THE HISTORICAL ROLE OF WAQF IN UZBEKISTAN: LEGACY AND POTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Keywords:
waqf, Islamic endowment, Uzbekistan, sustainable socio-economic development, educatoin, healthcare, infrastructureAbstract
The waqf institution, historically significant across the Islamic world, has played an essential role in socio-economic development by funding religious, educational, and social services. In Uzbekistan, waqf institutions have a rich legacy, particularly during the Karakhanid, Timurid, and Khanate periods, where they contributed to public welfare, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, during the Soviet era, waqf institutions were abolished, leading to a decline in this vital form of Islamic philanthropy. This paper explores the historical evolution of waqf in Uzbekistan and its socio-economic contributions, with an emphasis on how waqf can be revitalized to align with contemporary Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By analyzing historical sources and modern developmental needs, this study identifies the gaps and opportunities for using waqf as a tool for sustainable socio-economic growth in Uzbekistan.
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