LKFCICWAQFFUND

A personal letter from your Mutawalli

The Waqf Fund, as implemented by the LKF CIC UK, serves as an International charitable endowment to restore human dignity in areas afflicted by natural disasters and conflict.

HISTORY OF WAQF

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) initiated the practice of waqf (charitable endowment) shortly after his migration (Hijrah) to Medina, beginning in 622 C.E. The earliest instances of waqf occurred during the early years of his time in Medina (approx. 2nd to 4th year of Hijrah) when he and his companions began dedicating assets to be held in perpetuity for public benefit, quenching poverty and famine across the globe. The concept of a Waqf Fund involves pooling donations to invest in sharia-compliant assets, using the profit for long-term charity projects. Waqf is a concept in islam that involves the endowment of assets for the benefit of the community. The concept of Waqf was first encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as evidenced by the example of Othman ibn Affan (RA) who bought the “Romah Well.” According to Sahih al-Bukhari the Prophet (PBUH) asked who would buy the well and make it available to everyone, to which Othman (RA) responded by purchasing the well and ensuring its public availability. This highlights the importance of public services being available to all in Islam.

Another example of importance of waqf in islam can be found in the story of Umar (RA) who asked the Prophet (PBUH) what to do with a valuable piece of land he had acquired in Khaibar. The Prophet (PBUH) advised Umar to give the benefit of the land to charity while preserving it, so that it could not be bought, sold, given away, or inherited. Following this advice, Umar declared the land as a Waqf for the benefit of the community, thereby setting a precedent for the endowment of assets for the betterment of society. (Sahih Muslim)

Waqf in islamic finance has been practiced in various forms around the world for hundreds of years, with notable examples in the Middle East and Europe. The idea of Waqf is to ensure that the benefits of one’s wealth continue to serve the community even after one’s lifetime. This concept continues to play a crucial role in many societies today and has proven to be an effective way of promoting social and economic development. A Waqf (plural awqaf) is an Islamic charitable endowment where an individual, organisation, or institution donates assets—such as land, buildings, or financial investments—permanently for religious, educational, social, or charitable purposes. Once a Waqf is established, the donated assets cannot be sold, transferred, or inherited, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD ﷺ KEY EVENTS MARKING THE INITIATIVE OF WAQF

The Quba Mosque (622 C.E.)

Upon arriving in Medina, the Prophet established the Quba Mosque in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, which is widely considered the first waqf in Islam. First built in the 7th century CE, it is the first mosque in the world, established on the first day of Muhammad ﷺ emigration to Medina. Its first stone is said to have been laid by the Prophet, and the structure completed by his companions. The mosque was subsequently modified across the centuries until the 1980’s, when it was completely replaced by a new building that stands today.

Muhammad ﷺ is said to have laid the first stone himself, with the next ones laid by Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman. The mosque was repeatedly modified and expanded in later periods. Under caliph Uthman (644-656 CE). Then by the Umayyad caliph And al-Malik bin Marwan in 684 CE – under his successor, al-Walid (705-715) the mosque was rebuilt. Its first minaret was added under Umar bin And al-Aziz (717-720).

Six months after the Quba Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi) was built on land dedicated for this purpose. This is the second mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Medina, and is the largest mosque and holiest site in Islam after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, in the Saudi region of Hejaz. The mosque is located at the heart of Medina, and is a major site of pilgrimage that falls under the purview of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself was involved in the construction of the mosque. At the time, the mosque’s land belonged to two young orphans, Sahl and Suhayl, and when they learned that Muhammed ﷺ wished to acquire their land to build a mosque, they offered the and to him as a gift. Muhammad ﷺ insisted on paying a price for the land because they were orphaned children. The price agreed upon was paid by Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, who thus became the endowed or donor (waqif) of the mosque on behalf of of Muhammad ﷺ. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari accommodated Muhammad ﷺ upon his arrival in Medina 622. The mosque served a community centre, a court of law, and a religious school.

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The Seven Orchards (4th year of Hijrah)

The Prophet ﷺ was bequeathed seven orchards, “seven date-palm gardens’ located in Medina that belonged to a wealthy Jewish man named Mukhairiq, which the Prophet then established as a charitable waqf to be used for the poor. Mukhairiq was a learned scholar who recognised Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from his scripture. Though he did not officially embrace Islam, he believed in the Prophet’s truthfulness. The Will, when the battle of Uhud took place, Mukhairiq advised his people to support Muhammad ﷺ. When they hesitated because it was a Saturday (Shabbat), he took his sword and armour, saying. “If I am killed, then my property is for Muhammad ﷺ to deal with as Allah shows him.” Legacy, Mukhairiq died in the battle. Following his death, the Prophet ﷺ took possession of the seven orchards. Establishment of Waqf – the Prophet ﷺ did not use these gardens for personal wealth. Instead, he established them as the first charitable waqf (endowment) in Islam in Medina, with the proceeds dedicated to the poor, travellers, and charitable causes. The Orchard is now formerly known as The Garden of Salman al-Farsi.

Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما reported that ‘Umar رضي الله عنه once acquired a piece of land from Khaybar. He said, “O Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, I have received a piece of land from Khaybar, and I have never received wealth better than this. What do you advise me to do?” The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ replied, “If you wish, retain ownership of the asset and give charity from its profits.” So, ‘Umar رضي الله عنه made the land a waqf, stipulating that it could neither be sold, gifted, nor inherited. He gave charity from its profits to the poor, the needy, travellers, for the manumission of slaves, to warriors in the path of Allāh ﷻ, and to guests. The one entrusted with managing the waqf was permitted to use it modestly for themselves and to feed a friend, without taking personal gain from it^[2]. ‘Umar رضي الله عنه bequeathed its management first to the Mother of the Believers, Ḥafṣah رضي الله عنها, and then to the senior members of his family

Imam Shāfi’ī رحمه الله stated: “The people of the pre-Islamic era did not dedicate any houses or land as an act of devotion by endowing them. Rather, it was the people of Islam who introduced endowments”

The Ruma Well

The Prophet encouraged the purchase of the Ruma Well (Bi’r Ruma) by Uthman ibn Affan, which was then dedicated as a waqf for all Muslims to drink from freely. The well of Rūma is considered one of the longest lasting examples of a waqf and cited as one of the great virtues of the great companion ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān (rd). ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān himself recognised this:
“When ‘Uthmān (RA) was besieged by the rebels, he looked down upon them and said, “I ask you by Allah, and I address none but the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ): Do you not know that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ‘Whoever prepares [digs]¹ the Well of Rūma will be granted Paradise,’ and I was the one who did so? Do you not also know that he said, ‘Whoever equips the army of Usra (the expedition of Tabuk) will be granted Paradise,’ and I was the one who fulfilled this?” They affirmed the truth of his words”.²
Although many companions established various forms of waqf ³, the endowment of ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān remains active to this day.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

In Islam, many actions can result in immeasurable rewards, both now and in the afterlife. The word ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’ is commonly used to refer to these deeds. We will all perish at some point. Our acts of kindness will follow us into eternity. Let us make the most of our time here on earth and be ready for the journey ahead while we still can.
Here are five deeds of sadaqah jariyah that you can do to achieve immeasurable bounties from Allah in this world and the next:

– The Construction of a Water Well
– Become A Sponsor For A Child Or Orphan
– Plant Trees
– Transforming Areas of Land into Ranches
– Partaking in the Construction of a Mosque, School, or Hospital

The Difference Between Sadaqah and Zakat

As long as we have more than a certain amount, known as the nisab, our faith requires us to donate at least 2.5% of our wealth. The minimum value of wealth a Muslim must have to be eligible to pay Zakat is known as the nisab threshold. The nisab level is calculated using the values of gold and silver. The nisab is worth 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. You can use our free Zakat Calculator here if you need assistance figuring out your Zakat or are unsure whether you are above the nisab threshold.

Definitions

Useful information

Mutawalli

A Mutawalli is the manager, custodian, or administrator of a Waqf (Islamic charitable endowment/trust) property. Appointed via a waqf deed, orally, or by a court, they are responsible for maintaining the property, maximizing revenue, and ensuring income is used for the beneficiaries, acting as a caretaker rather than an owner.

Waqf Deed

A Waqf Deed is a legal document, also known as a Waqfnama, that permanently dedicates movable or immovable property for religious, pious, or charitable purposes under Islamic law. Once executed, the property becomes inalienable, meaning it cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited, and is considered to be owned by God.

Waqif

Waqf is a permanent charitable or religious endowment under Islamic law. The waqif is the owner of the property (land, buildings, or cash) who voluntarily dedicates it to Allah, thereby relinquishing personal ownership in perpetuity for the benefit of the community or specific beneficiaries.

Waqfnama

A Waqfnama is a legal deed or document in Islamic law that serves as evidence of a “
Waqf the permanent dedication of property or land by a person (Waqif) for religious, pious, or charitable purposes. It outlines the terms of the endowment, which becomes irrevocable and is meant to benefit the community, often managed by a Mutawalli (Trustee).

LKF CIC UK INTERNATIONAL WAQF FUND PROJECTS

Reap eternally…

“The Ummah is our Amanah; to guard it is our duty, and to uplift it is an honour in the sight of Allah.”
– Hajji Farouk Azize Bheekhun (LKF Founder 1943-2022)

Become a Waqif today

LKF CIC UK INTERNATIONAL WAQF FUND