Founding Charter
A Global Movement for Sustainable Benevolence
Uniting people, institutions and resources to advance waqf for a more just, inclusive and sustainable world.
Preamble
Waqf is one of the enduring institutions of Islamic civilisation: a means of preserving wealth, sustaining charitable benefit, supporting communities and contributing to social and economic development across generations.
The Global Waqf Alliance (GWA) is established around the conviction that waqf can play a greater role in addressing contemporary development challenges when supported by sound governance, responsible stewardship, transparent administration, appropriate technology, scholarly guidance and effective international cooperation.
The Alliance seeks to connect waqf institutions, public authorities, scholars, researchers, financial institutions, civil society organisations, businesses and communities in a shared effort to strengthen the global waqf ecosystem.
This Founding Charter sets out the Alliance’s proposed institutional identity, mandate, governing principles, membership framework, governance arrangements, independence safeguards, financial controls and long-term responsibilities.
The Charter is intended to guide the development of an independent, member-governed institution dedicated to public benefit and sustainable benevolence, operating within applicable national laws and the relevant principles of Shari’ah.
Article 1 — Establishment and Institutional Identity
1.1 Name
The institution shall be known as the Global Waqf Alliance (GWA).
1.2 Institutional character
The Alliance is designed as an independent, member-governed, non-profit international alliance dedicated to strengthening waqf governance, institutional capacity, responsible asset stewardship and international cooperation.
Its legal personality, capacity to contract, ability to hold property and authority to undertake regulated activities shall depend on the legal vehicle selected and the applicable establishment, registration and authorisation requirements.
Nothing in this Charter, by itself, creates legal personality or confers powers that the Alliance does not lawfully possess.
1.3 Institutional independence
The Alliance shall maintain its institutional independence from any founder, host, sponsor, funder, event organiser, commercial partner or affiliated organisation.
Cooperation with other institutions shall be governed by clearly documented arrangements that preserve the Alliance’s independent decision-making, member governance, financial accountability and public-benefit mandate.
No partnership or funding arrangement shall automatically confer governance rights, appointment powers, veto rights or authority to direct the Alliance.
1.4 Recognition of the Founder
The Charter recognises Mohammed Noor as the Founder in acknowledgement of his historical contribution to the development of the Alliance.
The title of Founder is honorary and does not confer an automatic vote, veto, reserved governing seat, executive authority, unilateral appointment power, control of funds or perpetual office.
The Founder may participate in membership and elective governance on the same applicable terms, eligibility requirements and safeguards as other members.
1.5 Foundational instruments
The Alliance’s institutional framework is intended to be supported by its Charter, governing policies, approved standards, implementation frameworks, registers and other instruments adopted through the procedures established by the Charter.
No instrument that has not been approved or published as required shall be represented as an operative Alliance policy.
Article 2 — Vision, Mission and Mandate
2.1 Vision
A world where waqf contributes meaningfully to thriving communities, inclusive economies, intergenerational prosperity and sustainable social development.
2.2 Mission
To strengthen the global waqf ecosystem by advancing governance standards, supporting institutional development, facilitating responsible cooperation and enabling credible, Shari’ah-aligned waqf initiatives.
2.3 Strategic mandate
The Alliance’s mandate encompasses five principal areas:
1. Model Waqf Law Advocacy
Developing and promoting model legislative approaches that can support national waqf reform, subject to the authority of each jurisdiction and the decisions of its competent institutions.
2. Global Waqf Governance Standards Implementation
Supporting waqf institutions in improving governance, financial reporting, transparency, trustee accountability, conflict management and Shari’ah governance.
3. Waqf Digitisation
Promoting responsible digital infrastructure, reliable records, appropriate technology, cybersecurity, data protection and accountable digital waqf management.
4. Cross-Border Waqf Cooperation
Facilitating cooperation across jurisdictions, subject to applicable law, the rights of beneficiaries, the terms of waqf instruments and relevant regulatory requirements.
5. Sector Fund Coordination
Supporting coordination among participating funds and institutions by consent, without assuming ownership or management of funds merely because they participate in Alliance initiatives.
2.4 Public-benefit objectives
The Alliance seeks to:
Strengthen institutional governance and accountability.
