What is a waqf in Islam?
A waqf is an Islamic endowment. You dedicate an asset, like land, a building or a sum of money, permanently for a good cause. The asset itself is never sold, given away or inherited; only its income or use goes to charity. Because it keeps benefiting people, a waqf is one of the best forms of ongoing charity.
What it means
Waqf (plural awqaf) comes from an Arabic word meaning "to stop" or "hold." The asset is "held" forever for Allah's sake, and its fruits flow to those who need them. For example, an apartment can be made waqf so that its rent funds orphans every year, or a well can be made waqf so anyone can drink from it.
Umar's land
When Umar ibn al-Khattab acquired valuable land in Khaybar, he asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ what to do with it. The Prophet said that if he wished, he could make the land an endowment and give its produce in charity. Umar did so, on the condition that the land would never be sold, given as a gift or inherited, and that its produce would go to the poor, relatives, freeing slaves, the cause of Allah, travelers and guests (Sahih al-Bukhari 2737). This became the model for waqf.
A long history
For centuries, awqaf funded much of Muslim society: mosques, schools, universities, hospitals, public fountains, bridges, libraries and even animal care. Some famous universities and hospitals in the Muslim world began as waqf. It's a reminder that charity in Islam was designed to last.
Modern waqf
You don't need to own land. Today you can:
- contribute to a cash waqf fund, where your donation is invested in halal ways and the profit funds projects,
- join a group waqf for a school, clinic or well,
- leave part of your estate as waqf in your will (within the one-third limit). See Do I have to follow Islamic inheritance rules in my will?
In Western countries, a waqf is often set up as a charitable trust or foundation, so get proper legal advice. Waqf is a type of sadaqah jariyah, the charity whose reward continues after death (Sahih Muslim 1631). See What is sadaqah jariyah?
- A waqf is a permanent charitable endowment.
- The asset is kept; its income goes to charity.
- Umar's land in Khaybar was the first model.
- Cash waqf funds make it accessible to anyone.
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