Green Waqf is a concept that emerged and became popular over the past few years. It combines “green” referring to the environment and “Waqf, a term from Islamic law literature.
What is Waqf?
Waqf in itself is a voluntary form of charity that entails preserving and endowing money or property for a specific altruistic purpose, and it is usually put into serving the community. Waqf is encouraged by Islam as it benefits both the donor and beneficiary on material, spiritual and social levels. And it has played a big role in the development of societies that practice it. It is also known as Islamic endowments in which assets such as land, buildings, or money are donated to a religious or charitable cause.
Environmental protection in Islam.
In Islam, the preservation of the environment around us is commanded by God. Allah has entrusted us with his creation, we are responsible for the safekeeping of the environment surrounding us. There is a balance that needs to be maintained for the wellbeing of nature and to bring peace to its inhabitants. Sustaining this balance is a core principle of Islamic worldview.
Green Waqf for environmental conservation and community development.
Green Waqf (Islamic endowment) can be defined as directing Waqf assets towards achieving the well-being of the environment. It is a way to serve local communities, have a beneficial impact on society, and play an active role in preserving the environment and the ecological balance attaining sustainability. This sustainable investment can include, but not limited to, solarizing a school or a Mosque, drilling a well and distributing water on solar power, or planting a vegetable garden around Mosques
Another benefit of Green Waqf is that it allows for community participation and engagement. Many green waqf projects are designed to involve the local community, such as through volunteer opportunities or educational programs. This not only helps to raise awareness about environmental issues, but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.
Green Waqf also has the potential to bring about real change in the fight against climate change. As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, such as deforestation, air pollution, and water scarcity, Green Waqf can serve as a powerful tool for addressing these issues.
In conclusion, Green Waqf is a unique and innovative approach to philanthropy that combines environmental conservation and community development. It has the potential to make a significant impact on both local communities and the environment, while also aligning with traditional Islamic values. As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, Green Waqf can serve as a powerful tool for addressing these issues, and it is hoped that this concept will continue to gain traction and support in the coming years.
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