Towards Awaqf to support higher education in zanzibar : challenges and prospects

Abstract EN

Zanzibar’s Islamic history experienced the official creation of the Board of Waqf Commission by the Waqf Decree No.

2 of 1905.

The aim of the Decree was to protect the wealth and assets of the Muslim Community, to enhance the religious, cultural, social and educational institutions in Zanzibar, and to alleviate poverty among Muslims.

Since then until 2012, the pathway of Waqf decrees in Zanzibar has been enacted, re-enacted and repealed for more than 12 times.

The implementation of Waqf decrees in Zanzibar has seen some challenges on the way to reach the above mentioned aims.

Such challenges include the dissolution of the Waqf Commission and the transformation of some of its duties to the Chief Registrar of documents, nationalization of Waqf agricultural estates and Waqf buildings.

In addition to that, other Waqf properties were sold.

It is said that these actions led to disintegration, to the disorganization and the collapse of many awqaf that were used to promote educational institutions.

This paper that will discuss the development of Waqf and its implementation in Zanzibar will focus on the challenges and prospects towards a Waqf to support higher education in Zanzibar.