mutawwali

Mutawwali, from the Arabic mutawallī meaning custodian or trustee, is an Islamic legal term used to designate a person who administers a waqf (endowment) or other charitable trust. In jurisprudence, a mutawalli is responsible for managing the endowed property or funds, collecting revenues, investing within permissible limits, and disbursing income to beneficiaries according to the waqf deed and applicable law. Appointment may be made by the waqf founder, by a waqf administrator, or by judicial authority, and terms of office can vary by jurisdiction.

In practice, the mutawwali often serves at the level of a shrine or dargah, where they oversee the assets, maintenance, and operations of the site. This includes financial administration, upkeep of property, and the organization of religious rituals and charitable activities associated with the shrine, such as annual commemorations or urs. The role at a dargah is commonly linked to local customs and can be hereditary in some communities, though modern governance structures—such as waqf boards or state authorities—may appoint or supervise mutawallis.

Legal and administrative framework: Mutawallis operate under the laws governing waqfs in their country, which outline duties, accountability, and reporting requirements. They are generally expected to keep accurate records, ensure funds are used in accordance with the donor’s intentions, and maintain transparency to trustees, beneficiaries, and supervising authorities.

Beyond waqfs and shrines, the term can also refer more broadly to someone who manages or administers a property or trust, though the waqf context remains the most common usage.