TOKYO, JAPAN – In a landmark event that bridged cultures, the hall of the International Islamia School Otsuka in Tokyo became the epicenter of a transformative dialogue on Waqf & Islamic Economics from October 18th to 19th, 2025.The Japan-Malaysia Baitul Mal, Waqf & Zakat Conference, co-organised by MyGuide Malaysia, the Japan Islamic Alliance, and IMAN Japan, successfully convened a diverse group of NGO leaders with a single, powerful mission: to build a sustainable future for da’wah in Japan.The conference was officially inaugurated by Hj Nicholas Sylvester, Chairman of MyGuide Malaysia, who set a tone of hope and collaboration. In his opening speech, he emphasized the universal values of compassion and community empowerment at the heart of Zakat and Waqf, urging for a cross-cultural application of these timeless principles.The intimate gathering of 40 participants, primarily comprising dedicated members of Japanese Islamic NGOs including Kyoichiro Sugimoto (CICC) and Haroon Qureshi (JIT). It was further graced by the presence of two delegates from the Philippines, Congressman Yusop T Alano and Chief Political Affairs Officer Mrs. Dayang Mirhama A. Jaljalis from Batasan Hills, Philippines. Day 1: A Masterclass in Waqf and EducationThe first day was a deep dive into the mechanics and miracles of successful Waqf models. Participants were treated to an intellectual feast, with insights from some of Southeast Asia’s renowned figures on waqf:• Prof. Dr. Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, Rector of UNIDA Gontor, Indonesia, illuminated the path with his presentation on Gontor as a Living Waqf example, showcasing how a visionary educational institution can be built and sustained for generations through the power of community trust and endowment.• Dr. Irfan Syauqi Beik from IPB University, Indonesia, provided a robust economic framework, detailing how modern Waqf management can fuel sustainable development and social welfare programs.• Pn Hjh Norpisah Mat Isa from Al Bukhary International University, Malaysia, shared inspiring case studies on corporate Waqf and its pivotal role in funding higher education, offering a blueprint for long-term Da’wah sustainability.While the technical and institutional models from Malaysia and Indonesia were incredibly valuable, the biggest takeaway that resonated was the critical need to return to the Islamic fundamentals of Waqf to truly meet the needs of the Ummah. Day 2: From Ideas to Action in the Land of the Rising SunBuilding on the momentum of Day 1, the conference shifted from theory to practice. The second day was dedicated to an intensive workshop, where ideas crystallised into tangible strategies. Facilitated by the co-organizing bodies, participants rolled up their sleeves to develop a concrete action plan for initiating a pilot Waqf institution in Japan.This conference was not just a meeting; it was the sowing of a seed. A seed of sustainable Da’wah, nurtured by the principles of Waqf and Zakat, planted firmly in the fertile soil of Japan. In our enthusiasm to establish a system in Japan, we must anchor it in the core principles of sincerity, Islamic brotherhood and perpetual benefit. When we focus on these fundamentals—the spiritual and social DNA of Waqf—the financial and structural success will follow, insha’Allah. This was the true gem of the conference: remembering that the most sustainable infrastructure for Dawah is one built on the bedrock of genuine, faith-driven compassion. The action plan for Japan must have this principle at its very heart.The journey has just begun, and the future looks bright.
