By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, July 27: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg called for the concept of waqf to be expanded beyond land and physical assets to include knowledge, research, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI), proposing the concept of ‘Knowledge Waqf’ as a key pillar in building a knowledge-driven economy and strengthening the Muslim ummah.
Speaking at the International Waqf Da’wah Convention 2026 held at the Plenary Hall of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today, he said that Knowledge Waqf encourages scholars to dedicate their expertise, scientists to contribute their discoveries, professionals to mentor future generations, and educational institutions to expand access to quality learning and impactful research.
Also present was the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah.
Abang Johari, who is also president of the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (Perkim), added that knowledge has always been the foundation of civilisation.
He said that throughout the Islamic world, waqf financed universities, libraries, hospitals, orphanages, water systems, public infrastructure, and scientific research which had served people regardless of race, culture or religion, reflecting the universal values of Islam that promote mercy, justice, and service to humanity.
“The great centres of learning in Islamic history flourished because knowledge was valued, preserved, and shared for the benefit of humanity.
“Today, we must renew that spirit by ensuring that knowledge is not confined within institutions or individuals but becomes a shared asset that continues to generate benefit for society,” he said in his speech which was streamed live by the Perkim Facebook page today.
He said that through Knowledge Waqf, they can encourage a culture where expertise, research, innovation, and intellectual contributions become part of a legacy.
“A scholar who shares knowledge, a researcher who contributes discoveries, an expert who mentors young minds, and an institution that invests in education are all contributing towards a form of waqf that can transform generations,” he said.
At the same time, he also said that waqf should no longer be viewed solely as a charitable institution but recognised as a strategic instrument for sustainable socioeconomic development.
Abang Johari elaborated that a well-managed waqf ecosystem has the potential to complement public expenditure, mobilise private philanthropy, and generate sustainable resources to support education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, environmental conservation, humanitarian assistance, and community resilience.
“In this regard, waqf contributes not only to economic development but also to social justice, inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
“This holistic approach reflects the true spirit of Islam—where development is measured not merely by material progress but by the well-being, dignity, and opportunities enjoyed by every member of society,” he said.
The convention brought together waqf experts, Islamic scholars, academics, and Muslim leaders from Malaysia and several other countries, including Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Libya, and Thailand, to exchange experiences and share sustainable waqf models.
Among the convention’s key focuses are discussions on sustainable waqf financing models to support continuous da’wah efforts, as well as exploring international collaboration in the development of waqf institutions. — DayakDaily
