The institution of waqf in historical perspective

Charity is a central idea in Islam, and the waqf (perpetual designation of valuable property for a charitable cause) is an institution the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) introduced in his city of Madinah. A number of the Prophet's companions contributed their private lands as waqf institutions. A waqf donor earns virtues as long as his contribution continues to serve people. In the discussion of awqaf (plural of waqf), the place of charity in Judaism and its emphasis in Christianity are of note. Awqaf do not foster dependency and laziness. The institution of waqf suffered during the colonial dominance of the Indian subcontinent. Proper management and improved organization of awqaf are needed. Ruling authorities ought to monitor waqf activity closely, as they did in the early days of Islam. The ideas of Asaf Fayzee are important to this topic.