#Awqaf

[enyementv]

The Minister of Awqaf and Guidance emphasizes the need to mobilize all efforts to serve the pilgrims effectively.

Minister Emphasizes Commitment to Hajj Services for Yemeni Pilgrims Makkah Meeting Focuses on Hajj Preparations Dr. Mohammed Shabeeb, the Minister of Awqaf and Guidance and head of the Yemeni Hajj Affairs Office, stressed the importance of dedicating all efforts to serve pilgrims and facilitate their religious practices. His remarks came during a meeting of the Supreme Hajj Committee for the 1446…

[rightnewshindi]

वक्फ बचाओ आंदोलन 2025: AIMPLB का 10 अप्रैल से 7 जुलाई तक देशव्यापी अभियान, 50 शहरों में होगा जोरदार प्रदर्शन

Waqf Bachao Andolan: ऑल इंडिया मुस्लिम पर्सनल लॉ बोर्ड (AIMPLB) ने वक्फ संशोधन विधेयक के खिलाफ देश भर में एक बड़े आंदोलन की घोषणा की है। 10 अप्रैल से 7 जुलाई तक चलने वाला यह “वक्फ बचाओ आंदोलन” 1985 के शाहबानो आंदोलन की तर्ज पर होगा। बोर्ड ने 11 से 18 अप्रैल तक “तहफ्फुज अवकाफ सप्ताह” और 30 अप्रैल को रात 9 बजे आधे घंटे के लिए “ब्लैकआउट” का ऐलान किया है। देश के 50 शहरों, जिनमें कानपुर, लखनऊ,…

[howtomuslim]

Reviving the Legacy of Waqf: A Forgotten Pillar of The Islamic Economy

In Islamic history, the waqf (plural: awqaf) represents a tradition that underpinned the development of Muslim societies. A practice rooted in faith and generosity, waqf was a system of endowments that provided cradle-to-grave support for communities, funding hospitals, schools, mosques, and even public infrastructure. Today, there is a renewed call to revive this practice, after it’s demise during the colonisation of Muslim lands, not only to sustain the Muslim community but to empower it to tackle modern challenges strategically.

The Concept of Waqf: A Gift for Eternity

At its core, waqf refers to the restriction of an asset for perpetual charitable use. Once designated as waqf, ownership of the asset is transferred to Allah, and its benefits are dedicated to the community. Unlike other forms of charity, such as zakat or sadaqah, waqf assets remain preserved, continuously generating benefits for specified causes. For instance, a piece of land could be endowed as a waqf to fund education, with rental income supporting schools indefinitely.

This system offers a unique form of sustainability, ensuring that the initial act of giving continues to yield rewards and benefits long after the donor’s lifetime. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.” Waqf embodies this concept of ongoing charity.

Historical Significance of Waqf

The origins of waqf trace back to the Prophet’s time. One of the earliest examples is the endowment of a date orchard by a Companion, Abu Talhah, after the Quranic verse, “You will not attain righteousness until you spend from what you love” (3:92). The Prophet advised him to dedicate the orchard as a waqf, benefiting his family and the broader community, even today.

Over the centuries, awqaf played a critical role in Islamic civilisation. Universities like Al-Qarawiyyin and Al-Azhar, renowned as the oldest in the world, were funded through waqf. In the Ottoman era, the system became so robust that it supported individuals from birth to death. Hospitals, schools, mosques, and even coffins were funded through awqaf, showcasing its comprehensive impact.

Ibn Battuta, the famed traveler, marvelled at the diversity of awqaf during his visits to Damascus, where endowments funded everything from animal care to bridal jewellery for underprivileged women. Such was the creativity and scope of waqf that it became a model emulated by Western institutions like Oxford University, which built its endowment structure inspired by Islamic waqf practices.

The Decline During Colonialism

The systematic dismantling of waqf institutions began during colonial rule in the 18th and 19th centuries. Colonial powers recognized the financial independence and societal cohesion that awqaf provided to Muslim communities and sought to centralise control. In India, for instance, the British enacted the Waqf Act of 1861, seizing control of waqf boards and redirecting funds for colonial purposes. Similar strategies were employed in Algeria and other regions, leading to the decline of waqf and its institutions.

