IEF 401 Islamic Charitable Endowments (Waqf): History and Present

Waqf—Islamic charitable endowment—has a long and influential history in Muslim societies. As a property donated in perpetuity for charitable or religious purposes, waqf has played a transformative role in supporting education, healthcare, public services, and social welfare throughout Islamic civilization. This course develops a comprehensive understanding of waqf by exploring its underlying legal theories, historical development, and modern expressions. Students examine the meaning and implications of waqf, its alignment with Sharīʿah principles, and its inseparable connection to the objectives of Sharīʿah (maqāṣid). The course also investigates classical and contemporary waqf structures, including innovative models and their integration with Islamic financial instruments. Through lectures, interactive learning activities, library research, and case studies, students analyze waqf’s cycles of decline and revival, its socio-economic impact, and the significance of charity in Islam. They assess complex challenges in the institutionalization and governance of waqf and consider emerging global trends shaping its future.