Waqf, an Islamic charitable endowment, is a well-established institution in Islamic jurisprudence that plays a significant role in social welfare and economic development. Derived from the Arabic root word "waqafa," meaning to stop, contain, or preserve, waqf refers to dedicating an asset permanently for a charitable or religious purpose, ensuring that its benefits are continuously utilized for the welfare of the community. The essence of waqf lies in its perpetuity—once an asset is declared as waqf, it cannot be sold, inherited, or otherwise disposed of, and it remains dedicated to its intended beneficiaries indefinitely.
There are generally two main types of waqf. The first is Waqf Khayri, or charitable waqf, which is established purely for public welfare. This includes properties endowed for mosques, schools, hospitals, water supply, and other public utilities. The income generated from such waqf is used to maintain and sustain these institutions, benefiting the broader society. The second type is Waqf Ahli, or family waqf, which is created for the benefit of the waqif’s (founder's) family and descendants. The revenue from the waqf property is distributed among family members, ensuring their financial security. However, after a certain period or when no heirs remain, the waqf transitions into a fully charitable waqf.
Islamic scholars, particularly from the four major Sunni schools—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali—have detailed the legal conditions governing waqf. Some of the key legal principles include irrevocability, meaning that once a property is designated as waqf, it cannot be reversed or taken back by the founder. Another principle is permanency, which ensures that the asset remains endowed indefinitely, and its original form should not be altered unless necessary. Additionally, waqf property cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited, adhering to the principle of non-transferability. A crucial aspect of waqf is its management and supervision, where a designated mutawalli (trustee or administrator) is responsible for managing the waqf, ensuring that it fulfills its intended purpose.
Throughout Islamic history, waqf has been instrumental in shaping Muslim societies. It served as a foundational pillar for the development of cities and communities, funding institutions of learning such as the famous Al-Azhar University in Cairo and Madrasahs in the Ottoman Empire. It also provided medical care through hospitals and supported the needy. Many roads, bridges, public fountains, and caravanserais were financed through waqf, showcasing its deep integration into Islamic civilization. During the Ottoman period, waqf was highly institutionalized, and even non-Muslims were allowed to benefit from charitable endowments. The economic independence granted by waqf allowed scholars, scientists, and artisans to thrive without reliance on state patronage.
While waqf remains a vital instrument of social justice, its administration has faced challenges over time. Corruption, mismanagement, and nationalization of waqf properties in some Muslim countries have weakened the system. Many waqf properties, due to lack of proper documentation or administrative inefficiencies, have fallen into neglect. Modern approaches to waqf include revitalization efforts through waqf-based investments, such as cash waqf, where monetary contributions are pooled and invested for charitable returns, and corporate waqf, where businesses dedicate shares or profits to philanthropic causes. In some Muslim-majority countries, waqf institutions are now regulated under government supervision to ensure their sustainability.