Doha Summit Highlights GCC Ministers’ Cooperation on Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The 10th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting of ministers responsible for Islamic affairs was recently held in Doha, Qatar, with a strong emphasis on fostering collaboration among the member states on various social, religious, and cultural topics. This summit, attended by key ministers, addressed several pressing issues in Islamic affairs, including the exchange of knowledge on endowments (awqaf), initiatives to promote the true image of Islam, support for people with disabilities, and the preservation of historical mosques. Kuwait’s Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohammad Al-Wasmi, headed Kuwait’s delegation at the summit, reiterating the importance of the event for regional cooperation on Islamic matters.

Doha Summit

The Doha Summit, as part of the ongoing effort by GCC member states, sought to enhance the unity and collaboration of Islamic affairs ministries. With countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait coming together, the aim was to address shared challenges and opportunities, promote the principles of Islam, and advance the welfare of Muslim communities across the region. This gathering builds on a long tradition of cooperation among GCC states, with Islamic affairs being a central pillar in maintaining social harmony and religious practices in these countries.

One of the primary goals of the summit was to strengthen the implementation of Islamic values across various aspects of public life. The discussions touched upon promoting social welfare, protecting vulnerable groups, enhancing religious practices, and aligning national policies with Islamic teachings. The emphasis on cooperation in these areas reflects a broader regional effort to uphold Islamic values in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving world.

Endowments (Awqaf)

One of the core themes of the Doha Summit was the development and exchange of expertise on Islamic endowments, or “awqaf.” These endowments play a critical role in supporting charitable and social causes, such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and community development. The concept of awqaf is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and continues to have a significant impact on the social and economic welfare of Muslim communities worldwide. In recent years, the GCC states have been working to revitalize and modernize their approach to managing these charitable assets, ensuring that they align with contemporary needs and challenges.

During the summit, ministers discussed ways to share knowledge, research, and experiences to improve the management and distribution of these endowments. Given the complexities involved in overseeing such assets, the ministers proposed the use of interactive seminars and video conferences to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices. These virtual discussions enable experts and officials to address topics such as sustainable management, legal frameworks, and effective allocation of resources, which are critical for maximizing the benefits of endowments.

The importance of endowments in the GCC is highlighted by their role in supporting key societal pillars, including education, healthcare, and community development. By leveraging awqaf more effectively, GCC countries can contribute to social stability and growth, reflecting the principles of generosity, equity, and social welfare that are central to Islamic teachings.

International Day for Endowments

Among the significant proposals presented during the Doha Summit was the establishment of an “International Day for Endowments.” Such a day would be dedicated to raising awareness about the role and importance of awqaf within Islamic societies and beyond. This international observance would help promote the values of social responsibility, charity, and community welfare that endowments support, as well as inspire further charitable giving within Muslim communities globally.

The establishment of a special day dedicated to endowments would also provide a platform for highlighting success stories and best practices in the management and distribution of these assets. It would encourage public dialogue on how endowments can be utilized to address pressing social issues, foster economic development, and improve the quality of life for people in need. In addition, an international day would serve as an opportunity for stakeholders, including government officials, religious leaders, and community members, to collaborate on strategies to expand the reach and effectiveness of awqaf in the modern era.

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Promoting Islam’s Tolerant Image

Another key issue discussed at the Doha Summit was the promotion of Islam’s true, peaceful, and tolerant nature. The ministers emphasized the need to counteract the negative stereotypes and misconceptions that often surround the religion, particularly in light of global misunderstandings and instances of Islamophobia. To address this, the summit proposed the creation of a GCC scientific observatory that would focus on promoting the authentic and moderate image of Islam.

The observatory would serve as a research and educational hub, providing accurate information and resources to foster understanding and tolerance. It would offer scholarly insights into Islamic teachings, address contemporary challenges faced by Muslim communities, and provide data and strategic approaches to convey the core Islamic principles of peace, inclusivity, and respect for all humanity.

This initiative aligns with the GCC’s broader objective of showcasing the religion’s contributions to global culture, science, and human welfare, as well as fostering interfaith dialogue. The establishment of such an observatory is particularly timely given the rise of social media and digital platforms, which can amplify both positive messages and misinformation. By actively promoting a true representation of Islam, the GCC aims to enhance religious understanding and build bridges between communities of different faiths and cultures.

Persons with Disabilities

Inclusivity was another theme that emerged during the summit, as the ministers discussed the critical role of Islamic affairs ministries in supporting individuals with disabilities. With a focus on policies and programs that enhance accessibility and support for this segment of the population, the discussions highlighted the need for religious institutions to play an active role in promoting inclusivity and social equity.

The Doha Summit explored ways in which Islamic teachings can inspire community-driven efforts to assist those with disabilities. Islamic values encourage compassion, and support for those in need, and ensure that every member of society has access to opportunities and resources. By actively engaging with this topic, the GCC ministers aim to set the groundwork for stronger community support networks, policy frameworks, and resource allocation to empower individuals with disabilities to participate fully in social, economic, and religious activities.

Historical Mosques

The preservation of Islamic heritage, particularly historical mosques, was also a topic of discussion among the GCC ministers. These mosques are not only places of worship but also cultural landmarks that reflect the rich architectural and historical traditions of the Islamic world. The ministers underscored the importance of protecting these structures, which stand as symbols of the Islamic faith and history, and serve as communal spaces that bring people together for prayer, reflection, and community engagement.

The GCC countries are keen on developing shared strategies for the maintenance, restoration, and protection of historical mosques to ensure that they continue to serve as spiritual and cultural beacons for future generations. This commitment to preserving heritage aligns with the wider regional objective of protecting and promoting Islamic culture, history, and identity.

Acknowledgments

In his closing remarks, Dr. Mohammad Al-Wasmi expressed his gratitude to Qatar for hosting the 10th GCC meeting and praised the efforts of the GCC General Secretariat in fostering cooperation and unity among the member states. He highlighted the importance of these regular summits in advancing shared goals, reinforcing collaboration, and addressing pressing social and religious issues that impact Muslim communities across the region.

Dr. Al-Wasmi also extended an invitation to the GCC delegations to attend next year’s summit in Kuwait, signaling a continued commitment to collaboration on Islamic affairs. The upcoming summit will build upon the discussions and outcomes of the Doha meeting, further solidifying the GCC’s dedication to advancing Islamic cooperation and unity.

Pivotal Platform

The Doha Summit served as a pivotal platform for discussing key issues in Islamic affairs and endowment management, setting a foundation for future collaboration among the GCC member states. By focusing on key themes such as the development of endowments, promotion of Islam’s peaceful message, support for individuals with disabilities, and preservation of Islamic heritage, the summit laid out a roadmap for strengthening Islamic values and enhancing community welfare across the Gulf region.

As the GCC ministers continue to work together to uphold the principles of Islam and promote social harmony, the outcomes of the Doha Summit are expected to have a lasting impact on Islamic affairs, endowment management, and the overall welfare of Muslim communities within the GCC and beyond.