Promote the responsible preservation and productive use of waqf assets.
Support the protection of beneficiaries and the purposes of waqf.
Improve access to knowledge, technical expertise and capacity-building.
Encourage appropriate innovation and responsible digital transformation.
Facilitate collaboration among public, private, academic and civil society institutions.
Promote transparent reporting of activities, outputs, risks and outcomes.
Support sustainable development through responsible waqf stewardship.
The Alliance shall distinguish its own commitments and deliverables from outcomes that depend on governments, regulators, donors, members or other third parties.
Article 3 — Guiding Principles
The Alliance shall be guided by the following principles.
3.1 Sadaqah Jariyah — Continuing Benevolence
Recognising the enduring charitable purpose of waqf and its potential to benefit present and future generations.
3.2 Amanah — Responsible Trusteeship
Promoting integrity, diligence, transparency and accountability in the stewardship of waqf assets and responsibilities.
3.3 Perpetuity and Preservation
Respecting the enduring purpose of waqf, the terms of its constitution and the protection of its corpus and beneficiaries.
3.4 Independence and Impartiality
Separating governance, standards development, certification, financial coordination and oversight so that conflicts are identified and managed.
3.5 Transparency and Evidence
Making claims about activities, achievements, funding, partnerships and endorsements only to the extent supported by appropriate evidence.
3.6 Member Ownership
Placing institutional authority within the Alliance’s governing bodies and member decision-making processes, rather than with a founder, host, event organiser or funder.
3.7 Respect for National Law and Shari’ah Authority
Applying Alliance instruments within the legal systems and recognised Shari’ah frameworks of the jurisdictions concerned. Applicable mandatory law and competent national authorities take precedence where required by the Charter.
3.8 Implementation and Collaboration
Prioritising practical implementation, institutional capacity and cooperation rather than unnecessary duplication of existing recognised standards.
3.9 Open Standards and Public Benefit
Promoting the responsible publication and use of institutional standards and knowledge resources, subject to ownership rights, valid licences, third-party permissions and applicable law.
Article 4 — Membership
4.1 Membership philosophy
The Alliance is intended to bring together a diverse international community of institutions and individuals committed to strengthening waqf governance and sustainable benevolence.
Membership shall be governed by transparent eligibility criteria, defined rights and responsibilities, appropriate verification and fair procedures.
4.2 Membership categories
The Charter provides for membership categories and institutional roles that may include:
National waqf authorities and public institutions.
Waqf management institutions and trustees.
Islamic scholars and subject-matter experts.
Academic and research institutions.
Financial institutions and responsible investors.
Non-profit organisations and civil society bodies.
Businesses and social enterprises contributing to the waqf ecosystem.
Individual professionals and other eligible participants.
Associate members where permitted by the Charter.
The precise eligibility, voting rights and responsibilities of each category shall be governed by the operative membership provisions and applicable admission procedures.
4.3 Membership rights
Subject to the Charter and the applicable membership category, members may be entitled to participate in Alliance programmes, access eligible institutional resources, contribute to consultations, nominate candidates where permitted, vote on matters for which they are eligible and participate in the Members’ Assembly.
Membership does not automatically confer a right to hold office, direct certification decisions, control Alliance assets or represent the Alliance externally.
4.4 Membership responsibilities
Members are expected to:
Uphold the Charter and applicable Alliance policies.
Provide accurate information and required disclosures.
Respect confidentiality, data protection and intellectual property requirements.
Declare and manage conflicts of interest.
Respect applicable law, waqf instruments and relevant Shari’ah requirements.
Refrain from misrepresenting membership, endorsement or certification status.
Cooperate with legitimate accountability and complaints procedures.
4.5 Suspension, termination and appeals
Membership suspension or termination shall follow the procedures, grounds, notice requirements and safeguards set out in the Charter.
Affected members shall have access to the applicable review or appeal procedure. Decisions shall be recorded and handled impartially, with appropriate recusal where a conflict exists.
Article 5 — Governance Structure
The Alliance’s governance framework is designed to balance member authority, strategic leadership, independent oversight, scholarly guidance and professional administration.
