Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, founder and CEO of the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA), was recently voted amongst the top 500 people who influence the Islamic economy worldwide.
Cajee, together with Ebrahim Moolla of the Rand Merchant Bank, were honoured at the launch of the maiden edition of the ISLAMICA 500 at the 11th World Islamic Economic Forum in Kuala Lumpur.
According to the publisher, Prof. Laurent Marlière, the ISLAMICA 500 is an exclusive guide of selected thought leaders, executives, professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world, active in the Islamic economy and the Halal industry.
“Personalities listed have been selected from across the globe…selection is granted only to those individuals who have demonstrated leadership, achievement, and contribution to the development of the Islamic economy,” he said.
Marlière added that the “specificity of the Islamic economy” was its modernity. There was no paradox between an economic system based on ethics and values and the challenges faced by a digital economy.
“(We have to remember that) the Islamic economy, also described as the Halal industry, is the fastest-growing segment of the world’s economy. It encompasses one human being out of five. It is a blank economy. It is a blank page that still needs to be written,” he said.
Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman of World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation (WIEF), said that connectivity was the key to sustainable economic growth. The publication of the ISLAMICA 500 was an opportune time to have a Who’s Who of influential personalities and business leaders shaping the Islamic economy.
Awqaf’s Cajee said he was deeply humbled and honoured and that his making the top 500 in the world was “totally unexpected”.
Awqaf Deputy CEO, Mickaeel Collier, said that Cajee making the Top 500 was a deserving tribute to the pioneering work he has been doing in the arena of Waqf for over two decades.
“Without doubt, Zeinoul Abedien Cajee – a leader of vision and energy – is a man who has put his shoulder quietly to the wheel for the long-term benefit of our community. We are indeed proud of his notable achievement on the world stage.”
For more info:
Hasanain Abdullah: 0795071196
Awqaf SA info@awqafsa.org.za
