MPs seek fix for Waqf recognition gaps

TDT | Manama

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Parliament has backed an urgent request for the government to review the status of some Waqf endowments and deal with legal and administrative gaps linked to their recognition and management.

The proposal asks for a full review of endowments facing problems with documentation and legal recognition.

It also calls for clear steps to stop the same disputes arising again and to strengthen trust in how Waqf assets are run and protected.

Complaints

MP Hanan Fardan said the move followed repeated public remarks and complaints about the absence of a clear, approved way to recognise some historic endowments.

In some cases, she said, that gap had led to land being treated as state property and handled under the usual rules, a situation she said had raised ‘legitimate public concern’ and needed a root-and-branch fix.

The explanatory note says Waqf endowments are assets held for religious, social and charitable purposes, and should be managed and kept in a way that serves those aims and the public interest.

It argues that piecemeal fixes, or leaving the issue unresolved, does not match the state’s duty to protect endowments, or Parliament’s oversight role in tracking legislative and administrative shortcomings.

The proposers are MP Hanan Fardan, Basema Mubarak, Maryam Al Dhaen, Jalal Kadhem and Ali Al Nuaimi.