Habaus

Habaus, also spelled habous, is a term with multiple related meanings in Arabic-speaking and Maghrebi contexts. In Islamic law, habous refers to a waqf, a charitable endowment in which property or assets are dedicated for a religious or public welfare purpose. Once established, the endowment is typically inalienable and its revenue supports mosques, schools, hospitals, libraries, or other community needs. The ownership remains with the waqf, and beneficiaries are defined by the founding deed; administration is usually handled by trustees or a waqf committee. The concept has historical importance across North Africa and the broader Islamic world, and it has shaped charitable housing, education, and public works for centuries.

In Morocco and other Maghrebi contexts, habous also appears as a place name. The most familiar reference is the Quartier des Habous, or Habous Quarter, in Casablanca. This district was established during the French protectorate era as a planned urban neighborhood that blends traditional Moorish and European architectural influences. It is noted for its orderly street grid, arcaded passages, mosques, and markets, reflecting the historical association of endowments with public works even as the area functions today as a residential and commercial district.

See also: Waqf, Moroccan architecture, Casablanca.