5.1 Members’ Assembly
The Members’ Assembly is the supreme member-governance body under the Charter.
Its responsibilities include matters reserved to members, the election or confirmation of governing officers as applicable, approval of reserved decisions, oversight of the governing structure, consideration of reports and decisions concerning amendments and dissolution.
The Assembly shall operate independently of external events, hosts and sponsors.
5.2 Governing Council
The Governing Council provides strategic direction and oversight within the authority conferred by the Charter.
Its responsibilities include:
Approving institutional strategies and permitted programmes.
Overseeing the Secretariat and institutional performance.
Approving policies and instruments within its authority.
Monitoring financial management, risk and compliance.
Protecting institutional independence.
Ensuring that conflicts of interest are declared and managed.
Reporting to members and supporting meaningful accountability.
The Council’s composition, voting rights, terms, quorum, election procedures, independence requirements and vacancy arrangements shall be governed by the detailed Charter provisions.
5.3 Initial and permanent governance
The establishment of the initial Governing Council shall follow the Charter’s founding procedures.
The initial structure, any permitted transitional arrangements and the requirements for the full governing structure must be clearly distinguished. Vacancies shall not be treated as filled without valid appointment or election.
5.4 Committees
The Charter provides for specialist and oversight committees, including:
The Alliance Shari’ah Advisory Board.
The Audit, Risk and Integrity Committee.
The Nominations and Governance Committee.
Technical committees supporting the Alliance’s programme areas.
Each committee shall act within its defined mandate, disclose relevant conflicts, maintain appropriate records and report through the prescribed governance channels.
5.5 Secretariat
The Secretariat supports the day-to-day administration of the Alliance, including programme coordination, member services, documentation, communications, implementation tracking and reporting.
The Secretariat shall operate under approved authority and shall not assume powers reserved to the Members’ Assembly, Governing Council or other independent bodies.
Article 6 — Independence, Ethics and Accountability
6.1 Independence requirements
The Charter establishes independence requirements for governing and oversight roles, including defined assessments, declarations and restrictions on conflicts or relationships that could compromise impartiality.
The required independence floor shall be calculated using the Charter’s specified denominator and shall apply from the Commencement Date as provided by the operative provisions.
Where the independence floor is not met, the restrictions on reserved independence decisions shall apply. The transition provisions shall not be interpreted as a general waiver of independence safeguards.
6.2 Conflicts of interest
Members, officers, committee participants and other decision-makers shall disclose actual, potential and perceived material conflicts of interest.
A person with a material conflict shall not participate in a decision where the Charter requires recusal. The applicable rules shall govern eligibility, quorum calculations, voting and the recording of decisions.
6.3 Related parties and funding relationships
Related-party arrangements and funding relationships shall be subject to the Charter’s disclosure, independence, approval and recusal requirements.
No funder, sponsor, host, partner or related entity shall acquire control of the Alliance through financial contributions, service arrangements, nominations or other forms of support.
6.4 Complaints and appeals
The Alliance shall maintain appropriate procedures for complaints, disputes, review and appeals. Procedures shall provide for impartial consideration, documented outcomes and referral to competent authorities or other agreed mechanisms where required.
6.5 Records and accountability
The Alliance shall maintain appropriate governance records, declarations, registers, minutes, voting results and decision records in accordance with the Charter and applicable law.
Article 7 — Shari’ah Governance
7.1 Scholarly oversight
The Alliance’s work shall be guided by appropriate Shari’ah expertise and oversight.
The Alliance Shari’ah Advisory Board provides specialist advice within its mandate. The Scholarly Co-Chair and any designated alternate shall exercise the concurrence and related functions assigned by the Charter.
7.2 Shari’ah concurrence
The Charter establishes a procedure for obtaining, recording and considering Shari’ah concurrence on specified substantive matters.
Where concurrence is required, the relevant decision shall not take effect unless the prescribed procedure has been satisfied. Referral, reconsideration and escalation shall follow the Charter’s rules.
7.3 National Shari’ah authorities
Alliance instruments shall be applied with due regard to the recognised Shari’ah authorities and jurisprudential frameworks applicable in each jurisdiction.
Where a competent national Shari’ah authority reaches a different determination, the Charter’s rules on national application and precedence shall apply.
