I am the founder of an institute known as 'Waqfa' based in the UK, which is defined as:
"The ritual of Waqfa (standing before Allah) is performed by pilgrims at the Mount of Mercy in Arafat.It is a central rite of Hajj".
Waqfa is the Shariah Institute of Science, Innovation & Technology - which has a purpose to research, develop and commercialise Islamic products and services aimed at the Muslim Ummah worldwide.
The essence of this project is to follow the footsteps of the Muslim Ummah that came before us and accelerate the advances of science and technology to benefit the Ummah. The Muslim World is still struggling to catch up with the technological revolution; thus remaining a witness rather than a participant.
Waqfa will use the source transcripts of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW (pbuh) - to carry out research in many fields and disciplines to develop new products and services that are Shariah compliant. This will be a collaborative effort with the end result being widely available to the Ummah.
Projects undergoing feasibility studies are dependant on VC funding:
Best business practices for organisations in the Muslim world and Non-Muslim world to accommodate obligatory acts i.e. Salah during the business working day. Involves developing processes, IT systems and tools for the modern working environment.
eCommerce Portal for Shariah Compliant financial transactions and transparency
Researching and developing pervasive computing technology that can be easily deployed with minimum or no cost to areas of the world where the Ummah struggle i.e. mobile computing in Muslim countries where there is no apparent source of energy or is not affordable. Mobile computing for example, in many ways will bring vast benefits in medicine, education and economic prosperity. Research is under way looking at renewable energy sources - but requires further investment for research for practical applications and usage in such situations as mentioned.
These are but a few areas and projects Waqfa are involved in. What Waqfa requires is a VC or a number of VC's to provide funding for these activities; along with partner individuals and or organisations to actively participate.
Funding is required for:
New premises as current location is inadequate
Resources and equipment or research & development
Payroll for specific individuals that would be commissioned to carry out highly specialised work - i.e. developing hardware as part of R&D. (Majority of staff currently work on a voluntary basis).
I have been an academic for many years which has earned me a degree in Business Administration and a Masters in Innovation with Entrepreneurial Studies. I have worked in industry for eight years within sectors such as: Telecoms, IT, ISP, IT Field Marketing and Local Government (UK's eGovernment programme), developing new concepts, business proposals and case studies of diversifying product portfolios etc.
As Waqfa is a relatively new initiate it is imperative that a significant sum is initially secured to continue and cater for the next phases of the mentioned projects (most are currently personally financed - which is not sustainable).
If anybody believes in what Waqfa is all about or if you are aware of any specific body that can assist, then please contact me. Inshallah I look forward to hearing from anyone on this this matter. If anyone would like to participate or requires further information, please contact me.
This is a global effort, feedback on the statement above would be great as valued insight - we are an Ummah that is said to be the best of all Ummahs.