Mutawalli

Mutawalli is an Arabic term meaning custodian, administrator, or trustee. The root w-l-y denotes taking charge or overseeing. The mutawalli is the person authorized to manage property or institutions on behalf of others, most commonly in Islamic law.

In the waqf system, the mutawalli administers a charitable endowment’s assets, ensures the founder’s purposes are followed, collects revenue, pays expenses, and distributes income according to the endowment deed. Duties include property maintenance, keeping accounts, and submitting reports. Appointment may be by the waqf founder, by a court, or by a religious or governmental authority; tenure and removal follow applicable waqf or trust law.

In mosques, shrines, and other religious establishments, the mutawalli acts as custodian and manager, overseeing repairs, staff, and religious services, and protecting sacred sites. Historically, the title has been used for custodians of major shrines in various Muslim communities.

In modern law, mutawalli is a recognized fiduciary role in many jurisdictions, subject to duties of loyalty, transparency, and accountability, with regulations sometimes specifying qualifications and removal procedures. The term is widely used across the Muslim world, including Arab, South Asian, and Southeast Asian contexts.