By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar
JAKARTA, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is set to host the World Zakat and Waqf Forum 2025 in Kuching, Sarawak, marking a significant milestone in advancing Islamic social finance, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chair next year, the forum will serve as a vital platform for addressing regional challenges and enhancing intergovernmental cooperation.
Its strategic location near Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital, further encourages collaboration across the region.
“Kuching, as a gateway to Borneo, offers a unique setting that blends tradition with innovation, showcasing Sarawak’s progressive approaches to Zakat and Waqf,” Mohd Na’im told Bernama.
Mohd Na’im stressed that the forum plays a crucial role as a global organisation that unites key stakeholders dedicated to the principles of zakat and waqf.
“By collaborating with policymakers, non-governmental organisations, scholars, and the private sector, we can amplify the forum’s impact and establish zakat and waqf as essential tools for sustainable development and social change,” he explained.
As the authority responsible for zakat and waqf, Mohd Na’im will direct the Department of Waqf, Zakat dan Haj (Jawhar) and Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia to collaborate closely with the forum.
The initiative aims to ensure that selected agendas and themes generate positive momentum for the administration of zakat and waqf, not just in Malaysia but globally.
“We want to ensure that waqf becomes a significant economic resource and that the Muslim community, both in Malaysia and worldwide, understands its importance alongside zakat.
“This is crucial for promoting welfare, ensuring justice, and extending compassion to those in need,” he added.
Mohd Na’im is in Jakarta at the invitation of the Indonesian government to participate in the two-day World Zakat and Waqf Forum 2024, which concluded on Saturday .
The forum brought together representatives from 43 countries, including stakeholders from the ranks of scholars, entrepreneurs and youth.
-- BERNAMA
