Waqf: Endowments That Keep Giving

The need

Many community needs, such as schools and clinics, last for years. One-off donations rarely cover them.

The Islamic basis

A waqf is an endowment of an asset whose benefit is dedicated to a good cause while the asset itself is preserved. It is one of the forms of continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged Umar ibn al-Khattab to dedicate his land in this way (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

How a waqf works

1. The donor dedicates an asset, such as land or a building.
2. A trustee is appointed to manage it.
3. The income pays for the cause, such as a school or clinic.
4. The trustee reports regularly.

Accountability checklist

• A written deed naming the purpose.
• Named trustees.
• Annual reporting.
• A plan for succession.

Sources

1. Collections of hadith on charity and endowments (Sunnah.com)