This loss of autonomy marked the beginning of a dependency on centralised state systems for services once provided by waqf. The transition undermined the sustainability and empowerment that the decentralised waqf system offered which catered to local needs and provided for those in need despite weak, oppressive or ineffectual governments.

Reviving Waqf in Modern Contexts

Today, organisations like the National Waqf are working to revive this forgotten tradition. The vision is to reintroduce waqf as a means of sustainable financing for community development. Modern waqf structures focus on pooling donations to invest in income-generating assets, such as properties. The returns are then distributed to fund causes like education, healthcare, environmental initiatives, and political advocacy.

For example, a donated property can be rented out, with proceeds reinvested into the waqf and/or used to support community projects. This model ensures that even small contributions can create long-term impact. A single donation grows perpetually, multiplying its benefits over generations.

Strategic Giving for a Better Future

Reviving waqf is not just about sustaining existing institutions; it is about empowering communities. By strategically allocating funds, waqf can address systemic issues like poverty, education inequality, and even political advocacy. For instance, a dedicated waqf could fund legal initiatives to defend marginalised communities or support organisations lobbying for global justice.

A Call to Action

This is a call for Muslims to shift their mindset from short-term charity to long-term sustainability. By investing in waqf, donors ensure their contributions continue to grow, benefiting countless lives and leaving a lasting legacy.

The revival of waqf is not merely a return to tradition; it is a bold step toward empowering Muslim communities to thrive in the modern world. As we rebuild this forgotten pillar of Islamic civilisation, we unlock the potential to create a future that reflects the best of our faith and values.

For more about Islam visit: https://www.howtomuslim.org

Islamic Resources: https://www.howtomuslim.org/catalogue

Why Islam: https://www.howtomuslim.org/why-islam

Who was Prophet Muhammed (PBUH): https://www.howtomuslim.org/prophet-muhammed

[athena5898]

Israeli occupation authorities today closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron to Muslim worshippers, restricting access until Saturday evening to allow Israeli settlers to celebrate a religious holiday. According to Moataz Abu Sneineh, the mosque’s director, the closure includes locking the mosque’s main gates and barring employees of the Awqaf Ministry from entering. Abu Sneineh criticised the move as an infringement on religious freedom, accusing the Israeli government of racism, reported Wafa news agency. He also highlighted the heavy military presence in Hebron’s Old City and surrounding neighbourhoods, which have been transformed into military zones while settlers are granted access to the mosque. Director General of Hebron’s General Administration of Endowments, Ghassan Al-Rajabi, condemned the ongoing attacks on the Muslim holy site, noting that the dawn call to prayer had been banned for 27 days. He described the four-day closure as an unprecedented violation of Muslim sites in Palestine. It comes after Israeli occupation forces closed the Ibrahimi Mosque and intensified their repressive measures against residents of the Old City last week, blocking entry for employees of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Ahmed Al-Tamimi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation’s Executive Committee, called the closures a blatant violation of the sanctity of places of worship and criticised Israeli authorities for using Jewish holidays as a pretext to escalate oppressive measures against Palestinians, further restricting their movement and livelihoods. He emphasised how these holidays lead to intensified raids on both Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the Ibrahimi Mosque by extremist Jewish groups, compounding the hardships faced by Palestinian citizens, which aim to disrupt Palestinian daily life and cripple their economy.

[groupfazza]

حمدان بن محمد: قيمة الأصول الوقفية في دبي ترتفع إلى 11.1 مليار درهم ..

سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، ولي عهد دبي نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الدفاع رئيس المجلس التنفيذي لإمارة دبي🔻

التقيتُ عدداً من الواقفين في إمارة دبي، حيث شكرنا لهم عطائهم ومبادراتهم الخيرية، وحرصهم على تنمية المشروعات الوقفية ...

بفضل مساهمات مجتمعنا المتكاتف، ارتفعت قيمة الأصول الوقفية في دبي إلى 11.1 مليار درهم، مسجلةً نمواً بنسبة 9% مقارنة بعام 2023، كما بلغ عدد الأصول الموقوفة في الإمارة 1,043 وقفاً، قدمها 578 واقفاً على مستوى الأفراد والمؤسسات ...

