Amman: His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal on Wednesday visited the King Abdullah II Institute for the Training of Imams and Preachers in the Al-Raqim area, accompanied by Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalayleh and Institute Director Abdul Sattar Qudah.
According to Jordan News Agency, during his visit, Prince Hassan addressed the importance of endowments (waqf) as a key tool for preserving historical sites, describing them as both a divine trust and a national asset for Jordan. He emphasized that preservation should extend beyond merely identifying Al-Raqim as a physical site, to revitalizing its role and ensuring its mission's sustainability, impacting not just the religious sphere, but the broader human dimension as well.
Prince Hassan elaborated on the concept that sustainable good deeds are rooted in a long-term vision with significant impact, framing endowments as a comprehensive ethical interest, especially in a world characterized by competing interests. He explained how endowments align with higher objectives, primarily the preservation of life following religious obligations, extending beyond mere preservation to include human dignity, humanity, and active societal participation.
He further emphasized the link between a deep understanding of human life quality and dignity and the sustainability of good deeds, particularly concerning developmental endowments and the positive outcomes achievable through wise investment and effective utilization. Revitalizing the potential of endowments with an integrated charitable approach, according to him, contributes to self-sustaining project growth, serving human dignity and reviving authentic human values.
Within this framework, Prince Hassan stressed the importance of a developmental approach that differentiates between "development" and "belonging," noting that current challenges demand not only development but also the strengthening of belonging, especially among young nations and their human resources. He pointed out that empowered developmental endowments present valuable opportunities for genuine human development through mutual support and innovative collective giving within a sustainable charitable framework.
He underscored the importance of considering indicators of multiple deprivations as crucial tools for understanding social realities and guiding effective development policies. Minister Khalayleh expressed his appreciation for the visit and affirmed Prince Hassan bin Talal's ongoing interest in endowment and development issues and their humanitarian dimensions, highlighting the role of this vision in promoting enlightened religious thought and serving society.