The Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, AMAF, has donated AED1 million to the National Awqaf Foundation of Canada, Awqaf Canada, to spread the teachings of Islam in Canada.

The contribution, honoring the will of the late philanthropist and AMAF donor, Ahmed Baghlaf, is divided into three parts, AED500,000 will be given for building schools that teach moderate Islamic values and principles, AED250,000 is allocated to promoting Islamic Da’wah (preaching of Islam), and AED250,000 is dedicated to supporting preachers.

The donation is an outcome of an agreement signed between AMAF and Awqaf Canada in 2015 to enhance collaboration in waqf and charity work and help achieve social, cultural and economic development in societies.

Tayeb Al-Rais, Secretary-General of AMAF, handed over the cheque to Imad Issam Kaddoura, Secretary-General of Awqaf Canada, during a visit to its headquarters in Ontario.

He said, "We are pleased to present Awqaf Canada with this donation as part of our sustained efforts to improve our relations with various international waqf institutions. These efforts are in line with Dubai’s strategy to become a global capital of Islamic economy. We also aim to raise awareness of our vision for waqf among expat Muslims in order to accelerate their endowments and contributions and better support global humanitarian agendas."

Mr. Kaddoura commended the ongoing support of Dubai and the wider UAE to global awqaf initiatives and the country’s commitment to an economic system inspired by Islamic values.

He said, "This fund will enable Awqaf Canada to implement several educational and Da’wah programmes to promote the Islamic spirit of moderation and tolerance."