7.4 Integrity of waqf purposes
The Alliance shall promote respect for the terms of waqf instruments, the protection of beneficiaries, the preservation of waqf property and the lawful use of assets for their intended purposes.
7.5 Review
The Alliance shall seek appropriate scholarly review of its standards, certification frameworks, financial coordination arrangements and other activities involving substantive Shari’ah questions.
This Charter does not itself constitute a fatwa, Shari’ah certification or ruling by any external scholarly institution.
Article 8 — Global Waqf Standards Package
The Alliance’s proposed institutional programme includes three foundational instruments.
8.1 Model Waqf Law Framework
A model legislative framework intended to support national consideration of waqf law and policy, including waqf constitution, classification, trusteeship, asset management, beneficiary protection, regulatory oversight and contemporary waqf structures.
It is a model framework unless and until adopted as law by a competent jurisdiction.
8.2 Global Waqf Governance Standards
A governance framework intended to support improved institutional practice in areas including:
Governance structure and responsibilities.
Financial reporting, disclosure and independent audit.
Conflict-of-interest management.
Trustee qualification, conduct and accountability.
Shari’ah governance.
8.3 Waqf Digitisation Framework
A framework intended to support responsible digital transformation in waqf management, including asset records, technology governance, smart contracts, digital contribution systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data protection.
8.4 Adoption and version control
These instruments remain subject to their own consultation, approval, publication, ownership and version-control requirements.
Their inclusion in this Charter does not mean that every instrument has been formally adopted or is ready for implementation.
8.5 Standards mapping
The Alliance shall seek to identify relevant existing recognised frameworks and explain the relationship between them and its own proposed instruments. This is intended to support coherence, reduce unnecessary duplication and improve transparency.
Article 9 — Risk Management, Data and Information Security
9.1 Enterprise risk management
The Alliance shall maintain a risk-management framework appropriate to its activities, resources and legal status.
Risk oversight shall cover governance, finance, legal and regulatory compliance, operations, technology, cybersecurity, data protection, Shari’ah compliance, partnerships, fraud, safeguarding, reputational exposure and programme delivery.
9.2 Risk register
The Secretariat shall maintain a risk register identifying material risks, their potential impact, existing controls, mitigation actions, responsible owners and review dates.
The Governing Council shall review significant risks and ensure that appropriate action is taken.
9.3 Data protection
Personal information and confidential institutional records shall be handled under applicable data-protection law and approved Alliance policies.
Access to information shall be limited to legitimate purposes, and appropriate safeguards shall be maintained for storage, processing, sharing and retention.
9.4 Information security
The Alliance shall seek to protect its records, systems and digital resources against unauthorised access, loss, misuse and disruption through appropriate security controls and incident-response procedures.
Article 10 — Institutional Policies and Procurement
10.1 Procurement
Procurement shall be conducted transparently, with due regard to value, suitability, conflicts of interest, documented selection and the proper use of Alliance resources.
Related-party transactions shall follow the Charter’s additional approval and recusal requirements.
10.2 Ethics and integrity
The Alliance shall establish appropriate policies concerning gifts and hospitality, anti-fraud controls, corruption, misconduct, safeguarding and other integrity risks relevant to its activities.
10.3 Policy approval
Policies referenced in the Charter shall be adopted through the required procedures before being represented as operative.
Where a policy is not yet adopted, its status shall be disclosed and any activity dependent on it shall remain subject to the relevant implementation conditions.
Article 11 — Intellectual Property and Institutional Resources
11.1 Ownership principles
Intellectual property and institutional resources shall be treated according to evidence of ownership, applicable law and valid written agreements.
The Alliance shall not claim ownership of materials merely because they have been used in connection with its development or activities.
11.2 Pre-existing materials
Pre-existing materials, methodologies, research, templates, designs, brands and know-how shall remain the property of their lawful owners unless validly assigned or licensed under a separate written agreement.
Third-party materials may be used only with appropriate authorisation.
11.3 Works created for the Alliance
Ownership or licensing of materials created specifically for the Alliance or commissioned by it shall be determined by applicable law and the relevant contributor or commissioning agreement.
