IIID Explores Waqf’s Role in Advancing Science and Technology Across the Islamic World

As part of the Mustafa Prize (PBUH) Week, leading scientists and researchers from nine Islamic nations convened at the (IIID) Iran International Innovation District to discuss how the centuries-old Islamic tradition of waqf can be redefined to meet the scientific and technological needs of the modern era.

On the second day of the Mustafa Prize (PBUH) Week, IIID brought together experts from Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, India, Oman, Kuwait, Mozambique, Niger, and Gambia for an in-depth exchange focused on leveraging waqf (Islamic endowment) to foster sustainable science and technology development in the Islamic world.

Milad Sadrkhanlou, President of the D-8 Technology Transfer and Exchange Network (D-8 TTEN), stated that waqf is not merely an asset or land but a strategic investment that can become a driving force for scientific and technological growth in Muslim societies.

He emphasized the historical impact of waqf in establishing libraries, observatories, and research centers during the Islamic Golden Age, adding that revitalizing this tradition in a modern framework can reignite such a period of prosperity.

According to Sadrkhanlou, redefining waqf to align with contemporary challenges—and encouraging even small contributions from individuals—can lead to a civilization built upon both knowledge and faith.

The session, attended by prominent academic figures from all corners of the Islamic world, provided a platform for collaboration, sharing experiences, and formulating actionable strategies for sustainable scientific and technological advancement.

Notable attendees included Momodou Kah (Gambia), Abdul Munaf Behbehani (Kuwait), Hajj Ayub Baharin, Mohamad Asyraf Baharin, Jafar Kohshari (Malaysia), Erum Syed Mohammad Mehdi Rizvi (India), Nadira Panjwani (Pakistan), Syed Aftab Haider (Iraq), Syed Ali Al-Moussawi Haji Noor Irfan Bin Haji Zainal (Brunei), Nader Amirali (Madagascar), Saleh bin Sulaiman Al Zahaimee (Oman), Mohammad Sharif, Naseer Ali Bukhari, Dr. Mohammad Ali Kananis (Pakistan), and Sheikh Hassan Ada (Pakistan).