Ministry of Islamic Affairs is seeking a consultancy service to draft the bill on Waqf-related matters.
The Islamic ministry is seeking individuals or registered small and medium enterprises and will accept proposals from those with experience in Islam and Islamic finance. Interested parties are required to submit the proposal by December 18.
The ministry is drafting the bill to strengthen all Waqf-related matters in the Maldives. The bill will detail what is required to be done regarding donations of land and apartments as charitable endowments under Islamic law. Preparations are also being made to construct a 10-storey Waqf building on a 20-acre land in Hulhumale' Phase II.
The Daarul Iman, which opened in 2017, is currently the only Waqf building in the country. However, the land where the Zikra Mosque was located was also handed over to develop a Waqf building. The agreement was nullified due to corruption allegations and a temporary mosque was built on the land plot. The proceeds from the rent of the Waqf buildings is being used for the construction and renovations of mosques.
Waqf refers to donations or religious endowments, and disbursement of the funds for Shariah-compliant projects such as mosques or religious schools.