What is the meaning of waqf in the Quran?
Asked by: Prof. Kianna Wyman | Last update: February 8, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (51 votes)
In the Quran, Waqf (وقف) has two primary meanings: literally "to stop" or "pause," referring to crucial punctuation rules in recitation (Tajweed) to maintain meaning, and as an Islamic legal term for a permanent charitable endowment (foundation) of property for public or religious benefit, derived from verses encouraging spending for Allah. While the concept of waqf (endowment) is strongly supported by Quranic verses and Hadith, the specific term "waqf" for endowments isn't directly in the Quran, but rather its principle is derived from verses encouraging charity and stewardship.
What does waqf mean in the Quran?
The word Waqf (the plural of which is Awqaf) literally means to stop, confine, restrict. The hadith literature uses various terms for the concept of Waqf such as 'habs' which also have come to refer to the same concept of Waqf.
What does the word waqf stand for?
Waqf, an inalienable religious endowment in Islam, often translated in English with "Foundation". The term waqf literally means detention.
What are the rules for waqf?
According to Islamic law, once an asset has been donated as waqf, it cannot be sold, transferred or given as a gift. Once a waqif has verbally or in writing declared a waqf property, it is legally conceived as the property of Allah and must be used to "fulfill public or family needs" as a charitable social service.
What is the purpose of a wakf?
Also known as Wakf-alal aulad, a Sharia-compliant endowment involving the permanent and inalienable transfer of the ownership rights in an asset to another person or entity for a religious or charitable purpose. In a Waqf, the asset cannot be sold, gifted, or otherwise transferred.
What do the symbols in Quran mean? - Arabic 101
What is the purpose of a waqf?
Also known as Wakf-alal aulad, a Sharia-compliant endowment involving the permanent and inalienable transfer of the ownership rights in an asset to another person or entity for a religious or charitable purpose. In a Waqf, the asset cannot be sold, gifted, or otherwise transferred.
What is the problem with waqf?
Waqf properties in India face major issues, including mismanagement, illegal occupation, and lack of transparency: The WAMSI portal reports that over 58,898 Waqf properties are illegally occupied.
Can non-Muslims give waqf?
The Court said that non-Muslims can still donate properties for charitable purposes. The Supreme Court today(September 15) observed that it is not arbitrary if non-Muslim citizens can't donate property to be considered as waqf, as they can still do so by creating a charitable trust.
What are the three types of waqf?
This can be categorised as:
- Property Waqf.
- Corporate Waqf.
- Cash Waqf.
What is waqf bill in simple words?
The bill empowers district collectors to determine ownership of disputed waqf properties, shifting authority from Waqf boards to government-appointed officials. This raises concerns about potential misuse of power and political interference.
What is an example of a waqf?
Its purpose is to provide benefits that are general in nature and not limited to specific groups or individuals. Examples of khairi waqf may involve the construction of public facilities such as schools, hospitals, mosques, or water wells for the common use of the community.
What's the difference between Waqf and Zakat?
What is the difference between Waqf and Zakat? The law of paying Zakat is mandatory while the law of practice of Waqf is allowed (must) in the Islamic law. Zakat is a duty of issuing certain property to be given to the specified asnaf at a certain rate which is one of the pillars(rukun) found in the Pillars of Islam.
What is the real name of the waqf?
Waqf is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties given by philanthropists for religious, pious or charitable purposes as recognized by Muslim Law. The grant is known as mushrut-ul-khidmat, while a person making such dedication is known as Wakif.
What are the three dots in the Quran?
◌ۛ - Named معانقة (mganqẗ) (hugging) signs, these three dots are usually paired and placed near each other. The reciter should stop at one of them, though which one is in their own discretion. In Indopak mushafs, these three dots are placed above a small ج sign.
When can you stop reading the Quran?
You stop while reciting to take breath, it is called Waqf. When you want to stop break the sound and take breath but make sure that you stop at a place where meanings are not distorted. Take care of the following rules. If there is Standing Fathah on the last letter then read it as it is.
What are some famous Waqfs in history?
Notable Waqfs in Islamic History
- The Waqf of Umar RA. Give in Waqf and Spend from Its Produce. ...
- A Billion-dollar Waqf Empire. Read more.
- The Waqf of Zubaidah. ...
- 132-136 Haldon St Lakemba. ...
- A Legacy Spanning Palestine, Lebanon and Turkey. ...
- Al-Azhar University. ...
- The Süleymaniye Complex. ...
- The Waqf of Fatima Al-Fihri.
Who controls the waqf?
The Waqf Act of 1995, enforced by the Central Government, currently regulates Waqf properties. The main administrative bodies are: Central Waqf Council (CWC) – Advises the government and State Waqf Boards on policy but does not directly control Waqf properties.
What does the Quran say about waqf?
Even though there is no direct injunction of waqf in the Quran, one must not undermine its importance, especially when it creates great benefits for both the endower and society. From the perspective of the endower, through waqf creation, an important and pious deed will survive the endower till after his/her death.
What is the root word of waqf?
Waqf and its plural form, auqaf, are derived from the Arabic root verb, “Qif”, which has the basic meaning of “to stop” or “to hold”. Ordinarily, waqf is understood as an inalienable trust or “endowments” as they are created for the benefit of individuals as well as institutions.
Do American Muslims want Sharia law?
The growing support for Sharia law is a concerning sign of Islamism's influence in the West. Polling from a decade ago shows that a substantial number of American Muslims surveyed believe that Muslims should have the choice of being governed according to Sharia law as opposed to the United States Constitution.
Which countries have waqf?
Saudi Arabia:The General Authority for Awqaf (GAA) is responsible for surveying, registering, and preserving waqf properties. Bangladesh: The Waqf Board registers and supervises waqf properties under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
What were the non-Muslims called?
A dhimmi or mu'ahid is a historical term for non-Muslims living in an Islamic state with legal protection.
What is the meaning of waqf Bill 2025?
The objective of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to redress the issues and challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. The Amendment Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India.
Is there a waqf board in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia as a constitutional Islamic country is an Islamic country that is very concerned with structuring the world of waqf. In 1966 AD Saudi Arabia established a waqf department in its government.
Is waqf abolished in India?
The Supreme Court on Monday (September 15) refused to stay the provision in the Waqf Amendmnt Act 2025 which abolished the concept of 'Waqf by user'.