Waqf Meaning, Definition, Origin, Pronunciation, Usage
Discover the full meaning and definition of Waqf with pronunciation, history, types, examples, and translations in multiple languages. Learn everything about Waqf in one place.
Waqf
Pronunciation:
/wɑːkf/ or /wakf/
Phonetic spelling: wɑːk-f or wak-f
Part of Speech:
Noun (plural: waqfs or awqaf)
Definitions:
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Islamic Law (Sharia):
A permanent charitable endowment of property or assets (such as land, buildings, or money) made by a Muslim for religious, educational, or philanthropic purposes. The ownership of the waqf is held in trust and cannot be sold or transferred. -
Legal Entity (Institutional Context):
An organization or institution that manages and oversees waqf properties and ensures their income is used as per the founder's wishes.
Meaning in Simple Terms:
Waqf refers to a donation or dedication of property by a Muslim for religious or charitable purposes, where the original asset remains intact and its benefits or earnings are used for public welfare, such as building mosques, schools, hospitals, or helping the poor.
Synonyms:
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Endowment
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Charitable trust
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Religious foundation
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Islamic trust
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Philanthropic dedication
Antonyms:
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Dispossession
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Sale
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Private ownership
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Alienation (in the legal sense of transfer)
Etymology and Origin:
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Arabic Origin: From the Arabic word "waqf" (وقف) which means "confinement," "detention," or "holding."
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The concept originated during the early Islamic Caliphate era, where it became a form of perpetual charity (sadaqah jariyah).
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Historical Example: One of the earliest known waqfs was established by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, who donated land in Khaybar for charity.
Grammatical Rules:
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Countable Noun: "waqf" can be used in singular and plural forms.
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Singular: waqf
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Plural: waqfs (English usage), awqaf (Arabic plural)
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Used mostly as a noun in legal, religious, and charitable contexts.
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Often preceded by an article: a waqf, the waqf.
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In formal or religious texts, "waqf" is often italicized or quoted when first introduced.
Usage in Sentences:
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The mosque was built using funds from a local waqf.
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The scholar donated his land as a waqf for a school and orphanage.
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Many awqaf in the Middle East support hospitals and universities.
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The government is revising laws related to waqf property management.
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Her father established a waqf in memory of her mother to feed the poor.
Usage Contexts:
| Context | Usage |
|---|---|
| Religious | Used in Islamic law to denote charity or endowment |
| Legal | Refers to a legal trust for charitable purposes |
| Social/Philanthropic | Indicates long-term support for social welfare projects |
| Historical | Historical waqfs have funded education and healthcare |
Types of Waqf:
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Waqf Khayri (Charitable Waqf):
For public or community benefit like mosques, schools, hospitals, etc. -
Waqf Dhurri (Family Waqf):
Established to benefit the founder’s family members before transferring benefits to charity after a certain time. -
Waqf Mushtarak (Mixed Waqf):
A combination of both charitable and family waqf.
Modern Relevance:
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Today, waqf institutions play a crucial role in Islamic finance, social services, and sustainable development.
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Many governments have Waqf Boards that regulate and manage waqf properties and ensure they are not misused.
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Digitization of waqf assets is a current trend for better transparency and management.
Cultural and Global Significance:
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In countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Egypt, and Malaysia, waqf institutions have historical and contemporary importance.
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Waqf is seen as a tool for economic justice, poverty alleviation, and community welfare.
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UNESCO has recognized several historical waqf properties as World Heritage Sites due to their architectural and social value.
Comparison with Similar Concepts:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Waqf | Islamic charitable trust where asset is preserved and benefits are donated |
| Sadaqah | Voluntary charity, can be a one-time act |
| Zakat | Obligatory charity for Muslims, a fixed percentage of income or wealth |
| Trust (Western Law) | Legal arrangement to manage property for someone's benefit |
Fun Fact:
The oldest university in the world, University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, was founded as a waqf in 859 CE by a Muslim woman, Fatima al-Fihri.
🔸 Mandarin Chinese (中文)
Waqf（瓦克夫）：
在伊斯兰教法中，Waqf 是指为宗教、教育或慈善目的而永久捐赠财产（如土地、建筑或资金），其本体不得出售或继承，其收益用于公益事业。
🔸 Arabic (العربية)
الوقف (Waqf):
الوقف هو حبس مال يمكن الانتفاع به مع بقاء عينه، ويُصرف ريعه في سبل الخير والبر، مثل بناء المساجد، المدارس، أو رعاية الفقراء، وهو صدقة جارية في الشريعة الإسلامية.
