Waqf, Values and the Ulama: Towards Harnessing Philanthropy for Community Uplift in Northern Nigeria

Employing narratives, and analysis of available literature, this exploratory study is limited in scope by the few accounts considered

Philanthropic Motivations of Hausa Muslim Women in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria: Evidence from a Pilot Study

The study examined “Philanthropic motivations of Hausa Muslim women in Dutse, Jigawa state, Nigeria: evidence from a pilot study.” As an exploratory study, a sample of 42 respondents was selected purposively. Chi square statistic was used for data analysis. The findings showed no differences between women’s age groups and their philanthropic motivations, sources of giving inspirations and charitable role models. The study concluded, tentatively, that regardless of women’s life stage in Dutse, they do not differ in the variables considered, though a more definite conclusion awaits further research. Keywords: Philanthropy, Charity, Hausa, Islam, Women, Jigawa State, Nigeri

Scholars, merchants and civil society: Imperative for waqf-based participatory poverty alleviation initiatives in Kano, Nigeria

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the role of Islamic endowments (awqaf) as viable mechanisms for financing poverty alleviation programmes and the value of the third sector in promoting public welfare. Design/methodology/approach – Secondary sources provided the main data for the study. These were supplemented with personal discussions and observations. Narrative approach was used for analysis. Findings – The lack of awareness about endowments (awqaf) is a barrier to harnessing their potentials in redressing socio-economic inequities and enhancing the quality of life of the poor in Kano. Social implications – Scholars, merchants and civil society organizations will be awakened to the need to cooperate in employing the institution of awqaf reducing poverty through the provision of quality education, better health care and employment opportunities. Government will be made aware of the need to explore non-conventional methods in tackling poverty, recognize Islamic endowments (awqaf) as viable alternatives in financing community welfare programmes and provide all necessary policy support –legal/institutional/financial – for their smooth operation. Originality/value – The worth of this paper lies in drawing the attention of stakeholders, like policy makers, and the general public to the contemporary relevance of, and demand for, Islamic endowments (awqaf) in solving many of the socio-economic problems excluding the poor from leading a decent life.Islam, Nigeria, Philanthropy, Poverty, Social welfare economics