Waqf case studies from UK

By Sheikh Professor Faizal Ahmad MANJOO

A Perpetual Investment in Good: The International Waqf Fund

This session, presented by Sheikh Professor Faizal Ahmad Manjoo at the Waqf Conference Mauritius 2026, explores how modern Waqf investment funds can transform charitable giving into a sustainable, perpetual source of social impact. The Human Appeal Waqf Fund model focuses on investing endowment capital in Shariah-compliant, income-generating assets, with investment returns used to support charitable and sustainable development projects.

The proposed model prioritises transparency, professional investment management, strong governance and long-term financial sustainability. Donor contributions are invested into the Waqf endowment, while annual profits are allocated between charitable projects, reinvestment to grow the endowment and administration. The investment strategy focuses on income-producing commercial properties with secure leases, ethical tenants and rigorous financial, legal and Shariah-compliance due diligence.

The presentation also introduces the International Waqf Fund (IWF), designed to connect philanthropists, institutions and communities through professionally managed Waqf solutions. By preserving the endowment capital while generating recurring returns, the model can support long-term programmes in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, humanitarian assistance, livelihoods and community development.

The session highlights Mauritius as a potential regional hub for Waqf, Islamic finance and cross-border philanthropy, with opportunities for collaboration among governments, regulators, Islamic financial institutions, NGOs, community foundations, family offices and corporate partners. The International Waqf Fund aims to demonstrate how innovative, transparent and Shariah-compliant Waqf structures can create sustainable benefits for communities and future generations.