IWDC 2026 Marks a New Chapter as PERKIM Elevates Waqf for Global Ummah Development
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27, 2026 — The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National marked a historic milestone with the successful staging of the International Waqf Da’wah Convention (IWDC) 2026, the organisation’s inaugural global convention dedicated to advancing waqf as a catalyst for Islamic outreach, education, social welfare and sustainable socio-economic development.
Held at the Plenary Hall of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the convention drew more than 1,500 delegates from across the globe, representing government agencies, corporate organisations, financial institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), public and private higher education institutions, Muslim converts and members of the public.
Organised in collaboration with the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP), the convention served as a strategic platform to introduce the concept of Waqf Da’wah as a sustainable development instrument capable of strengthening Islamic propagation, education, humanitarian initiatives, human capital development and the Islamic economy at both national and international levels.
The convention was officially opened by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah, Sultan of Perak, who was received upon arrival by Sarawak Premier and PERKIM President, Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
Also present were PERKIM Vice-Presidents Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah and Datuk Haji Mohd Nakhaie Haji Ahmad; PERKIM National Women’s Chief Tunku Puan Sri Dato’ Hajah Noor Hayati Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan; and Deputy Health Minister as well as PERKIM Women’s Deputy Chief I Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib Alsree.
The ceremony commenced with the rendition of the national anthem Negaraku followed by PERKIM’s official anthem, PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan. The opening prayer was led by Abdul Qawi Navine Abdullah, Deputy Executive of IDIP Kuala Lumpur, while the proceedings were hosted by master of ceremonies Bob Faizeli Mohamed Din.
Among the distinguished guests were PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General Dato’ Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, Honorary Treasurer Datu Haji Mersal Abang Rosli, members of the PERKIM National Council, Chairman of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) Datuk Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer, President of the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) Datuk Sapawi Ahmad, and former Kelantan Menteri Besar Dato’ Bentara Kanan Ustaz Dato’ Haji Ahmad Yakob.
In his welcoming address, Abang Johari described waqf as far more than an act of charity, calling it one of the greatest institutions in Islamic civilisation that has shaped Muslim societies for centuries.
He said waqf transforms private wealth into perpetual public benefit while serving as a sustainable engine for education, healthcare, scientific research, innovation, technology and economic development.
He noted that the contemporary world faces unprecedented challenges brought about by artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, digital transformation and widening economic disparities, making it imperative for waqf institutions to embrace modern governance and innovation without compromising Shariah principles.
Abang Johari also underscored the importance of knowledge waqf, describing the sharing of knowledge, expertise and research as strategic assets capable of producing highly skilled generations and enhancing the competitiveness of Muslims in science, technology and innovation.
He expressed appreciation to all strategic partners, sponsors and international delegates, describing cross-border collaboration as a vital catalyst in developing a more progressive global waqf ecosystem.
The highlight of the convention was the royal address by Sultan Nazrin themed “Rebuilding Waqf: Sustainable Governance for the Global Ummah.”
His Royal Highness later officiated the convention by striking the ceremonial gong three times.
In his address, Sultan Nazrin stressed that the future of waqf must be rebuilt upon three fundamental pillars — divine blessings, governance with integrity, and sustainable development — which together ensure that waqf assets continue benefiting society across generations.
Describing waqf as one of Islam’s greatest civilisational institutions, His Royal Highness said its enduring strength lies in preserving assets while allowing their benefits to flow continuously from one generation to another.
He highlighted the historic role of waqf in establishing libraries, hospitals, universities, schools, water supply systems and numerous charitable institutions throughout Islamic history, citing Al-Azhar University and Al-Qarawiyyin University as enduring examples of waqf’s transformative legacy.
Sultan Nazrin urged Muslims to revive the spirit demonstrated by early benefactors who willingly endowed their finest assets for the welfare of the ummah, citing the example of Caliph Umar Al-Khattab (RA), who dedicated his land in Khaibar following the advice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
His Royal Highness also encouraged waqf institutions to leverage digital technology, cash waqf, corporate waqf, modern financial platforms and international partnerships to broaden public participation in endowment initiatives.
At the same time, he warned that the trust placed upon waqf administrators must be upheld with the highest level of integrity, noting that weak governance has left many waqf assets underutilised and deprived communities of their full benefits.
Prior to the opening ceremony, delegates attended a keynote presentation titled “Reimagining Waqf: Blessings, Governance and Sustainable Ummah Development,” delivered by Datuk Dr Haji Mazlan Ahmad, with the session chaired by PERKIM Vice-President Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah.
The convention continued with an international panel discussion entitled “The Future of Global Waqf Da’wah: Strengthening Sustainable Waqf Financing,” featuring Dr H. Amirsyah Tambunan, Secretary-General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and Arif Abdullah Sagran, President of the Centro da Comunidade Islâmica de Timor-Leste (CENCITIL). The discussion was moderated by PERKIM Vice-President Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah.