The Alliance shall seek appropriate written assignments or licences where required.
11.4 Founder asset protection
Nothing in this Charter obliges the Founder to transfer, contribute, donate or make available any physical asset.
No land, building, premises, equipment, furniture, vehicle, machinery, inventory, hardware or other tangible asset shall be treated as an Alliance asset solely because it has been used or made available for Alliance-related activities.
No domain name, trademark, logo, website, digital platform, database, account, record, contract or other intangible asset is automatically transferred by adoption of the Charter.
Any proposed transfer, assignment, licence or access arrangement must be voluntary where required, supported by evidence of ownership or authority, documented in a separate written instrument and approved through the applicable procedure.
11.5 Public licensing
The Alliance may adopt suitable licensing arrangements for standards and other materials it owns or is authorised to sublicense. No licence shall override the rights of third parties or the terms of existing agreements.
Article 12 — Governance Standards Implementation and Certification
12.1 Purpose
The Alliance intends to support institutions seeking to improve their waqf governance practices and demonstrate conformity with approved standards.
12.2 Separation of functions
Standards development, institutional support, assessment, certification and oversight shall be separated to the extent required by the Charter to preserve impartiality and prevent conflicts.
No institution shall be assessed or certified under arrangements that compromise the required independence of the relevant decision-makers.
12.3 Certification requirements
Any certification programme shall be governed by approved scheme rules, transparent criteria, competent assessment arrangements, impartial decision-making, appropriate appeals and monitoring procedures.
12.4 Conditions before launch
Certification shall not commence until the relevant legal, operational, governance, technical and Shari’ah conditions have been satisfied.
The publication of this Charter does not itself constitute a certification, accreditation or regulatory authorisation.
12.5 Public claims
The Alliance shall accurately distinguish between participation, assessment, certification, accreditation and endorsement. No such status shall be claimed without the required evidence and authorisation.
Article 13 — Financial Management and Funding
13.1 Financial stewardship
Alliance funds shall be managed responsibly, transparently and in accordance with the Charter, approved budgets, applicable law and relevant Shari’ah requirements.
Funding shall not confer governance rights beyond those expressly provided by the Charter.
13.2 Budget and financial limits
The Founding Meeting is required under the founding provisions to consider the Interim Budget and applicable financial limits.
Where an applicable limit has not been approved, the Charter’s default restrictions apply. These include restrictions on expenditure, commitments, borrowing, guarantees and security, and limits expenditure to permitted costs supported by funds actually held for the Alliance.
13.3 Payment controls
Payments shall be subject to the required dual-authorisation controls and conflict-of-interest restrictions.
Financial commitments shall be made only by the body authorised under the Charter. No individual may unilaterally commit Alliance funds outside the applicable authority.
13.4 Reporting and audit
The Alliance shall maintain appropriate accounts and supporting records, provide the reporting required by the Charter and arrange independent audit or assurance where required.
13.5 Funds coordinated by the Alliance
Participation in a coordinated fund does not, by itself, give the Alliance ownership of that fund or authority to manage its assets.
Any fund-related role shall be governed by the applicable consent, contractual, legal, governance and Shari’ah arrangements.
Article 14 — Legal Status, Host Arrangements and Regulated Activities
14.1 Legal vehicle
The Alliance’s legal vehicle and jurisdiction must be determined through the required institutional decision and appropriate legal advice.
14.2 Interim host arrangements
Any interim host or contracting arrangement shall be documented in writing, define the parties’ responsibilities and protect the Alliance’s independence and records.
Property held in a host’s name shall not automatically be treated as property owned by the Alliance. Its treatment shall depend on the applicable agreement, ownership evidence and law.
14.3 No assumed authority
The Charter does not itself confer treaty-making capacity, regulatory permission, financial-services authorisation or authority to undertake activities reserved to licensed or competent entities.
14.4 Conditions for implementation
Certification, regulated financial activities, investment platforms and other activities subject to legal or regulatory conditions shall not launch until the required legal vehicle, permissions, operational controls and relevant approvals are in place.
Article 15 — Partnerships and International Cooperation
15.1 Cooperation
The Alliance may cooperate with governments, waqf authorities, multilateral institutions, universities, financial institutions, non-profit organisations, businesses and other relevant stakeholders.
