Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, actively participated in the 40th meeting of the Standing Committee of Experts in Islamic Affairs and Endowments of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries this week. The virtual meeting, chaired by Bahrain, focused on strengthening collaboration and integration within the GCC regarding Islamic affairs and the management of endowments. Discussions centered on initiatives to enhance the social and developmental impact of these vital institutions.
The meeting took place on Wednesday and included delegates from all six GCC member states. Qatar’s delegation was led by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani, and included Director of the Department of Islamic Affairs, Mohammed Jabr Al Mannai. The forum serves as a key platform for regional cooperation on matters related to religious practice and charitable giving.
Advancing Islamic Affairs and Endowment Practices in the GCC
A primary goal of the Standing Committee is to harmonize approaches to Islamic affairs across the GCC region. This includes fostering a shared understanding of religious principles and promoting moderate Islamic values. According to the Ministry of Endowments, the meeting addressed several key areas for improvement and future collaboration.
Focus on Endowment Impact and Governance
Participants discussed the potential for a unified “GCC Endowment Week” to raise awareness of the historical and ongoing contributions of endowments – known as Waqf – to societal development. Endowments are a traditional Islamic charitable instrument where assets are donated to support religious or philanthropic purposes. The committee also explored the development of a standardized national indicator to measure the impact of endowments on communities, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in their administration. This would allow for a more data-driven approach to assessing the effectiveness of these funds.
Knowledge Sharing and Expertise Exchange
Recognizing the diverse experiences within the GCC, the committee examined ways to streamline the sharing of expertise in Islamic affairs. The goal is to create a more efficient mechanism for member states to learn from each other’s successes and address common challenges. This includes best practices in religious education, mosque management, and the oversight of charitable organizations.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Mosque Architecture
The architectural design of mosques, specifically minarets, was another significant topic of discussion. The committee sought to find a balance between preserving the historical and cultural identity of Islamic architecture and incorporating modern design elements. This reflects a broader conversation within the region about maintaining cultural heritage while embracing contemporary development. The discussion acknowledged the importance of respecting traditional Islamic aesthetics while meeting the practical needs of modern communities.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted the importance of unified efforts on issues of mutual concern. This collaborative approach is intended to strengthen institutional work in both Islamic affairs and endowment management, ultimately enhancing their service to society. The committee emphasized the need for consistent dialogue and coordinated action to achieve these objectives.
The GCC was established in 1981 to foster economic, political, and social cooperation among its member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The Standing Committee of Experts in Islamic Affairs and Endowments is one of several specialized bodies operating under the GCC umbrella, focusing on areas of common interest and promoting regional integration. Relatedly, the committee also touched upon the role of religious institutions in promoting social cohesion and countering extremism.
Looking ahead, the committee plans to further develop the proposals discussed during the meeting, including a detailed framework for the GCC Endowment Week and the national impact indicator. A timeline for implementation has not yet been announced, but member states are expected to submit their feedback and contribute to the refinement of these initiatives in the coming months. The success of these efforts will depend on continued commitment and collaboration among the GCC nations, and the evolving landscape of regional priorities will likely shape the committee’s future agenda.
