An Overview of the Experience
The population of Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) is estimated to be around 15 million people[i]. Currently, there are no precise statistics revealing the number of Muslims in the country, but they are roughly estimated to make up about 3% of the population. This was the case in the past, but today their number is likely higher than this percentage[ii]. Zimbabwe was formerly a British colony and endured a fierce onslaught during that period, with Muslims suffering various forms of persecution. Colonialism led to their isolation and cut them off from sources of knowledge and education, as nearly a thousand schools were closed to them. In 1980, Zimbabwe gained independence[iii].
Thus, Zimbabwe is not a Muslim-majority country, nor does it have a specific law dedicated to the waqf (endowment) sector. In Zimbabwe, a waqf can be registered under the name of a “Trust Organization.” This organization enlists a lawyer to handle its registration, after which the lawyer drafts a specific proposal. Compliance with the country’s constitution and laws is mandatory, and approval from the council responsible for registering such organizations must be obtained[iv]. Currently, there are several Islamic councils in Zimbabwe, such as the Council of Islamic Scholars, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Dar al-Ifta, and the Zimbabwe Muslim Association, alongside other Islamic organizations. These entities work in various fields, including spreading religious awareness, establishing Quranic schools, overseeing the construction of mosques and Quranic educational institutions, and engaging in charitable works[v].
Management of Waqf Assets
Statistics and data on waqf in Zimbabwe are not readily available to the public, primarily because the waqf system is not formally organized. As a result, there is no sovereign fund, as seen in South Africa, to gather information and data. Moreover, some organizations do not have official websites, meaning Zimbabwe lacks a structured system to inventory its waqf properties and assets[vi]. Waqf properties and assets in Zimbabwe take the form of religious schools and similar institutions. Additionally, there is an organization that manages a medical clinic. Zimbabwe has approximately thirty mosques and twenty prayer halls spread across most cities and villages, with attached Quranic schools for Muslim children. However, these are insufficient, and the teachers are often unqualified, while the curricula are weak and inadequate. Therefore, Islamic schools require teacher training and development. These Quranic schools are funded through donations from Muslims, highlighting the need for an Islamic center to train imams or an institute to graduate preachers.
Prospects for the Experience
Waqf in Zimbabwe faces several challenges and obstacles, the most prominent being the lack of knowledge or data about the reality of waqf in the country. This is due to the absence of what is known as “national work organizations” or a “sovereign fund.” Additionally, there is a lack of expertise among individuals in waqf management, though this challenge is being addressed through training. Another issue is the ignorance or lack of awareness about the importance of the waqf sector in Zimbabwean society, to the extent that many believe waqf is only for the wealthy. This is a misconception, as Zimbabwe has numerous initiatives and achievements, such as the cash waqf initiative, through which the middle class or working class can contribute, even with small monthly donations, to support projects. There is also a lack of what is termed a “philanthropic mindset,” meaning Zimbabwean society lacks the culture of “endowments” or “contributions” that foster social solidarity among individuals.
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