Waqf Digitisation Framework
Building Trusted Digital Infrastructure for Waqf
Advancing responsible technology, strengthening institutional accountability and protecting waqf for future generations.
The Global Waqf Alliance’s proposed Waqf Digitisation Framework provides a structured approach to the responsible use of digital technology in waqf registration, governance, asset management and beneficiary services.
It addresses the opportunities and risks associated with distributed ledger technology, blockchain-based registries, smart contracts, digital waqf contribution platforms and artificial intelligence. It also establishes proposed safeguards for data protection, cybersecurity, human oversight, Shari’ah review and institutional accountability.
The Framework is designed to help waqf authorities, institutions, technology providers and other stakeholders explore digital transformation while respecting national laws, applicable Shari’ah requirements and the rights of waqf beneficiaries.
Current status: Consultation Draft — not adopted.
Why Waqf Digitisation Matters
Waqf institutions depend on reliable records, responsible administration and the preservation of endowed assets across generations. Inadequate documentation, fragmented information systems, cybersecurity risks and limited interoperability can make effective governance more difficult.
Digital technologies offer opportunities to improve recordkeeping, strengthen auditability, support administrative efficiency and increase transparency. However, technology alone cannot guarantee accurate records, lawful ownership, sound governance or Shari’ah compliance.
The Waqf Digitisation Framework is being developed around a central principle:
Technology should strengthen the amanah of waqf administration—not replace human responsibility, qualified Shari’ah oversight or the authority of competent national institutions.
The Six Core Areas of the Framework
1. Digital Waqf Asset Registries
The Framework proposes technical safeguards for digital registries using distributed ledger technology (DLT), including blockchain where appropriate.
Its provisions address record integrity, interoperability, secure data exchange, continuity planning and the migration of existing waqf records. They also recognise the importance of verifying historical information before transferring it into a new digital system.
Digital records must operate within applicable legal and regulatory arrangements. A digital ledger entry does not, by itself, establish legal ownership or automatically confer official-record status.
2. Smart Contract Governance
Smart contracts can support selected administrative processes, including the calculation and distribution of usufruct according to documented waqf terms, routine compliance monitoring and certain pre-approved transactions.
The proposed Framework establishes safeguards for their use, including technical testing, auditability, Shari’ah review and a documented human override mechanism.
Decisions requiring discretionary judgement or formal legal and Shari’ah authorisation must not be delegated automatically to software.
3. Digital Waqf Contribution Platforms
Digital contribution platforms can make participation in cash waqf more accessible and simplify the recording of contributions.
The Framework proposes measures addressing contributor verification, applicable anti-money-laundering requirements, contribution confirmation, transparent reporting and accurate records of pooled contributions.
Its objective is to support accessible digital participation while protecting contributors, waqf assets and the integrity of the contribution process.
4. Artificial Intelligence in Waqf Administration
Artificial intelligence may support asset valuation, investment analysis, beneficiary eligibility screening and compliance monitoring.
The proposed Framework emphasises transparency, accountability, fairness, explainability and meaningful human oversight. It also requires appropriate Shari’ah review of AI-assisted waqf administration systems.
AI-generated recommendations should support informed decisions by authorised people rather than independently determine consequential matters affecting waqf assets or beneficiaries.
5. Data Protection and Cybersecurity
Digital transformation must protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of waqf records and personal information.
The Framework proposes safeguards covering data minimisation, encryption, independent security audits, incident response, business continuity, long-term digital preservation and vendor accountability.
It also addresses the importance of data portability and exit arrangements so that waqf institutions can change technology providers without losing access to their records or becoming unnecessarily dependent on a single vendor.
6. Certification and Implementation
The proposed Framework includes a certification model for relevant digital platforms and systems, alongside technical assessment, a public certification register, periodic review and an appeals mechanism.
Certification is intended to assess conformity with defined requirements. It would not, by itself, constitute government authorisation, statutory approval, a guarantee of performance or a Shari’ah ruling.
Any future certification programme or operational pilot would be conditional on the required governance arrangements, qualified assessors, review procedures, legal permissions and implementation safeguards being in place.
A Responsible Approach to Digital Transformation
The Framework proposes a phased approach rather than immediate, large-scale deployment.
Its implementation programme envisages progressing from digital registry pilots towards carefully controlled smart contract applications and, subject to readiness and applicable approvals, broader digital contribution platforms. AI-assisted applications would require their own safeguards and review.
The proposed targets are conditional planning objectives. They depend on the decisions, resources, capacity and participation of States, waqf institutions and other relevant stakeholders; they should not be understood as confirmed commitments or completed achievements.
Who Can Benefit?
The Framework is intended to inform and support engagement among:
National waqf authorities and regulatory institutions.
Governments and policymakers working on digital public infrastructure.
Waqf institutions, mutawallis and professional administrators.
Shari’ah scholars and Islamic finance specialists.
Technology providers, cybersecurity experts and software developers.
Legal, data protection, audit and risk management professionals.
Universities, research institutions and development partners.
It can provide a common reference for technical discussions, institutional planning, policy development and the assessment of digital waqf initiatives, subject to the relevant jurisdiction’s legal and regulatory requirements.
Relationship with the Global Waqf Development Frameworks
The Waqf Digitisation Framework forms part of the Global Waqf Alliance’s proposed collection of Global Waqf Development Frameworks.
Global Waqf Governance Standards
Address institutional governance, fiduciary responsibility, transparency and accountability.
Model Waqf Law Framework
Provides a proposed reference for jurisdictions reviewing or developing waqf legislation.
Waqf Digitisation Framework
Addresses the technical, governance and regulatory safeguards associated with digital waqf systems.
Together, these proposed instruments are intended to support a more coherent approach to waqf governance, legal development and responsible digital transformation. Their final status and use remain subject to the Alliance’s applicable consultation, review and adoption procedures.
Development and Consultation
The Waqf Digitisation Framework is currently a consultation draft conformed to the proposed Global Waqf Alliance Founding Charter v2.6.
Further technical, legal and Shari’ah review is required. Areas identified for further consideration include tokenisation and crypto-assets, digital key custody and network governance, implementation of the Alliance AI Principles, and confirmation of cross-references to the final Model Waqf Law Framework.
The draft has not been formally adopted, and the proposed certification arrangements should not be represented as operational. No external endorsement should be claimed without written confirmation.
The Global Waqf Alliance welcomes constructive contributions from relevant experts and institutions to help refine the Framework before any formal adoption is considered.
Contribute to the Future of Digital Waqf
Responsible digital transformation requires collaboration between waqf institutions, regulators, Shari’ah scholars, legal professionals and technology experts.
If your organisation has experience in waqf administration, digital registries, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Islamic finance, legal reform or Shari’ah governance, your expertise can contribute to the development of practical and responsible approaches to digital waqf.
Help shape a trusted digital future for waqf.
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The Waqf Digitisation Framework is a consultation draft, not an adopted legal or regulatory instrument. Its provisions remain subject to review, amendment and the applicable governance and adoption procedures of the Global Waqf Alliance. It does not replace national law, regulatory approval or qualified legal and Shari’ah advice.
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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