Waqf (وقف) is an Islamic concept of charity in which a person dedicates a property or asset for the benefit of the public or for a specific cause, with the condition that the principal remains intact and only the returns or benefits are used for the intended purposes. Waqf is one of the most powerful and long-lasting forms of charity in Islam, as it allows the benefits to continue to accrue for generations.
The Qur’an and Hadith contain numerous references that encourage acts of charity, and while the term “waqf” may not always be used explicitly, the concepts of charity, sustainability, and helping others align with the principles of Waqf.
1. Waqf in the Qur’an:
The Qur’an highlights the virtue of charity, which is a fundamental principle underlying Waqf. A few key verses emphasize this
a) Charity as a Sustainable Act:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)
“مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنْبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سُنبُلٍ فِي كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍ مِّنْهَا مِئَةُ حَبَّةٍ وَاللَّـهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ”.
Translation: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain which grows seven ears, and in each ear is a hundred grains.”
This verse reflects how charity (including Waqf) continues to multiply in benefits.
b) Sadaqah Jariyah (Ongoing Charity):
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:274)
“الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ فِي السِّرِّ وَالْجَهْرِ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْذُونَ بِصَدَقَاتِهِمْ وَلَا بِمَنٍّ وَلَا بِأَذَىٰ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ”.
Translation: “Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, both in secret and openly, and do not harm their spending with reminders of their generosity or injury, they will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them nor will they grieve.”
This verse promotes ongoing charity, a characteristic of Waqf, where the reward continues to benefit others.
c) Waqf for Specific Causes:
- Surah Al-Hashr (59:7)
“مَا أَفَاءَ اللَّـهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْقُرَىٰ فَلِلَّهِ وَلِرَسُولِهِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ”.
Translation: “What Allah has given to His Messenger from the people of the townships is for Allah, for the Messenger, for the near relatives, for the orphans, for the needy, and for the wayfarer.”
This verse illustrates the distribution of wealth for societal benefit, which aligns with the principles of Waqf, such as supporting the less fortunate.
2. Waqf in the Hadith
a) The Importance of Ongoing Charity (Sadaqah Jariyah):
- Narrated by Abu Huraira (Sahih Muslim):
“إِذَا مَاتَ ابْنُ آدَمَ انْقَطَعَ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلاثٍ: صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ.”
Translation: “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: A continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), knowledge which is beneficial, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
(Sahih Muslim, Book 13, Hadith 4005)
This hadith emphasizes that ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) such as Waqf continues to provide benefits and rewards even after the donor has passed away.
b) The Example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
- Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (Sahih al-Bukhari):
“أَنَّ عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللَّـهُ عَنْهُ رَأَىٰ أَرْضًا فِي خَيْبَرَ فَفَارَقَتْهُ وَفَرِحَ بِهَا فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّـهِ إِنِّي صَدَقْتُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ مَالِي فَإِنْ شِئْتَ أَنْ تَجْعَلَ قِسْمًا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ فَجَعَلَ فِي وَاقِفٍ.” Translation: “Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) acquired a piece of land in Khaibar and came to the Prophet ﷺ, saying: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have acquired a piece of land which is dearer to me than any other property I have. What do you command me to do with it?’ The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘If you wish, you may dedicate it as a Waqf, and give the proceeds in charity.'”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 73, Hadith 4)
In this famous hadith, Umar ibn al-Khattab presents his land to the Prophet ﷺ, who instructs him to dedicate it as Waqf. The land was to be used for public benefit, and its rewards would continue as long as it benefited others. This highlights the importance of Waqf in Islam.
This narration shows how Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) followed the Prophet ﷺ’s guidance to dedicate his property as Waqf for the benefit of the community, with the rewards continuing as long as it serves others.
c) Continuous Benefit from Waqf:
- Narrated by Aisha (Sahih Muslim):
“أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّـهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ أَحَبَّ الأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّـهِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ.” Translation: “When the Prophet ﷺ was asked about the most virtuous deeds, he responded: ‘The best of deeds are those that are done regularly, even if they are small.'”
(Sahih Muslim, Book 13, Hadith 4010)
This hadith emphasizes the value of continuous, small acts of goodness, which applies to Waqf, where the ongoing impact of a small but consistent charity can continue to generate rewards.
3. Practical Benefits of Waqf from the Qur'an and Hadith:
a) The Unbroken Reward for the Donor:
Waqf ensures that the reward of charity remains for the donor, even after their death. The Hadith and Qur’anic verses make it clear that acts like building mosques, creating educational institutions, or providing clean water (through Waqf) ensure an ongoing reward for the person who established it.
b) Empowering the Community:
The resources dedicated in the form of Waqf can be used to fund public services like schools, hospitals, or orphanages, directly benefiting the community. This aligns with Islamic values of helping the less fortunate and ensuring societal well-being.
c) A Legacy of Giving:
Creating a Waqf allows an individual to leave behind a legacy of giving. As shown in the case of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), dedicating property for public use ensures that one’s contribution to society is remembered for generations.
Conclusion:
The Qur’an and Hadith offer powerful examples of charity, sustainability, and the long-term rewards of good deeds. Waqf, as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), aligns closely with these teachings. The concept of donating property or assets for the public good ensures that the rewards will continue to benefit the donor, even after their death, as long as the Waqf remains active and serves the needs of the community.
These examples from the Qur’an and Hadith serve as guidance for Muslims to understand the immense reward and importance of Waqf in Islam