شكراً لكم باسم دبي، وشكراً لكم باسم مجتمعها، وبهذا العطاء المستمر، وبجهود فريق “أوقاف دبي”، نضمن استدامة الخير لأجيال قادمة، ونرسّخ مكانة دبي كمركز رائد للعمل الخيري والإنساني.

_____________

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐤𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐦, 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐢, 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐀𝐄, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐢🔻

During a meeting with prominent philanthropists in Dubai, I expressed our deep gratitude for their generosity, charitable initiatives, and commitment to endowment projects.

Thanks to the contributions of our community, the value of endowment assets in Dubai reached AED11.1 billion in 2024, marking a 9% increase from 2023. The emirate now has 1,043 endowment assets, contributed by 578 individual and institutional donors.

On behalf of Dubai and its community, thank you. Your continued generosity, along with the dedicated efforts of the ‘Awqaf Dubai’ team, is not only helping to create a lasting impact but also reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for philanthropy and humanitarian work.

Thursday, 13 March 2025 الخميس

[hero-israel]

Authority over the Waqf is somewhat split, its physical maintenance and administration is the Responsibility of the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, all Jordanian government employees

however, the religious and spiritual elements of what goes on is the Responsibility of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, who since the 1990s has been appointed by the President of the PA

The PA also has a minster on "Muslim and Waqf Affairs" I wasn't able to find much in English on that so I don't know if thats just to cover their limited role or like their Jerusalem things meant as a shadow government set up to take over one day.

Thanks for the details!

[stackslip]

here's more information on the collection

https://eap.bl.uk/collection/EAP1285-1

The Manuscript Collection of the Great ‘Umari Mosque Library’ in Gaza, Palestine, is one of the most important archival collections of the country.

The library, currently housed by the Department of Manuscripts by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious affairs, holds hundreds of historical books and about 187 original Arabic language manuscripts (ca. 20.000 pages). The collection dates back to 1515, and covers a wide spectrum of subject matters of among other things, Islamic sciences, humanities, jurisprudence, Prophetic tradition, literature and poetry, mostly written by Palestinian scholars. Most of the volumes of this Library collection are not available elsewhere in the world, and therefore hold unique information on the political, historical, social and artistic development of the country.

I heard about this earlier but this is phenomenally good news because a lot of these manuscripts hold palestinian intellectual history dating back centuries and my friends who work in the Islamic book history field believed these all to be gone

[jordanianroyals]

31 March 2025: King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein perform Eid Al Fitr prayer at the Royal Guards Mosque in Aqaba. Jordanians across the country gathered for the Eid prayer in mosques and designated prayer areas set by the Ministry of Awqaf.

[wazfnynow2020]

الهيئة العامة للاوقاف تعلن وظائف إدارية شاغرة للرجال والنساء في الرياض

أعلنت الهيئة العامة للأوقاف عبر بوابة الوظائف عن وظائف إدارية شاغرة للرجال والنساء للعمل في مدينة الرياض

رابط التقديم: https://wazfnynow.net/awqaf-authority-sa/

[khumaerbayas]

Egypt’s Awqaf Minister Honors Sameh Hussein: Celebrating Art’s Role in Shaping Society

Egypt’s Awqaf Minister Honors Samih Hussein.       Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Awqaf Minister, welcomed esteemed actor Sameh Hussein at the ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting underscored the ministry’s recognition of the role of soft power in shaping public awareness and promoting ethical values, with several ministry leaders in attendance.   During the meeting,…

[eretzyisrael]

Sanaa: Asharq Al Awsat

Modern slavery is prevalent in Yemeni regions under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi militias, including the capital Sanaa.

Sources close to the group told Asharq Al-Awsat that several civilians have been forced into slavery by prominent Houthi leaders. More than 1,800 Yemenis work as servants and slaves at the residences and workplaces of high-ranking Houthi officials.