15.2 Written arrangements
Partnerships shall be governed by appropriate written agreements that define scope, responsibilities, resource commitments, accountability, intellectual property, confidentiality and termination.
15.3 Independence of partners
No partner, sponsor, host or funder shall obtain a right to appoint Alliance officers, direct the Members’ Assembly, control certification outcomes or override the Charter.
15.4 Institutional representation
The name or logo of an external institution shall not be used in a manner that implies membership, endorsement, approval or formal partnership without the necessary written permission and evidence.
15.5 Reporting outcomes
The Alliance shall distinguish activities it directly controls from outcomes dependent on external authorities, funding, legislation, regulatory decisions or third-party implementation.
Article 16 — Transparency and Public Reporting
16.1 Public information
Subject to applicable law, confidentiality and data-protection requirements, the Alliance shall seek to publish relevant information concerning its mandate, governance, membership framework, approved standards, institutional policies and public activities.
16.2 Governance reporting
The Alliance shall maintain appropriate records of governing decisions, elections, conflicts, financial reporting, risk oversight and the operation of its institutional safeguards.
16.3 Evidence-based communication
Public communications shall distinguish proposals from adopted policies, targets from achievements, applications from membership, and intended partnerships from confirmed agreements.
16.4 Periodic review
The Charter and relevant institutional instruments shall be reviewed in accordance with their prescribed review periods and amendment procedures.
Article 17 — Amendments and Interpretation
17.1 Amendment procedure
This Charter may be amended only through the procedures, notice periods, quorum requirements and voting thresholds prescribed by the Charter.
17.2 Entrenched protections
The Charter contains specially protected provisions concerning institutional independence, governance, asset protection and other matters identified in its entrenched-provisions article.
Those provisions may be amended only through the applicable enhanced procedures. No amendment shall be interpreted as transferring a physical asset without the owner’s required written agreement or granting a related entity or funder a prohibited right of appointment, veto or direction.
17.3 Interpretation
The Charter shall be interpreted consistently with applicable mandatory law, the relevant provisions on Shari’ah authority and the order of precedence established by the Charter.
17.4 Supporting instruments
By-laws, policies, standards and other instruments shall remain subordinate to the Charter and applicable mandatory law. They shall be adopted, amended and published through the prescribed procedures.
Article 18 — Disputes, Complaints and Appeals
Disputes arising within the Alliance shall be addressed through the internal procedures prescribed by the Charter, including applicable complaints, review and appeal mechanisms.
Where appropriate, the Alliance may use mediation or other agreed dispute-resolution procedures, subject to applicable law and the rights of affected parties.
Nothing in this Article removes the jurisdiction of a competent court or authority where the law requires its involvement.
Article 19 — Dissolution and Winding-Up
19.1 Exceptional circumstances
The Alliance is intended to be a continuing institution dedicated to strengthening the global waqf ecosystem. Dissolution shall be considered only under the exceptional circumstances and procedures established by the Charter.
19.2 Proposal and notice
A dissolution proposal must be made by an authorised party, state the reasons, disclose the relevant financial and asset position, identify known liabilities and provide the required legal and Shari’ah advice.
Members must receive the prescribed notice and supporting information before a dissolution decision.
19.3 Review and decision
Dissolution is subject to the required Members’ Assembly quorum, enhanced voting threshold, conflict-of-interest controls and Shari’ah review.
The Charter distinguishes an objection to dissolution itself from an objection to the proposed recipient or treatment of a particular asset. The consequences of each shall follow the applicable provisions.
19.4 Asset protection
Winding-up shall respect applicable law, binding waqf instruments, enforceable donor restrictions, third-party property rights and the rights of beneficiaries.
Assets shall be classified and treated according to their legal status and applicable restrictions. The Charter does not authorise the transfer or use of property that the Alliance does not own or may not lawfully dispose of.
19.5 Independent winding-up
The appointment and responsibilities of the liquidator shall follow the Charter and applicable law. The liquidator shall act independently and ensure that liabilities, restricted funds, waqf property and other assets are treated according to the applicable requirements.
