What Is Waqf? Definition, Rulings, Types, and Virtues

Understanding Waqf in Islam

Waqf (endowment) is one of the highly encouraged acts of worship in Islam because it provides long-lasting benefits for society. In simple terms, waqf means dedicating certain assets so that their principal remains intact, while their benefits are continuously used for the welfare of others.

In practice, this means the donated property cannot be sold, inherited, or transferred, but the benefits generated from it can be channeled for useful purposes.

For example, someone may donate land to build a mosque, school, hospital, or other public facilities. There is also cash waqf, where money is invested productively, and the returns are used to support social and religious causes.

The Ruling of Waqf in Islam

Waqf is classified as sunnah mu’akkadah, a strongly recommended act of worship. Its importance is highlighted in both the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Allah ﷻ says:

لَنۡ تَنَالُوا الۡبِرَّ حَتّٰى تُنۡفِقُوۡا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوۡنَ ؕ وَمَا تُنۡفِقُوۡا مِنۡ شَىۡءٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِهٖ عَلِيۡمٌ‏ ٩٢

“Never will you attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend, indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (QS. Ali Imran 3:92)

Another verse describes the immense reward of giving:

مَثَلُ الَّذِيۡنَ يُنۡفِقُوۡنَ اَمۡوَالَهُمۡ فِىۡ سَبِيۡلِ اللّٰهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ اَنۡۢبَتَتۡ سَبۡعَ سَنَابِلَ فِىۡ كُلِّ سُنۡۢبُلَةٍ مِّائَةُ حَبَّةٍؕ وَاللّٰهُ يُضٰعِفُ لِمَنۡ يَّشَآءُ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيۡمٌ‏ ٢٦١
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing, All-Knowing.” (Al-Baqarah 2:261)

The Prophet ﷺ also emphasized that among the deeds whose rewards continue even after death is sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity), and waqf is one of the most impactful forms of it.

Types of Waqf

Waqf can take several forms, depending on its purpose, the type of assets, and the duration.

Based on Purpose

Waqf Khairi: dedicated for public benefit, such as building mosques, schools, hospitals, or community programs.
Waqf Ahli (Dzurri): intended for the benefit of the donor’s family or descendants.
Waqf Musytarak: a combination of both, where part of the benefit goes to the public and part to the donor’s family.

Based on Assets

Immovable Assets: such as land, buildings, orchards, or real estate.
Movable Assets: such as money, gold, vehicles, securities, or other transferable assets.

Based on Duration

Waqf Muabbad (Perpetual): applies forever, and the principal asset cannot be taken back.
Waqf Muaqqat (Temporary): applies only for a specified period according to the donor’s declaration.

Pillars and Conditions of Waqf

For waqf to be valid according to Islamic law, the following pillars (arkan) and conditions must be met:

Donor (Waqif): must be legally competent and willing.
Waqf Property (Mauquf): must be clear, lawful, and beneficial.
Recipient (Mauquf ‘Alaih): must align with Islamic principles.
Declaration (Sighat): a clear statement or contract of dedication.
Nazhir (Manager): the appointed trustee responsible for managing and distributing the waqf.

The Virtues and Benefits of Waqf

Waqf carries both spiritual rewards and social impact:

Continuous reward: classified as sadaqah jariyah, its benefits and rewards keep flowing even after the donor passes away.
Enhancing social welfare: waqf supports education, healthcare, and social development.
Empowering the economy: productive waqf provides sustainable funding for community progra
Strengthening unity: it encourages Muslims to support each other for shared benefit.

Waqf in Indonesia

In Indonesia, waqf is legally regulated under Law No. 41 of 2004 and supervised by the Indonesian Waqf Board (Badan Wakaf Indonesia – BWI). This ensures waqf assets are managed professionally, transparently, and sustainably.

Today, waqf has expanded beyond traditional land and buildings. Cash waqf has become increasingly popular because it is flexible, anyone can contribute, even with a small amount, and when managed productively, it brings significant benefits for society.

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