🔸 Hindi (हिंदी)
वक़्फ़ (Waqf):
इस्लामी कानून में वक़्फ़ एक ऐसी संपत्ति होती है जिसे धार्मिक, शैक्षिक या परोपकारी कार्यों के लिए स्थायी रूप से दान किया जाता है। संपत्ति को बेचा नहीं जा सकता और उसका लाभ सार्वजनिक भलाई के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है।
🔸 Spanish (Español)
Waqf:
En la ley islámica, waqf es una donación permanente de propiedad (como tierra, edificios o dinero) para fines religiosos o benéficos. El activo original no se vende y sus beneficios se destinan a causas públicas o caritativas.
🔸 Portuguese (Português)
Waqf:
No direito islâmico, waqf é uma doação permanente de propriedade (como terra, edifícios ou dinheiro) para fins religiosos ou beneficentes. O bem original não pode ser vendido, e seus rendimentos são usados para o bem público.
🔸 Bengali (বাংলা)
ওয়াকফ (Waqf):
ইসলামী আইনে ওয়াকফ হল একটি সম্পত্তি যা ধর্মীয় বা জনহিতকর উদ্দেশ্যে চিরস্থায়ীভাবে দান করা হয়। মূল সম্পত্তি অপরিবর্তনীয় থাকে এবং এর আয় জনকল্যাণমূলক কাজে ব্যবহৃত হয়।
🔸 Russian (Русский)
Вакф (Waqf):
По исламскому праву, вакф — это постоянное пожертвование имущества (например, земли, зданий или денег) для религиозных или благотворительных целей. Основное имущество не может быть продано, а его доход идет на благо общества.
🔸 Japanese (日本語)
ワクフ（Waqf）：
イスラム法において、ワクフとは宗教的または慈善的な目的のために、土地や建物、資金などの資産を恒久的に寄付することです。元の資産は売買できず、その利益が公益のために使われます。
🔸 French (Français)
Waqf :
En droit islamique, un waqf est un don permanent de biens (comme un terrain, un bâtiment ou de l'argent) à des fins religieuses ou caritatives. Le bien d'origine ne peut pas être vendu, et ses revenus sont utilisés pour des causes d'intérêt public.
🔸 Odia (ଓଡ଼ିଆ)
ୱାକଫ୍ (Waqf):
ଇସଲାମିକ୍ ଆଇନ ଅନୁଯାୟୀ, ୱାକଫ୍ ହେଉଛି ଧାର୍ମିକ, ଶିକ୍ଷାତ୍ମକ କିମ୍ବା ଦାନମୂଳକ ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟରେ ଚିରସ୍ଥାୟୀ ଭାବେ ଦାନ କରାଯାଇଥିବା ଜମି, ଘର ବା ଅନ୍ୟ ସମ୍ପତ୍ତି। ଏହି ସମ୍ପତ୍ତି ବିକ୍ରି ହୋଇପାରେ ନାହିଁ ଏବଂ ଏହାର ଆୟ ଲୋକକଲ୍ୟାଣ ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।
Conclusion:
Waqf is a deeply rooted Islamic concept that reflects the values of generosity, charity, and social responsibility. It has had a profound impact on education, health, and welfare systems in many parts of the Muslim world, both historically and in modern times.
FAQs:
❓ What is the meaning of waqf?
Answer: Waqf is an Islamic endowment of property or wealth for religious or charitable purposes, where the original asset remains intact and its benefits are used for public welfare.
❓ What is the origin of the word waqf?
Answer: The word "waqf" originates from Arabic, meaning "to stop" or "to confine." It refers to dedicating a property permanently for religious or charitable use under Islamic law.
❓ What are the types of waqf?
Answer: The main types are:
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Waqf Khayri (Charitable Waqf)
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Waqf Dhurri (Family Waqf)
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Waqf Mushtarak (Mixed Waqf)
❓ How is waqf pronounced?
Answer: Waqf is pronounced as /wɑːkf/ or /wakf/, depending on the dialect.
❓ Can waqf property be sold?
Answer: No, the main principle of waqf is that the original property must remain unchanged and cannot be sold or transferred.
❓ What is the difference between waqf and zakat?
Answer: Zakat is a mandatory charitable tax in Islam, while waqf is a voluntary, perpetual endowment of property for public or religious benefit.
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