The Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department (JAWI) was set up on 1 February 1974 initially as the Council Secretariat to ensure the smooth running of the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Council (MAIWP).

The Council Secretariat then consisted of only a few officers:

1. The Mufti of Federal Territory

2. The Chief Kadi of Federal Territory

3. Principal Assistant Secretary

4. 2 Kadis

5. Mosque Administration Officer

6. 2 Tithe & Baitulmal Officers

7. Prosecution & Enforcement Officer
   

When the Ministry of Federal Territories was set up in 1978, JAWI was placed under its jurisdiction. However, in 1987, this ministry was dissolved. JAWI was then placed under the administration of the Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) where it remains to this day. At the initial stage of its operation, JAWI consisted of only several small units:-

1. Administration Unit

2. Mosque Management Unit

3. Enforcement & Prosecution Unit

4. Marriage, Divorce and Reconciliation Administration Unit

5. Tithe & Baitulmal Unit

6. Fatwa Unit
   

Since its inception, JAWI has not looked back but has instead continued to expand with the setting up of two branches. The Labuan branch opened on 16 April 1984 and the Putrajaya branch on 1 August 2001. Today, the role of JAWI has been broadened to include other fields:-

1. Planning of council development and assets

2. Research

3. Provision of training and sufficient number of teachers to educate children in the Islamic community especially in the Federal Territories

4. Conducting of Islamic propagation and welfare activities

5. Management of converts in a more consistent manner

6. Management of tithe, endowment and Baitulmal

7. Enforcement and prosecution as well as counselling of couples with marital problems

8. Systematic administration of family laws

9. Publication and distribution of magazines on JAWI activities and Islamic books

10. Research into fatwa