For centuries, awqaf (Islamic endowments) have shaped Muslim societies, funding everything from mosques to universities. Yet, their impact has often been constrained by national borders—until now. The proposed Global Awqaf Cooperation Foundation (GACF) seeks to redefine these philanthropic institutions for the 21st century, leveraging lessons from globally unified sectors like aviation (IATA) and banking (SWIFT).

The vision is bold but rooted in precedent. Historic awqaf like Masjid al-Haram in Mecca or Al Azhar University in Egypt have served beneficiaries across continents for generations. Today, innovative models like the UK’s International Waqf Fund—which generates 7% annual returns through Sharia-compliant investments—prove that cross-border awqaf can be both impactful and sustainable.

The GACF’s framework addresses critical pain points:

• Standardization: Developing universal Sharia-compliant guidelines for governance, akin to IFRS accounting standards.

• Pilot Collaborations: Testing partnerships (e.g., Saudi endowers + Turkish managers + Sudanese beneficiaries) to refine the model.

• Technology: A digital platform for transparency, from asset registration to impact tracking.

With Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Islamic finance and Turkey’s expertise in awqaf management, the GACF could unlock billions in dormant philanthropic capital—transforming lives from Jakarta to Dakar.

Download the full proposal to explore how the GACF can unite awqaf stakeholders worldwide.