The Jaffaria Waqf (Endowments) Directorate was established in 1927 as an independent organization and is currently reporting to the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The highest authority of the directorate is the Awqaf Council, which is constituted by a Royal Decree. The Council, which comprises ten members, oversees the Jaffery Awqaf property in terms of investment, distribution of proceeds, maintenance and development within the relevant Islamic Shariah principles. The activities of the directorate focus mainly on the supervision of a large number of mosques and Matatms, the number of which is estimated at 724 mosques and 632 Matams. The directorate is also responsible for the administration of the property endowed to such mosques and Matams, as well as of the property endowed to donors' descendants, charities, schools, worship houses, cemeteries and financial liquid assets of Awqaf. In order to facilitate functions and designate responsibilities, the Council forms several subcommittees with specific assigned tasks, including the following subcommittees: - Inspection and Renting - Technical - Finance - Investment - Matams and Mosques - Execution Mission and Vision  The Council sets out the directorate's general policies, which aim at preserving worship houses (mosques and Matams), developing the Awqaf property in accordance with Islamic Shariah principles.  In developing its policies, the Awqaf Council seeks to achieve its vision through the improvement of Awqaf mosques, Matams, charities and cemeteries to ensure coping with community changing needs, while continuing increasing proceeds of Awqaf assets.