These including militias leader Abdulmalek al-Houthi, his brother Abdulkhaliq and their relatives Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, Hamza al-Houthi, Abdulkarim al-Houthi, Mohammed Abdulkarim al-Houthi, Yehya Badreddine al-Houthi, Sheikh Ashraf al-Kabsi, Abdulrab Saleh Jarfan, Hassan Amer and others.

The Houthis are working tirelessly to restore slavery in Yemen, nearly 70 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and decades after the 1962 revolution in Yemen. The revolt called for liberation against all forms of oppression and slavery.

Several local reports have confirmed that slavery witnessed a rise in Yemen during the past four years when the Houthis staged their coup against the legitimate government. Crimes linked to modern slavery vary from actual slavery, abusing people’s poverty and hunger, forced marriage, human trafficking and the forced recruitment of children, women and African migrants.

Yemeni activists revealed that since the coup, the Houthis sought to segregate Yemeni society into rulers and subjects, and masters and slaves.

They told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Houthis are attempting to cement these ideas in society by having the Houthi family seize all aspects of the state and its institutions.

“We do not doubt this segregation because it is the literal implementation of racist ideology that is based on modern slavery and the divine right to control rule, money and the affairs of the people,” they said.

A member of the lawyers syndicate in Yemen told Asharq Al-Awsat that some Houthi elders and social figures still enslave the poor, bind their freedoms and force them to work without pay. They are also forced to the battlefield to fight for the Houthis.

The Houthi discrimination against the people is based on color, race and ancestry, he said on condition of anonymity.

The masters, who call themselves the “Hashemites”, are now at the top of Yemen’s social class. They believe themselves to be of the purest ancestry and have given themselves the privilege of ruling the country and accumulating wealth. They are followed by tribes, workers and farmers. This class is often looked down upon and discriminated against by the Houthis.

Slavery is outlawed by Yemeni law, said the lawyer. Perpetrators can face no less than ten years for buying, selling or depriving a human of his free will.

Since their coup, the Houthis have sought to turn back the hands of time and take back Yemen to the era of the oppressive imamate and all forms of slavery.

A civilian, who works for a pro-Houthi tribal leader in Saada, told Asharq Al-Awsat: “I have been working for years at the sheikh’s house without pay. I cannot go back to my family or do anything out of my own free will.”

“I do not know the meaning of freedom,” he said.

He revealed that he is responsible for all the house work, as well as farming. He noted that the number of servants and slaves rose remarkably under Houthi rule, attributing it to the increase in poverty, unemployment and hunger, all of which were sparked by the coup.

Experts confirmed that poverty, starvation tactics, oppression and systematic Houthi exploitation have forced civilians into slavery.

The Minister of Awqaf in the legitimate government had previously called for the need to uncover the Houthis’ misleading practices, expose their discrimination against the people and their dividing of society into masters and slaves.

According to an international report, more than 40 million people around the world, including 85,000 in Yemen, are victims of slavery. It said the war-torn countries of Yemen and Syria account for 76 percent of slavery cases in the Arab world.

A US State Department report had also previously confirmed modern slavery in Yemen, accusing the Houthis and the al-Qaeda group of promoting slavery and human trafficking. Sexual abuse, slavery and child recruitment are among the most glaring examples of human trafficking in Yemen, it said.

[howtomuslim]

In Islamic history, the waqf (plural: awqaf) represents a tradition that underpinned the development of Muslim societies. A practice rooted in faith and generosity, waqf was a system of endowments that provided cradle-to-grave support for communities, funding hospitals, schools, mosques, and even public infrastructure.

[sheikhmo]

A MESSAGE TO THE OPPRESSED

[manchestertrust]

Islamic Trust: A Pillar of Community Development and Empowerment

Islamic trust, known as waqf in Arabic, have played a pivotal role in the social, economic, and educational development of Muslim communities for centuries. Rooted in Islamic principles, these trusts are a unique form of charity designed to create sustainable benefits for individuals and society. Today, Islamic trusts continue to serve as vital instruments for addressing contemporary challenges and fostering long-term community empowerment.

What Is an Islamic Trust (Waqf)?

