A Proposed Framework of Islamic Governance for Awqaf

With the increasing clamoring for the revival of waqf (plural awqaf) institution, more attention has been accorded to good governance and best practices of waqf by scholars and other stakeholders. This is due to the recognition of the adoption of best practice of good governance as a critical success factors for revitalizing awqaf institutions. Despite the unprecedented call for the adoption of best practice of good governance, studies regarding this crucial issue are limited. This is probably because of the conception which exclusively relates governance only to commercial sectors. In fact, governance in charitable and not-for profit organizations has huge responsibilities of demonstrating convincing accountability to stakeholders. This paper therefore attempts to review some Islamic concepts and values which underpin the governance framework for awqaf institutions and thus demonstrate the Islamic accountability of mutawalli (awqaf manager).