Democracy and the problem with nationalisation and control of Awqaf property. Abstract: The concept and practice of democracy is burdened with problems in the world today. It has a history in its growth from the Islamic era and in the Renaissance and Enlightenment period. To deal with this, related conceptions of Shariah, Shura and others will form the framework for dealing with Awqaf property and ancestral lands in parts of Africa in periods of their political lives. Examples will be taken to show that Waqf (endowment trusts) property in Muslim lands, while being institutions and property that serve to develop society and provide much needed means to sustain life and livelihoods for people of all faiths were nationalised, usurped or occupied. The cases of control of Awqaf institutions in Muslim lands and that of land in South Africa and of occupied Palestine will also be scrutinised. Yousuf Cajee 37 St. Bride Avenue Mayfair West 2092 yousuf@cajee.com Cell: 082 508 0499 Tel: 011 837 2742