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Waqf

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What is Waqf?

Waqf is a religious endowment in Islam. The term comes from the Arabic word waqf, meaning to “stop” or “contain.” It involves dedicating assets, typically money or property, to benefit the community. This could be through building infrastructure like hospitals, schools, or supporting charitable causes.

Key points about Waqf:

  • Voluntary and Permanent: The donor willingly commits their wealth or property. The donation cannot be reclaimed or sold.
  • Public Benefit: The endowment serves the community, often focusing on education, healthcare, or welfare.
  • Generational Impact: The benefits of a Waqf continue to support people for generations.

A Waqf is distinct because the donor cannot personally benefit from it. It’s meant to be a lasting source of support for the community.

Waqf shares

Waqf shares are invested in Sharia-compliant assets, and the profits are used to support the institution’s projects. Some of the profits are also reinvested to help the fund grow over time.

Here’s a clearer breakdown:

  • Sharia-Compliant Investments: The shares are placed in investments that follow Islamic financial principles.
  • Support for Development: Profits go towards development work, like education, welfare and poverty alleviation.
  • Reinvestment: Some of the profits are reinvested to help the Waqf fund increase its value year after year.

This approach helps the fund remain sustainable, providing long-term support to the community and the objectives of the institution.


Origins of Waqf

The story of Uthman (RA) and the Rumah water well, highlights the lasting impact of a Waqf. The water well, which initially provided water to the people of Madinah, was owned by a greedy man who charged for even a small amount of water.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) promised a garden in Paradise to anyone who would buy and free the water well for the community.

Uthman (RA) took action, negotiating a deal and purchasing the water well. He then left it as a Waqf, turning it into a permanent endowment for public use.

Here’s what happened next:

  • Endowment of the Water Well: Uthman (RA) purchased the well, freeing it for people of Madinah to use.
  • Date Palms: Over time, date palms grew around the water well, and the dates were sold.
  • Ongoing Benefit: The sale of dates generated income, helping many people.
  • Lasting Impact: The water well continues to benefit people today, contributing to the good deeds of Uthman (RA), even long after his death.

Abu ‘Abdur-Rahman narrated:

When ‘Uthman (RA) was circled (by the rebels), he looked upon them from above and said;

Ias you by Allah, I ask nobody but the Companions of the Prophet (SAW), don’t you know that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, ‘Whoever will (buy and) dig the water well of Ruma will be granted Paradise,’ and I (bought and) dug it? Don’t you know that he said. ‘Whoever equips the army of ‘Usra (i.e., Tabuk’s Ghazwa) will be granted Paradise,’ and I equipped it?” They attested whatever he said. When ‘Umar founded his endowment he said, “It’s administrator can eat from it.

[Al-Bukhari]

The management of the endowment can be taken over by the founder himself or any other person, for both cases are permissible.

Waqf in the Quran

Waqf is closely linked to the concept of charity in Islam, much like Zakat and Sadaqah Jariyah. Both Waqf and Sadaqah are forms of giving, but Waqf stands out due to its lasting, long-term impact. It’s a way to contribute to the community continuously, even after the giver’s death.

Here’s how they compare:

  • Zakat: A mandatory charity, usually given annually, to help those in need.
  • Sadaqah: Voluntary charity, which can be given at any time.
  • Sadaqah Jariyah: A type of ongoing charity, like Waqf, where the benefits continue over time, such as funding a school or well.

The Hadiths emphasise the importance of giving in charity, reinforcing its role in Islam. Waqf investments, which are used to fund community projects, are a key part of this tradition. Many examples from Islamic history show how Waqf has been used to build mosques, schools, hospitals, and more, creating a lasting impact on society.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity), knowledge which is beneficial and a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).”

[Muslim]

What is an example of a Waqf?

Waqfs can be used for a range of purposes for the benefit of a community, including:

Plots of land

Mosques

Offices

Hospitals

Schools

What are the benefits of Waqf?

Giving Waqf brings ongoing rewards and blessings to the donor. It’s not only a way to benefit the community but also a means to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The Qur’an highlights the value of charity:

Those who give charity and lend Allah a beautiful loan will have it increased many times, and they will receive an honourable reward.

Qur’an | 57:18

Some of the main benefits of giving Waqf include:

  • Ongoing Rewards: Waqf provides continuous benefits, both in this life and the hereafter.
  • Reviving the Sunnah: By giving Waqf, you are following the example of the Prophet (SAW).
  • Help for the Community: Waqf donations directly impact the well-being of communities in need.
  • Support for the Deceased: You can make Waqf donations in the name of a deceased relative or friend, allowing them to receive continuous rewards.

Through Waqf, you can make a lasting contribution to both the community and your own spiritual growth.

What are the rules for Waqf

To be considered a valid Waqf, a donation must meet several key conditions:

  1. Continuous Benefit: The donation must provide ongoing benefits, benefiting future generations
  2. Non-transferable: Waqf assets belong to Allah. They cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited. 
  3. Permanent: Once donated, the Waqf cannot be revoked or taken back by the donor.
  4. Halal Sources: Waqf assets must come from permissible (halal) sources.
  5. Clearly Defined: The assets and purpose of the Waqf must be clearly outlined.
  6. Documented Donation: The Waqf should be explicitly donated and, ideally, documented to avoid disputes with heirs.

These conditions ensure that the Waqf remains a lasting and beneficial contribution to the community.

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