Article 20 — Founding and Transitional Provisions
20.1 Founding process
The Charter establishes a founding procedure involving verification of Founding Members, selection and confirmation of the Convening Committee, preparation of the final draft, the Founding Meeting, adoption, approval of applicable financial arrangements and election of the Initial Governing Council.
20.2 Independent verification
The Convening Committee and Verification Adviser shall operate within their defined procedural mandates. Their functions shall be subject to the Charter’s independence, disclosure, challenge and record-keeping safeguards.
20.3 Adoption and commencement
The Charter shall be adopted only through the prescribed founding procedure, including the applicable membership, notice, quorum and voting requirements.
Its internal commencement and any external legal effect shall be determined under the Charter and the requirements of the legal vehicle and applicable law.
20.4 Interim financial authority
The Initial Governing Council shall operate within the interim financial and governance controls established by the Charter. The absence of an approved budget or limit does not create unrestricted authority to spend or commit funds.
20.5 Outstanding decisions
Matters assigned to the Founding Meeting, future governing bodies, legal advisers or Shari’ah reviewers shall be decided through the relevant procedures. They shall not be treated as approved merely because they appear in the Charter.
Article 21 — Schedules and Supporting Registers
The Charter’s schedules and registers form part of its institutional framework to the extent provided by the operative provisions. They address matters including:
Founding Meeting decisions and financial approvals.
Founder assets and separate written arrangements.
Institutional instruments and their approval status.
Evidence supporting founding claims and institutional records.
Governance thresholds and voting reference tables.
Implementation responsibilities, risk controls and outstanding decisions.
Schedules must be kept consistent with the operative Articles. A schedule shall not be used to imply that an approval, transfer, registration, endorsement or institutional commitment has occurred when it has not.
Article 22 — Legal and Shari’ah Review
The Charter is intended to support the establishment of a credible and accountable institution. It does not replace jurisdiction-specific legal advice, regulatory approval or independent Shari’ah review.
Before implementation of the relevant provisions, the Alliance must address matters including:
Selection and establishment of its legal vehicle and jurisdiction.
Legal personality, registration, tax and regulatory obligations.
The enforceability of governance and asset-protection provisions.
The treatment of waqf property, restricted funds and beneficiary rights.
Shari’ah concurrence and the applicable scholarly review procedures.
Certification, financial coordination and other activities subject to authorisation.
Ownership, licensing and transfer of intellectual property and digital resources.
The legal and operational requirements for dissolution and winding-up.
The status of each outstanding matter shall be recorded transparently. No legal, regulatory or Shari’ah approval shall be presumed from the publication of this Charter.
Institutional Commitment
The Global Waqf Alliance seeks to contribute to a stronger global waqf ecosystem through responsible governance, international cooperation, knowledge-sharing, institutional capacity and the protection of waqf’s enduring public-benefit purpose.
Its credibility depends on the integrity of its governance, the independence of its decisions, the accuracy of its public claims and its accountability to members, beneficiaries and the wider community.
The Alliance’s long-term ambition is to help waqf institutions preserve their trust, strengthen their capabilities and deliver sustainable benefit across generations.
Publication and Adoption Notice
This website text is prepared from the Global Waqf Alliance Founding Charter v2.6, dated 13 October 2026. The source version is expressly identified as an independent institutional draft for consultation and legal and Shari’ah review, not as an adopted or registered instrument.
This public-facing text is not, by itself, evidence that the Charter has been formally adopted. Before it is presented as the Adopted Founding Charter, the Alliance must verify the formal adoption record, the adopted text and version, the Commencement Date and any applicable legal formalities.
Any provisions requiring decisions by the Founding Meeting, legal-vehicle establishment, registration, separate written agreements or legal and Shari’ah review remain subject to those requirements. No endorsement or acceptance by an external institution is implied.
Document reference: Global Waqf Alliance Founding Charter v2.6 — Independent Institutional Draft
Version date: 13 October 2026
Website publication: Public-facing Charter text derived from the source document
Legal status and adoption: To be stated only as supported by verified records
GLOBAL WAQF ALLIANCE
An international platform dedicated to strengthening waqf governance, institutional capacity, responsible investment, digital transformation, and cross-border cooperation for sustainable development.
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