Waqf Contributions for Sustainable Development Goals: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

Lack of funds has been a substantial challenge in achieving the sustainable development goals for all developing countries including many of OIC member states. The World Bank estimates that approximately, from $1.5 to $2.7 trillion is needed every year to finance SDGs projects between 2015 up to 2030. This chapter examines the potential role of waqf as a fund-mobilising instrument. It specifically focuses on the progress in achieving SDGs in OIC countries. Four key development areas are highlighted in this regard, namely, poverty alleviation, healthcare, education and finally infrastructure development. A comparison between OIC and non-OIC countries is drawn to assess the progress of OIC countries. Except for some areas in infrastructure development, OIC countries seem to be lagging behind their non-OIC counterparts in all the four covered areas. Tapping waqf resources can greatly contribute in achieving the SDGs, in particular the monetary waqf or cash waqf. To support this argument, this chapter brings various case studies from waqf institutions operating in the Muslim world. The first case study discusses two institutions in Turkiye and the second one highlights the contribution of two subsidiaries of Islamic Development Banks. This chapter concludes with a prolonged discussion of the existing challenges encountering the full employment of waqf in achieving the SDGs.