Awaqf

Awaqf, also known as Waqf, is an Islamic endowment of property for religious or charitable purposes. The concept originates from the Arabic word "waqafa" meaning to halt, detain, or stop, signifying that the property is held in trust and its use is permanently dedicated to a specific benevolent purpose. When a waqf is established, the donor, known as the waqif, relinquishes ownership of the property. The income generated from the waqf property is then used for the designated beneficiaries, which can include individuals, institutions, or the wider community.

Common examples of waqf properties include mosques, schools, hospitals, orphanages, and public fountains. The beneficiaries of a waqf can be specified by the waqif, and the terms of the endowment are typically laid out in a legal document called a waqf deed. Islamic jurisprudence has developed detailed rules and regulations governing the creation, administration, and distribution of waqf funds to ensure their proper and enduring application for charitable and religious objectives. The institution of waqf has played a significant role throughout Islamic history in supporting social welfare and religious life.