THE CURRENT RESEARCH TRENDS ON WAQF IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

A THEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Waqf involves the dedication of assets or wealth for charitable purposes. The development of waqf has significantly contributed to social progress, encompassing various domains such as health, education, poverty alleviation, and business development. Despite its vast potential, waqf remains underemphasized in its role in economic development, raising concerns regarding its impact on advancing the welfare of the ummah and broader economic growth. This study reviews articles published between 2019 and 2024 to explore research trends concerning waqf's role in social development. Employing a thematic review (TR) methodology, the research incorporates keywords such as "health," "education," "economics," and "business" sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. The thematic analysis reveals five principal themes: Corporate and economic development through Waqf, Sustainability and innovation in waqf, Challenges and issues in waqf management, Legal and regulatory aspects of Waqf, and Technology application in Waqf. These findings offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners by enhancing their understanding of how waqf can be more effectively integrated into various social and economic development sectors.