Africa-Press – Gambia. The Supreme Islamic Council on Monday met with the National Assembly Select Committee on Religious Affairs to discuss the proposed introduction of a Waqf Bill aimed at formalizing an Islamic endowment system in The Gambia.
Waqf, an Islamic philanthropic institution, involves the donation of assets such as land, property, or financial resources for religious, educational, or public welfare purposes.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Burama LG Jammeh, a member of the Council’s Finance Committee, highlighted the importance of adopting a structured Waqf system, drawing inspiration from Senegal’s established model.
“Our mission was to assess legal, institutional, and operational frameworks in Senegal and explore best practices that could be replicated in The Gambia,” he explained.
Dr. Jammeh emphasized that countries like Senegal, Guinea, and Saudi Arabia have successfully institutionalized Waqf, leveraging it as a sustainable mechanism for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, and social services in accordance with Islamic principles.
“Waqf is a powerful tool for financing education, health, and social services in line with Islamic values,” he stated.
He also underscored the need for comprehensive legal reforms and effective national coordination to realize the full potential of Waqf in The Gambia.
“We are recommending the enactment of a comprehensive Waqf law, the establishment of a national Waqf authority, and strong collaboration with regional and international partners to make this a reality,” he concluded.
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