The news
The COSARAF Charitable Foundation was delighted to take part in the first-ever Waqf Summit, convened by National Waqf on Thursday 15 October. The event brought together charity leaders, scholars, funders and advisers to explore how waqf can strengthen the future of Muslim philanthropy in the UK.
Waqf, an Islamic charitable endowment, offers a powerful model for lasting impact: preserving assets while using the income they generate to support charitable purposes. At a time of growing demand and pressure on funding, the summit provided a timely opportunity to consider how Muslim charities can build greater financial resilience.
We were particularly pleased that our trustee, Farouq Sheikh OBE, represented COSARAF on the panel discussion, From Survival to Sustainability. His contribution highlighted an important principle: Muslim charities should get their own houses in order by establishing waqf arrangements that strengthen their own sustainability. Building that foundation places organisations in a stronger position to support other charities on their waqf journeys.
This message resonates with COSARAF’s own ambitions. Over the next few years, we aspire to establish a waqf to help sustain the Foundation’s work, strengthening our ability to support communities and charitable partners for generations to come.
It was a privilege to hear from Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, whose scholarship and experience brought valuable perspective to the role of waqf in contemporary Muslim philanthropy. His keynote was a highlight of a programme connecting the Islamic tradition of enduring charitable giving with the practical opportunities facing the sector today.
We also valued the insights of charity law specialist Alice Faure Walker, whose session explored how waqf aligns with English law. Her contribution helped demonstrate how Islamic philanthropic principles can be supported through established legal structures in England and Wales, with careful planning and sound governance.
The summit also introduced National Waqf’s Waqf Pack, designed to help charities, families and individuals navigate the legal, governance and Shariah considerations involved in establishing a waqf.
Our thanks go to National Waqf for bringing the sector together for such a valuable inaugural event. Gatherings like this are essential for sharing good practice, strengthening governance and turning shared ambitions into practical action. Just as importantly, it was a pleasure to connect with so many people working across Muslim philanthropy in the UK, renewing relationships and making new connections that can support greater collaboration and lasting impact.
