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The concept of waqf
Waqf is usually translated in our language as “endowment”. The waqf, by the act of endowing his property or building a waqf, instructs generations of Muslims to use this good and to take care of its waqf. In this way, the waqf becomes a common good and has the role of being used by people.
Waqf is still translated as “what stands, what remains” or as “legacy”. It is an act of lasting good that people leave for generations to come.
The word waqf comes from the Arabic verb, which means to stop, keep, consecrate, and indicates that waqf property (property to bequeath) is that property which is exempt from the regular legal circulation of things and determined for some other purpose. Thus the waqf in fiqh deeds is usually defined as the exclusion of property by the will of a person from his property and its dedication to certain purposes.
These goals can be: religious in the narrow sense, social, educational, economic and charitable. It is important to note that the economic function of the waqf must be such that the fruits are used, while the essence is preserved; in other words to ensure the lasting benefit of the waqf.
A waqf is a constant good that is constantly flowing and renewing itself. By building a waqf, the believer also deserves that the believers seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty in their prayers and mention him for good. And a good remembrance of this world is a sign of good status in the hereafter, as the Qur’an teaches us.
The waqf is based on the regulations of Sharia law, which is based on two basic sources of Sharia: the Qur’an and the Hadith.
The Hanafi school of law has adopted the view that immovable and non-consumable, as well as movable and consumable items can be endowed.
History of endowment
The notion of endowment is related to God’s Messenger Ibrahim, ‘alaihis-salam’. Even today in Palestine there is a city called Khalilu-r-Rahman built from the endowments of Ibrahim, ‘alaihis-salam’. This endowment testifies to the good that has lasted for centuries, to the care of our ancestor Ibrahim, ‘alaihis-salam’.
A narration from Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, says when the 92nd verse of Surah Ali-Imran was revealed, which means: “You will not attain charity until you give a portion of what is dearest to you.” : I have a watermelon in Bajraha that I love more than all my possessions. I surrender it to God, so that I may attain God’s pleasure. Dispose of it, O Messenger of God, as God has told you. To this the Messenger of God replied: I heard what you said, Abu Talha. It’s a property that will benefit you. Endow this property for the benefit of your loved ones. ” So he did so… (Bukhari and Muslim)
Tradition also says that the Messenger of God endowed his land (seven orchards) in Medina, Fadek and Khyber during his lifetime.
What is the spiritual benefit of a waqf?
The Qur’an does not directly mention the waqf, but in numerous verses Allah encourages Muslims to help other people with their good deeds and material gifts. One of these verses is the 92nd verse of Surah Ali Imran, which says, “You will not attain charity until you share a portion of what is dearest to you.”
The Qur’an regularly connects iman and ihsan – faith and charity, to the extent that true faith is inseparable from doing good. In this sense, even in the Shari’ah, as a practical part of the faith, obedience to Allah is manifested through two parts: personal and material worship.
Compensation and prosperity to our endowments is guaranteed by Almighty Allah in the Holy Qur’an: {وَمَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ ۖ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ}
”…and whatever you give, He will make up for it, He provides the best. ” (Surah Sebe ’, verse 39)
The Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: One of the angel says: “Oh, my God, corrupt the miserly money that cannot be divided!” Another says thus: “Oh my God, make up, and bless the money of shares!”
We are all familiar with the hadith of the Messenger of God, ‘alaihis-salam’, which reads: “After the death of man, his traces in this world disappear except in three cases:
– if he left an ongoing charity;
– If he leaves knowledge that others will use and
– If he leaves a child who has grown up and pray for him.
Faith is not just a word, but a determination to do good in God’s way, showing it by your own example. In this sense, waqifis are people who have understood and applied the faith. They thought of the generations to come, just as parents care about the future of their children and leave them a legacy to support themselves.