Actions and Strategies of State Islamic Religious Councils (MAIN) On the Development of Abandoned Waqf Land in Malaysia

Developing abandoned waqf land is a crucial action and strategy for optimally utilizing waqf assets. Fundamental waqf principles, such as the conditions that waqf property cannot be sold, transferred to others, inherited, or disposed of permanently, must be upheld in the development process. Typically, abandoned waqf land results from the absence of development projects that can generate optimal returns. The prevailing stigma that such issues stem from ineffective waqf management and the lack of efficient development mechanisms has had negative socioeconomic consequences for society and the nation. This study aims to analyze the measures taken by the State Islamic Religious Councils (MAIN) in developing abandoned waqf land. It employs a qualitative research approach, collecting data through both primary and secondary sources, including interviews, document analysis, articles, journals, theses, books, magazines, conference papers, the State Islamic Administration Enactment, state waqf enactments, and official websites of the State Islamic Religious Councils and State Islamic Departments. The findings reveal that MAIN has implemented measures to enhance management and monitoring by adopting efficient administrative systems and integrating modern technology into development projects. These efforts aim to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of waqf land development in Malaysia.