If we look at the word ‘Waqf’, in its literal sense it is referred to as ‘detention’, ‘stoppage’ or ‘tying up’. According to the legal definition, it means a dedication of some property for a pious purpose in perpetuity. The property so alienated should be available for religious or charitable purposes. Such a property is tied up forever and becomes non-transferable.
Ibn ‘Umar reported: ‘Umar acquired a land at Khaibar. He came to Allah’s Messenger (Sall Allah-o-alaihe wa sallam) and sought his advice in regard to it. He said: “Allah’s Messenger (Sall Allah-o-alaihe wa sallam), I have acquired land in Khaibar. I have never acquired property more valuable for me than this, so what do you command me to do with it?” Thereupon he (Allah’s Apostle, Sall Allah-o-alaihe wa sallam) said: “If you like, you may keep the corpus intact and give its produce as sadaqa.” So ‘Umar gave it as sadaqa declaring that property must not be sold or inherited or given away as gift. And ‘Umar devoted it to the poor, to the nearest kin, and to the emancipation of slaves, and in the way of Allah and guests. There is no sin for one who administers it if he eats something from it in a reasonable manner, or if he feeds his friends and does not hoard up goods (for himself).
The above hadith set the precedent for the companion 0f the Prophet 9pbuh) and Muslims from all walks of life, over the centuries, to establish the waqf system for any shariah compliant purpose. This command of the Prophet (pbuh) and the action of ‘Umar set into motion the first Social Development Waqf by means of an income producing economic asset.
A waqf is an inalienable charitable endowment under Islamic law. It typically involves donating a building, plot of land, cash or other assets for Muslim religious or charitable purposes with no intention of reclaiming the assets.
Waqf is an important institution in the Islamic social framework. It can harness the potential of selfless charitable giving in an effective way for better economic impact in the targeted social segments of society.
Waqf is an endowment to a religious, educational or charitable cause, most frequently used to build schools, hospitals or religious institutions. Given its communitarian nature, Waqf is often used to fund social projects and services. Zakāh funds must be utilised for specific categories of recipients.
Waqf in Islamic Law means a permanent dedication by a Muslim of any property for any purpose recognised by Muslim Law as religious, pious and charitable. A waqf is created by mere declaration of endowment by the owner of the property, and upon such declaration the property immediately vests in God Almighty.
The subject matter of waqf is the permanent dedication by a Muslim, of any movable or immovable property for any purpose recognized by the Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable.
Waqf is a unique act introduced by Islam; it has played significant socioeconomic, cultural, and religious development roles throughout the history of Islamic civilization. In the past, the collection of large number of Awqaf created great wealth for the Muslim community; however, due to a different historical reasons the role of Waqf as a useful tool for socioeconomic development has generally been neglected or/and often been forgotten. By implementing the concept of waqf, our societies can become more prosperous and successful. This is because waqf contribute much in building human’s life, from the beginning until the day we die.
We are located at: 463 Porchester Road, Randwick Park, Auckland 2105, New Zealand.
Landline: (+64) 09 973 4970
463 Porchester Road, Randwick Park, Auckland 2105, New Zealand
Stay informed! Click here to sign up to our contact list.
All rights reserved.
