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Waqf meaning

What does Waqf mean?
In legal practice, a waqf is an Islamic endowment in which a donor (waqif) permanently dedicates property for religious or other charitable purposes, with the capital held inalienably and managed by a trustee or manager (mutawalli) so that income is applied to the stated objects. Across England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, there is no standalone statutory definition of waqf; the term is descriptive. In practice, a waqf will be treated under domestic trust and charity law. It will be recognised as a charity only if its purposes are exclusively charitable and for the public benefit (family or private‑benefit waqf arrangements will not qualify). Key features include perpetuity, inalienability of the corpus, fiduciary management, and application of income to specified charitable objects (for example, a mosque or educational activities). A waqf is commonly constituted by a waqf deed/trust deed, with legal title held by trustees or a charitable vehicle (such as a CIO/SCIO), and—where operating as a charity—registered with the relevant regulator. Disposal or variation of endowed property is restricted and typically requires powers in the governing document or regulatory/court approval. If purposes fail, charitable cy‑près principles may apply under the relevant Charities Acts. Usage is broadly consistent across these...
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View the related Practice Notes about Waqf

PRACTICE NOTES
Islamic Waqf (Endowments): Concepts, Pillars and Types; Family and Public Waqf; Beneficiaries, Assets and Trustees; Scriptural Basis, History and Links to the English Trust

This Practice Note has been created in collaboration with Shafaq Sadiq of Wedlake Bell. In Islam, the ethic of ‘giving and helping’ lies at the heart of faith, as such acts greatly please Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala (swt—the most glorified, the most high). The Islamic institution known as the ‘Waqf’ enables the dedication of wealth and is regarded as a very noble practice encouraged by Islamic law. for charitable or religious purposes; and as a means of family wealth management, offering financial stability to the donor’s family during their lifetime or after their death. Waqf The core idea of Waqf is sustainability, ensuring a continuing charitable endowment. The term derives from the Arabic ‘Waqafa’, meaning to halt or hold; in essence, ownership ceases by transferring the property wholly to Allah swt. Waqf is a distinctive instrument within Islam. There is no specific verse in the Quran that sets out the concept of Waqf; however, there are numerous verses in the Quran...

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PRACTICE NOTES
Islamic Charitable Giving: Quranic Basis, Objectives, Zakat, Sadaqah (Wajibah, Nafilah, Jariyah), Waqf and Qard al-Hasan, with an Overview of UK-Based Islamic Charities

Importance of charity in Islam In Islam, charity is understood as an intimate offering shared between the giver, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala (SWT) — Allah, the Most Glorified, the Most High — and the person who benefits from the goodwill. It is not a means to seek applause from people; therefore, giving quietly is deemed the most excellent way to give, as discretion preserves sincerity. In certain circumstances, offering support publicly is preferred so that it may motivate others to follow the example and multiply goodness. Charity in Islam is far more weighty and purposeful than a straightforward cash donation. The idea of charity holds a deeper resonance and, consequently, is not confined to material worth; it may appear in many forms within daily conduct. A person’s conduct can itself be a charitable deed when it prompts him to do good from his character. Giving sincere advice to others Offering practical help where needed Visiting and caring for the sick Praying for others...

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