Reviving the Legacy of Waqf: A Forgotten Pillar of The Islamic Economy
In Islamic history, the waqf (plural: awqaf) represents a tradition that underpinned the development of Muslim societies. A practice rooted in faith and generosity, waqf was a system of endowments that provided cradle-to-grave support for communities, funding hospitals, schools, mosques, and even public infrastructure. Today, there is a renewed call to revive this practice, after it’s demise during the colonisation of Muslim lands, not only to sustain the Muslim community but to empower it to tackle modern challenges strategically.
The Concept of Waqf: A Gift for Eternity
At its core, waqf refers to the restriction of an asset for perpetual charitable use. Once designated as waqf, ownership of the asset is transferred to Allah, and its benefits are dedicated to the community. Unlike other forms of charity, such as zakat or sadaqah, waqf assets remain preserved, continuously generating benefits for specified causes. For instance, a piece of land could be endowed as a waqf to fund education, with rental income supporting schools indefinitely.
This system offers a unique form of sustainability, ensuring that the initial act of giving continues to yield rewards and benefits long after the donor’s lifetime. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.” Waqf embodies this concept of ongoing charity.
Historical Significance of Waqf
The origins of waqf trace back to the Prophet’s time. One of the earliest examples is the endowment of a date orchard by a Companion, Abu Talhah, after the Quranic verse, “You will not attain righteousness until you spend from what you love” (3:92). The Prophet advised him to dedicate the orchard as a waqf, benefiting his family and the broader community, even today.
Over the centuries, awqaf played a critical role in Islamic civilisation. Universities like Al-Qarawiyyin and Al-Azhar, renowned as the oldest in the world, were funded through waqf. In the Ottoman era, the system became so robust that it supported individuals from birth to death. Hospitals, schools, mosques, and even coffins were funded through awqaf, showcasing its comprehensive impact.
Ibn Battuta, the famed traveler, marvelled at the diversity of awqaf during his visits to Damascus, where endowments funded everything from animal care to bridal jewellery for underprivileged women. Such was the creativity and scope of waqf that it became a model emulated by Western institutions like Oxford University, which built its endowment structure inspired by Islamic waqf practices.
The Decline During Colonialism
The systematic dismantling of waqf institutions began during colonial rule in the 18th and 19th centuries. Colonial powers recognized the financial independence and societal cohesion that awqaf provided to Muslim communities and sought to centralise control. In India, for instance, the British enacted the Waqf Act of 1861, seizing control of waqf boards and redirecting funds for colonial purposes. Similar strategies were employed in Algeria and other regions, leading to the decline of waqf and its institutions.
This loss of autonomy marked the beginning of a dependency on centralised state systems for services once provided by waqf. The transition undermined the sustainability and empowerment that the decentralised waqf system offered which catered to local needs and provided for those in need despite weak, oppressive or ineffectual governments.
Reviving Waqf in Modern Contexts
Today, organisations like the National Waqf are working to revive this forgotten tradition. The vision is to reintroduce waqf as a means of sustainable financing for community development. Modern waqf structures focus on pooling donations to invest in income-generating assets, such as properties. The returns are then distributed to fund causes like education, healthcare, environmental initiatives, and political advocacy.
For example, a donated property can be rented out, with proceeds reinvested into the waqf and/or used to support community projects. This model ensures that even small contributions can create long-term impact. A single donation grows perpetually, multiplying its benefits over generations.
Strategic Giving for a Better Future
Reviving waqf is not just about sustaining existing institutions; it is about empowering communities. By strategically allocating funds, waqf can address systemic issues like poverty, education inequality, and even political advocacy. For instance, a dedicated waqf could fund legal initiatives to defend marginalised communities or support organisations lobbying for global justice.
A Call to Action
This is a call for Muslims to shift their mindset from short-term charity to long-term sustainability. By investing in waqf, donors ensure their contributions continue to grow, benefiting countless lives and leaving a lasting legacy.
The revival of waqf is not merely a return to tradition; it is a bold step toward empowering Muslim communities to thrive in the modern world. As we rebuild this forgotten pillar of Islamic civilisation, we unlock the potential to create a future that reflects the best of our faith and values.
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