Endowment (Waqf) Conference 2025

The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) is proud to announce its partnership with Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) in hosting a groundbreaking two-day conference: “Reviving the Power of Waqf (Endowment) in Contemporary America.”

For centuries, waqf has been a driving force behind education, healthcare, social welfare, and community development. Today, Muslim American institutions are ready to harness that legacy to build lasting impact in our communities.

This conference will bring together scholars, nonprofit leaders, donors, attorneys, financial experts, and community organizers to explore practical models, governance frameworks, donor behavior, and hands-on strategies tailored to the U.S. context.

Together, USCMO and IRUSA invite you to be part of this critical conversation on restoring one of Islam’s most transformative traditions to meet the challenges and opportunities of our time.

Why Waqf, Why Now?

As Muslim institutions face a rising demand for sustainable funding, new opportunities are emerging to formalize legacy giving and asset-based philanthropy. At the same time, increasing regulatory expectations around governance and transparency are shaping the way organizations operate. Fortunately, there are proven models of waqf and endowment that can be adapted to the U.S. context- offering a pathway to strengthen our communities for generations to come.

Venue Info

JW Marriott Reston Station, Reston Station Boulevard, Reston, VA, USA

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9:00 am - 9:30 am Main Hall

Welcoming and Opening Remarks

Ahmed Shehata

Oussama Jammal

9:30 am - 10:00 am

Opening the Gates of Waqf: Revitalizing Islamic Endowment for Sustainable Impact

This session introduces the concept of Waqf, explains how endowment assets are invested, and shows how effective stewardship can generate long-term social and economic benefits. Participants will learn core principles, practical governance tools, and impact strategies that make Waqf sustainable and relevant today. Dr. Yaqub Mirza

Dr. Yaqub Mirza

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Waqf in Contemporary U.S. (Ulema Panel)

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali-Shah, Dr. Mohamad Moussa

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah

Dr. Mohamed Moussa

11:00 am - 11:15 am

Break

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Creating a Waqf Based Economy: Free of Riba and Poverty- A case Study in Pakistan

The current Riba-based financial system doesn't quite align with the economic principals found in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Before the advent of modern banking, Muslims successfully managed their economic and financial systems for over a thousand years using those principals. This paper will explore, through a case study in Pakistan, how we can establish na nwaqf-based economy that's free from Riba and poverty.

Dr. Zahid Bukhari

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Lunch and Prayer Break

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Building Enduring Endowments: Governance, Growth and Engagement

Learn about the core pillars of building and sustaining a successful endowment: establishing strong legal and governance structures, implementing aligned investment strategies, and engaging stakeholders to ensure kong-term growth and transparency.

Bashar Qasem

Owaiz M. Dadabhoy

Salah Obeidallah

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Embedding Entrepreneurship in Waqf Management: A Shift from Custodianship to Socially Driven Venture Creation

Revitalizing Waqf means embedding in it purpose-constrained entrepreneurship that funds public goods while preserving the corpus. Co-design venture studios, incubators, and PPP's with Shari'ah-compliant finance ( Sukuk, intifa'a, musharakah, mudarabah), strong governance ( Boards, trusts, mosquw committees), and digitised transparency ( registries, audits, blockchain). Use usufruct to ensure perpetuity, professionalise deal flow at board level, and shift from passive rent to active value creation. The result; investable waqf ventures delivering measurable impact in education, healthcare, and housing without compromising religious integrity.

3:30 pm - 3:45 pm

Break

3:45 pm - 4:15 pm

Inside the Mind of a Waqf Donor

A Candid look at what motivates endowment donors; their priorities, concerns, and what inspires long-term giving. Learn how endowment-focused fundraising differs from typical campaigns and how to tailor your engagement strategy to meet donors where they are.

Dr. Shariq Siddiqi

4:15 pm - 5:00 pm

Leading with Trust: A Framework for Scaling Impact with Integrity

How do we grow Muslim-led startups, companies and nonprofits without compromising our values? This workshop presents a powerful model of organizational development based on the Qur’anic metaphor of the human body and the amanah (trust) each part holds. The presenters will explore the “Organization as a Body” framework and the Amanah Assessment - a tool developed by Forerunners to diagnose and guide ethical scaling. Hear from Muslim executives and founders who have implemented these concepts and leave equipped to scale your venture with ihsan, taqwa, and a commitment to societal good. This workshop is ideal for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, executives, and professionals seeking to scale their work without sacrificing integrity.

Awais Sheikh

Omar Altalib

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Networking Dinner: Buidling Global Connection: Welcoming and Opening Remarks

Dr. Esam Omeish

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Keynote Address: Historical Context and Evolution of Islamic Endowments

Explore the origins and development of waqf practices in the Muslim world, and their relevance to contemporary Muslim American institutions.

Prof. Selim Argun

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Day 2: Endowment (Waqf) Conference

10:00 am - 10:45 am

Developing Strategies for the Muslim American Context- North American Islamic Trust, The history and the future

This session offers a concise, informative look at NAIT’s history, current role, and future direction. Learn how NAIT protects waqf assets, supports mosque and school governance, and enables long term community sustainability.

Dr. Gaddoor Saidi

10:45 am - 11:30 am

Establishing Strong Foundations: Endowment Setup, Policy, and Management

Gain a clear, step-by-step understanding of how to establish and sustain an endowment, from setting up the right governance and investment policy to ensuring operational and financial alignment with your mission. This session will draw on practical institutional examples to help leaders build endowments that are structured for long-term stability and impact.

Amir Memon

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Workshop: Growing Your Endowment: Messaging, Engagement, Growth campaigns and Planned Giving

Explore how to build and grow your endowment through intentional donor engagement and strategic fundraising. This session will cover how to position the endowment within your broader giving strategy, craft messaging that inspires long-term support, and guide donors toward legacy and planned giving.