leaders at the meeting echoed similar sentiments. Imam Yankuba Sillah of the Mandinka Muslim community praised President Barrow’s efforts in fostering peace and unity, while Imam Cherno Kah, the Imam Ratib of Banjul, was recognized for his role in uniting Gambian Muslims across different ethnic and community lines.

With growing interest in Islamic social finance mechanisms globally, the establishment of waqf in The Gambia could mark a transformative step in the country’s approach to charitable giving, ensuring that support for the needy is both structured and enduring.