๐ Decoding WAQF: The ๐ Islamic Tradition of Endowment
Definition and Meaning
Waqf (Arabic: ููู, utwadi in Sacred, transliterated as Vakuf in the Balkans, ููู in Urdu, ููู in Bengali, Wakaf in Indonesian, ููู in Persian) is an Islamic endowment of property to be held in trust and used for a charitable or religious purpose. The term “waqf” is derived from the Arabic root w-q-f which means ’to stop, contain, or preserve’. A waqf property can’t be sold, inherited, or used for purposes other than specified by the donor (waqif).
Etymology and Background
The term waqf is derived from the Arabic root w-q-f which literary means “to hold” or “to confine”. This practice involves endowing a property or asset for religious, charitable, or educational purposes ensuring their perpetual legacy. The singular term is waqf, while the plural is awqaf.
Historical Facts and Dates
- The concept of waqf dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who established mosques and wells in Medina funded by endowments. The earliest recorded waqf is said to be the Quba Mosque, established in the year 622 CE.
- Notable historical waqfs include the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, founded in 859 CE, making it one of the oldest universities in the world, established as a waqf by Fatima al-Fihri.
- The Ottoman Empire institutionalized waqf, and most public facilities such as schools, hospitals, mosques, and even marketplaces were funded through waqf.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Waqf practices vary across cultures within the Islamic world. For instance:
- In South Asia, waqfs primarily focus on mosques and educational institutes.
- In the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), waqfs extensively include hospitals and orphanages.
- In Indonesia and Malaysia, there is a blend of religious and philanthropic waqf focusing on community welfare.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Endowment, Trust, Charitable Foundation
- Antonyms: Property Sale, Disposition, Transient/Temporary Ownership
- Related Terms with Definitions:
- Sadaqah: Voluntary charity given to the poor and needy.
- Zakat: Obligatory almsgiving, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Khairat: General charity acts and donations.
Exciting Facts
- Global Contribution: Today, waqf institutions make substantial contributions to healthcare, education, and social services in many Muslim-majority countries.
- Largest Modern Waqf: The Sheikh Zayed Waqf in the UAE funds a wide array of humanitarian projects worldwide.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “Every act of goodness is charity.” - Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- “Waqf is a testament to the power of faith and human capacity to care for one another across generations.” - Ibn Khaldun
Inspirational Literature and References for Further Studies
- “Waqf in the Islamic Tradition: Complexity and Opportunities” by Muhammad Saleh Al-Omar, 2004.
- “Philanthropy in Islamic Contexts” by Saba Mahmood, 2017.
- “The Full Guide to Waqf: Principles and Practices” by Tariq Ramadan, 2019.
๐ Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
May the spirit of endowment inspire you to make a lasting difference, preserving not only heritage but humanity. Let each step forward be a contribution to the welfare of generations yet to come. ๐โจ
