This short article is written by Yashfeen Khan, a Law Graduate from Dayanand College of Law, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. She is passionate about the field and with her continuous involvement in competitive legal forums, has helped expand her knowledge.
ABSTRACT
The concept of waqf represents a cornerstone of Islamic philanthropy and social welfare. Derived from the Arabic root “waqafa,” meaning to stop or restrain, waqf refers to the endowment of assets, typically for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. A waqf involves dedicating property or assets to a perpetual charitable cause, ensuring its benefits extend across generations while prohibiting its sale, inheritance, or transfer. It offers innovative solutions for poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare while fostering community solidarity. Challenges such as regulatory frameworks, transparency, and efficient management remain areas of focus to maximize its potential in modern economies. Historically, waqf played a vital role in the socio-economic development of Muslim societies, funding mosques, schools, hospitals, and public utilities.