An Islamic trust, or waqf, is a philanthropic endowment established by dedicating a property or asset for a charitable cause. The benefits derived from the asset are used to serve the community, while the asset itself remains intact.

Key Features of an Islamic Trust:

PerpetuityThe endowment is meant to provide benefits indefinitely, ensuring its sustainability over generations.

Ownership by AllahOnce established, the asset is considered the property of Allah, managed for the benefit of society.

Specified PurposeA waqf must serve a clear purpose, such as education, healthcare, or social welfare, aligning with Islamic values.

Historical Significance of Islamic Trusts

Centers of LearningIslamic trusts have historically funded educational institutions, such as madrasas and libraries, fostering knowledge and intellectual growth.

Social WelfareTrusts provided food, shelter, and healthcare for the poor and vulnerable in medieval Islamic societies.

Economic DevelopmentThrough investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and trade, waqfs contributed to economic stability and growth.

Modern Applications of Islamic Trusts

Education and ScholarshipsIslamic trusts fund schools, universities, and scholarship programs, enabling access to education for underprivileged students.

Healthcare ServicesMany waqfs finance hospitals, clinics, and medical aid programs to ensure affordable healthcare.

Community DevelopmentTrusts support initiatives such as housing projects, vocational training, and community centers to improve the quality of life.

Relief for Refugees and Displaced PersonsIslamic trusts often provide emergency relief and support to refugees and those affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

Benefits of Islamic Trusts

SustainabilityThe perpetual nature of a waqf ensures that its benefits extend across generations.

Social EquityBy addressing key areas like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, Islamic trusts help reduce social disparities.

Faith-Based ResponsibilityEstablishing or contributing to a waqf fulfills the Islamic principle of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity).

Economic GrowthInvestments made through trusts create jobs and stimulate local economies, benefiting entire communities.

Challenges Facing Islamic Trusts

Management and GovernanceEfficient management is crucial to ensure that the benefits of a trust are maximized. Lack of transparency or expertise can hinder its effectiveness.

Legal and Regulatory IssuesIn some countries, outdated or restrictive laws limit the potential of Islamic trusts.

Modern NeedsAdapting traditional waqf structures to meet contemporary challenges, such as digital education and environmental sustainability, requires innovation.

Prominent Islamic Trusts and Their Impact

Al-Azhar Trust (Egypt)A centuries-old waqf supporting one of the world’s oldest and most respected centers of Islamic learning.

Islamic Relief Waqf FundA modern example of how waqfs address global issues like disaster relief, education, and sustainable development.

Awqaf South AfricaFocuses on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, showcasing how trusts can impact local communities.

Establishing an Islamic Trust: How to Contribute

Property or Asset DedicationA trust can be established with assets like land, buildings, or funds dedicated for charitable purposes.

Choosing a PurposeSpecify a cause aligned with Islamic values, such as education, healthcare, or social welfare.

Management and OversightAppoint trustworthy individuals or organizations to manage the trust and ensure accountability.

Partnerships and CollaborationCollaborating with established charities or organizations can maximize the impact of a new waqf.

Conclusion

Islamic trusts are a testament to the enduring power of faith-based philanthropy. By promoting sustainable development, social justice, and economic growth, they remain a cornerstone of Muslim communities worldwide.

In an era of increasing global challenges, reviving and modernizing the concept of waqf can provide innovative solutions to pressing issues. For those seeking to make a lasting difference, supporting or establishing an Islamic trust offers an opportunity to leave a legacy of compassion, knowledge, and empowerment.

[riaunews]

Israel Larang Adzan dan Shalat Jumat di Masjid Ibrahimi Hebron

Masjid Ibrahimi di Hebron, Tepi Barat, Palestina. (Foto: Anadolu) Tepi Barat (Riaunews.com) – Pasukan pendudukan Israel telah melarang azan Jumat dari menara Masjid Ibrahimi di Hebron, Tepi Barat yang diduduki. Mereka juga menghalangi warga mengakses situs tersebut untuk melaksanakan shalat. Ghassan Al-Rajabi, direktur Awqaf Hebron (Wakaf Islam), melaporkan kepada WAFA bahwa pasukan mencegah…