WAQF

• Introduction: Islam is a complete code of life.

• Teachings of Islam recognized equality and social justice in society.

• Waqf is an important tradition in Islamic history. It is used to distribute justice in the society, redistribution of wealth (which serve the community).

• Example is migration from Makkah to Madinah by the Prophet(PBUH). The first religious waqf is the mosque of Quba built in Madinah. A well in Madinah (Hazrat Usman (RA).

• Literally meaning of Waqf is “Detention, to Stop”.

• Definition: Waqf means the permanent dedication by a person professing the Muslim faith of any property for any purpose recognized by the Muslim law as religious, pious or charitable.

• The dedication must be permanent: The dedication must be permanent. A Waqf for a limited period is not valid, e.g twenty years.

• By a Muslim: A Waqf can only be created by a Muslim.

• Every Mahomedan of sound mind and not a minor may dedicate his property by way of Waqf.

• Waqf may be made Verbally or Orally.

• Parties to a Waqf: Waqif which makes Waqf is called Waqif.

• Mutawalli: A person who is appointed to look after the Waqf is called Mutawalli. He acts like a manager of the Waqf property.

• Once a valid waqf is made, it can not be revoked.• Object of Waqf: The purpose for which a Waqf may

be created must be one recognized by the Mahomedan law as religious, pious or charitable.

• It can also be created for educational purposes(Public library),Hospital,Animals,Lighting of roads, Research etc.

• Subject of Waqf: The subject of Waqf may be “any property”. It may be of immovable and movable property.

• The subject of the waqf must be clearly defined.Waqf property should be certain. Ownership and possession of property must be with the Waqif.

• The property dedicated by way of Waqf must belong to the Wakif (dedicator).

Kinds of Waqf

• Public Waqf: The dedication of thing to the public at large. It is generally for the welfare of the poor, the needy, colleges, public library, hospitals etc.

• Private Waqf( Family Waqf): For private individuals like family, relatives.

• Quasi: Which is partly for family and partly for public.