About Hidaya Waqf Foundation
A foundation aimed at establishing an endowment dedicated to supporting activities and programs for introducing and promoting Islam, showcasing its true essence to non-Muslims, and supporting new Muslims. It also seeks to support cultural exchange programs that highlight the civilizational role of Omani society and promote scientific communication among nations, peoples, and communities.
The foundation was established by Ministerial Decision No. (32/2023/M.D) issued by His Excellency the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs on 2 Rajab 1444 AH, corresponding to January 24, 2023. Its importance lies in its noble goals and values related to introducing Islam and highlighting the cultural and civilizational role of Omani society. Furthermore, it aims to provide broad space for individuals and institutions in society to contribute and actively participate in achieving these goals and aspirations.
What is Our Objectives, Vision and Mission?
In pursuit of its noble purpose, the foundation is guided by clearly defined objectives, a forward-looking vision, and a mission rooted in sustainability and community partnership. These foundational pillars not only reflect the institution’s commitment to introducing Islam in a meaningful and respectful manner but also emphasize the importance of building strong, lasting relationships across cultures and societies. Through its mission and vision, the foundation seeks to support new Muslims, foster cultural dialogue, and invest in sustainable initiatives that highlight the rich heritage of Islamic and Omani civilization.
Our Main Objectives Include:
- Creating financial resources for activities related to introducing Islam and supporting new Muslims.
- Providing financial support for scientific and cultural exchange and highlighting the Islamic Omani civilization.
- Strengthening community trust and support through the establishment of lasting partnerships.
- Investing and developing the institution's endowment assets to achieve sustainability in operations.
Vision:
- Pioneering in achieving sustainable tributaries for the introduction of Islam.
Mission:
- An endowment fund that seeks to find and develop sustainable financial resources to introduce Islam through a community and institutional partnership.
1) Introducing Islam
Working in the field of introducing Islam and cultural exchange is continuously growing, along with the expanding scope that requires intellectual and practical effort, as well as financial support.
Officially recorded statistics across the Sultanate of Oman regarding some indicators related to introducing Islam indicate an increase in regular programs and activities in this field. While there was no annual activity introducing the truth of Islam, presenting its divine law, and its impact on human happiness and uprightness in life, there are now activities and programs implemented throughout the year, starting in 2016. Their impact can be seen through the statistics on those who converted to Islam, as shown in the chart below:
Key Programs and Activities for Introducing Islam and Cultural Exchange
1 - Dialogue Sessions
Special dialogue meetings aimed at those who wish to learn about Islam or who are confused by certain doubts raised about the Islamic religion.
2 - Ta’aruf (Getting to Know) Event
An annual event for introducing Islam, held during the blessed month of Ramadan. It includes various activities such as discussions, competitions, lectures, and diverse exhibitions.
3 - Hidayah Program
An educational program targeting new converts to Islam. It runs for a full academic year and includes teaching the Noble Qur’an and the most important topics related to creed, jurisprudence, the prophetic biography, Arabic language, and more.
4 - Various Educational Workshops
A collection of educational programs benefiting new Muslims or those working in the field of introducing Islam. It includes multiple levels conducted throughout the year, in addition to other programs organized in coordination with qualified professionals outside the Sultanate.
5 - Communication and Cooperation with Islamic Outreach Centers:
There is strong cooperation with various centers introducing Islam across the governorates and regions of the Sultanate, aiming to achieve the common goal of introducing the true Islamic faith.
Shaping the Future of Islamic Philanthropy in Oman
The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs launched the Endowment Institutions and Funds Project in 2017. This initiative enabled endowments to operate under a modern system aligned with the governance frameworks applied in major institutions and companies.
This project is considered one of the distinguished initiatives due to its comprehensive vision for the endowment system. It incorporates legislative, legal, and administrative frameworks that empower these institutions and funds to operate independently of centralization while fostering direct partnerships with society to enhance the spirit of solidarity and cooperation among its members and groups.
2) Cultural Exchange
This facilitates relationships with scientific and cultural institutions and showcases the intellectual and historical contributions of Omanis to Islamic civilization. This cultural and civilizational role of Oman aligns with the mission of the Department of Introducing Islam.
Some of the key activities carried out by the Department of Introducing Islam through the Cultural Exchange Section include:
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Translating some Omani-authored books,
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Communicating with scholars and researchers,
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Distributing and promoting Omani books,
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Partnering with academic and religious institutions.
Below are the most important efforts in this field:
1 - Internal and External Communication
Communication with libraries and cultural/scientific institutions, as well as scholars and thinkers, and the distribution of Omani-authored books. Statistics show that the number of individuals contacted during the period between 2016 and 2021 reached 2,431 individuals, and the number of institutions reached 4383 institutions.
2 - Participation in Book Exhibitions Accompanying Conferences and Seminars
The Omani Book Exhibition was held in countries such as Oman, Tunisia, Malaysia, and Jordan in 2016 and 2021.
3 - “Hadiya” Project for Public and Academic Libraries
This initiative implemented more than ten projects aimed at covering all universities, colleges, schools, mosques, and a large number of religious institutions across the Sultanate.
