PM urges Awqaf Ministry to enhance its socio-economic role

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Thursday urged the Awqaf Ministry to boost its economic, development, and social role, to help in providing jobs and combating poverty, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During a visit to the ministry, the premier called for safeguarding and maximising the economic and social benefits of awqaf funds, especially in light of the slowdown in economic growth rates over the past few years.

Ensour stressed that waqf money (religious endowments) is among the most important financial tools in Islamic economy that can be used to deal with socio-economic issues such as poverty and unemployment.  

In line with Royal directives on eliminating obstacles facing investors, the prime minister highlighted the importance of checking on the various investment tools, to develop their work and ensure maximum benefits. 

During the visit, Ensour met with Awqaf Minister Hayel Dawood and senior ministry officials, in the presence of Finance Minister Umayya Toukan, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani and Amman Mayor Aqel Biltaji.

The premier highlighted the ministry’s role in shedding light on the true teachings of Islam and strengthening the Muslim nation during these challenging times. 

Recently, Ensour directed the Economic and Social Council to prepare a detailed study on the role of the Islamic waqf in the Kingdom and to arrive at recommendations to ensure the best outcome.

The ministry’s secretary general, Abdul Munem Hiyari, highlighted the ministry’s expenditures and its fund management plans.

Hiyari said the main obstacle facing waqf investment is the lack of sufficient awareness on the financial tool and a focus on building mosques rather than other charity projects.