“A very informative session. Beneficial to new volunteers. We now have a clearer understanding of Waqf, Waqf principles/concepts and jurisprudence. Many more learning sessions still required but a very good start towards empowering the new volunteers” Ahmed Sarang
AWQAF SA hosted a Waqf Ambassador training programme on Saturday 23 May 2015. The session was held at the Nana Memorial Centre in Crosby, Johannesburg. Presenters included Awqaf SA CEO Br ZeinoulAbedien Cajee and Awqaf SA members including Dr Shawkat Alli Thokan, Brs Sedick Isaacs, Irfaan Gillan, Ismail Munshi, Ahmad Sarang, and Sister Qanita Sedick.
The workshop aimed to provide Awqaf ambassador’s with the basic and advanced knowledge of waqf to enable them to advise, consult, train and implement the development of waqf henceforth.
The meeting was initiated with a few words by Dr Thokan highlighting the importance of Tarbiyyah. Awqaf CEO ZeinoulAbideen Cajee presented the Maqasid al Sharia (The higher objectives of Sharia’ah) in particular discussing the 5 aims of shari’ah-deen, life,intellect, property and honour with a view of contextualising the place of waqf. Rules of Waqf was presented in depth by and Br Sedick Isaacs and various waqf definitions were presented by br Ismail Munshi. A timeline of various waqfs in history summarized in a presentation by Sr Qanita Sedick. The sessions concluded with a recap of current Awqaf SA strategic clusters and further funding and grant ideas by Ahmad Sarang, Irfaan Gillan and Malik Arafat. Each session was followed by a lively discussion.
The members found the sessions to be an excellent learning experience. “The presentations were well prepared and insightful.”
“The knowledge allowed an in depth understanding of Awqaf concepts and also a broader understanding of Islam which was the gift of the day” according to participants.
Members were also given the opportunity to facilitate each others sessions.
“This is the beginning of a new initiative to train Awqaf Ambassadors and to empower them with knowledge, research, presentation, and facilitation skills to enable them to write and speak with confidence on the topic of their choice.” commented Br Zeinoul Abedien
The need to continue on the road to empowerment, knowledge and active service was agreed on by all.
