The aim of the three workshops was to highlight the interconnectedness and intertwinedness of the instruments and approaches belonging to each area of activity and to explore possible ways and means to make the Islamic philanthropic endeavours more lasting and effective. Formal presentations were followed by panel discussions highlighting the issues that needed to be addressed to come out with a single investment proposition aiming to bridge the gap between Islamic finance, social responsibility and philanthropy.

Issues discussed included the following: use of equity for both funding and financing; use of awqaf estates and cash-waqf to unlock dormant resources; use of zakat funds to facilitate the disbursement of financing and the participation of the end-users; use of purpose-built contracts to distribute Shariah-compliant financing; use of microtakaful policies as risk management tools; use of available resources for capacity-building initiatives and constant training; use of Islamic social performance tools to measure the achievement of maqasid al-shariah and steer the proper course of action.