Panellists emphasised the importance of establishing stronger regional partnerships to develop more structured, professional and sustainable waqf funding mechanisms capable of supporting Islamic outreach initiatives worldwide.
One of the convention’s landmark moments was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PERKIM National Council, Yayasan Restu, Global Wakaf Quran and Boost Digital Bank.
The collaboration is expected to accelerate waqf development, expand digital donation platforms and strengthen Islamic da’wah and educational programmes through strategic institutional partnerships.
The convention also received strong support from key strategic sponsors, including the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), the Department of Waqf, Zakat and Hajj (JAWHAR), ToyyibPay, Global Wakaf Al-Quran, Wangsa Ultima, PIIAM, IKIMfm and Bank Rakyat.
Following the morning sessions, delegates adjourned for lunch and the Zuhur congregational prayer before the convention resumed with its subsequent programmes.
The KLCC played host to the International Waqaf Da’wah Convention (IWDC) 2026, organised by PERKIM, bringing together more than 1,500 participants from various countries and backgrounds to strengthen the global waqf da’wah agenda.
A giant promotional bunting prominently displayed at KLCC announced the International Waqf Da’wah Convention (IWDC) 2026, held on July 27.
More than 1,500 delegates from Malaysia and abroad registered at the IWDC registration counters.
Delegates began arriving and registering for the prestigious convention as early as 7.30am.
Convention secretariat members escort former Kelantan Menteri Besar, Dato’ Bentara Kanan Ustaz Dato’ Haji Ahmad Yakob, into the Plenary Hall.
United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) President, Datuk Sapawi Ahmad (second from right) poses for a commemorative photograph with members of his delegation after registration.
Datuk Dr Haji Mazlan Ahmad (left) delivers his presentation titled “Reimagining Waqf: Blessings, Governance and Sustainable Ummah Development”, moderated by PERKIM Vice-President Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah.
According to Dr Mazlan, waqf must once again become a key driver of economic development and the well-being of the ummah.
PERKIM secretariat members work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth and successful running of the convention.
Sarawak Premier and PERKIM President, Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg together with distinguished guests, stands in respect upon the arrival of His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah at KLCC.
His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah, Sultan of Perak, arrives to officiate the International Waqf Da’wah Convention (IWDC) 2026.
His Royal Highness Sultan of Perak graciously poses for a commemorative photograph with PERKIM’s top leadership.
Sultan Nazrin stands in respect alongside the Sarawak Premier and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan, during the rendition of Negaraku and PERKIM’s official anthem, PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan.
Abdul Qawi Navine Abdullah leads the opening prayer.
Sarawak Premier and PERKIM President, Tan Sri Abang Johari delivers his welcoming address to delegates.
Abang Johari says waqf has the potential to become a catalyst for sustainable social development through education, healthcare, research, innovation, technology and economic advancement.
Among the more than 1,500 delegates attending the International Waqf Da’wah Convention (IWDC) 2026, jointly organised by PERKIM and RISEAP.
His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin delivers the royal address themed “Rebuilding Waqf: Sustainable Governance for the Global Ummah.”
PERKIM’s inaugural international convention brings together more than 1,500 participants from diverse countries and backgrounds.
His Royal Highness emphasises that the waqf institution must be revitalised based on three core pillars — divine blessings, governance with integrity and sustainable development.
Sultan Nazrin describes waqf as one of the most distinguished institutions in Islamic civilisation, enabling assets to be preserved for the continuous benefit of generation after generation.
His Royal Highness officially launches the convention by striking the ceremonial gong three times, witnessed by Tan Sri Abang Johari and Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
Sultan Nazrin graciously greets delegates before departing the convention.
The Sarawak Premier and distinguished guests accompany His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin upon his departure from the convention.
Abang Johari conveys PERKIM’s deepest appreciation to His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin for graciously officiating the International Waqf Da’wah Convention (IWDC) 2026.
The international panel discussion titled “The Future of Global Waqf Da’wah: The Need for Sustainable Waqf Funding” features Dr H. Amirsyah Tambunan, Secretary-General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and Arif Abdullah Sagran, President of the Centro da Comunidade Islâmica de Timor-Leste (CENCITIL), moderated by PERKIM Vice-President Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah.
Dr H. Amirsyah Tambunan delivers his presentation titled “Transforming Cash Waqf and Islamic Philanthropy in the Digital Era.”
PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, Dato’ Dr Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar and Yayasan Restu Executive Chairman and Nasyrul Quran Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Mirasa exchange the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PERKIM, Yayasan Restu, MAIWP, Global Wakaf Quran and Boost Digital Bank.
Representatives commemorate the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PERKIM, Yayasan Restu, MAIWP, Global Wakaf Quran and Boost Digital Bank.
Delegates of the International Waqf Da’wah Convention (IWDC) 2026 pose for a group photograph with distinguished guests and conference speakers.
ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ / ᵁᴹᴵ ᴹᵁˢᶠᴵᴿᴬᴴ ᴬᴮᴰᵁᴸ ᴳᴴᴬᴺᴵ
