By Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido
It was one of those elite gatherings in Abuja—where power, intellect, and wealth converge over light meals and deeper conversations. I found myself in the company of four remarkable individuals: Alhaji Sarki, a respected traditional ruler; Hon. Musa, a seasoned politician; Prof. Yakubu, a revered academic; and Hajiya Maryam, a thriving entrepreneur. Each represented a sphere of influence that shapes communities.
We had just discussed matters ranging from the politics to youth empowerment when I casually mentioned “Waqf.” I noticed a subtle shift in their expressions. Interest piqued.
Curiosity lit.
“Waqf?” Hajiya Maryam echoed. “I’ve never really understood what that means. I thought it was just something Arabs do.”
“I’ve never even heard the word before,” admitted Hon. Musa, shaking his head.
“I once heard an Imam mention it in a khutbah, but it sounded too abstract,” Prof. Yakubu added.
“Educate us,” said Alhaji Sarki, folding his arms with a regal smile. “We are all ears.”
And just like that, a spontaneous conversation began. What unfolded was a deep, engaging discussion filled with questions, examples, reflections—and in the end, a newfound appreciation of Waqf.
What Exactly Is Waqf?
I began with the basics.
“Waqf,” I explained, “is an Islamic endowment—a permanent donation of wealth or assets made for the sake of Allah, dedicated to serving public or charitable causes. It is not consumed, sold, or inherited. The asset remains, while the benefits are used to support others.”
Hajiya raised an eyebrow. “So, it’s like giving, but not fully giving away?”
“Yes,” I smiled. “It’s like planting a tree. You don’t eat the tree itself, but generations benefit from its fruits.”
Why Waqf?
“Why would someone choose Waqf instead of just donating money as a normal sadaqah?” asked Prof. Yakubu.
“Excellent question,” I said. “Waqf is about sustainability. A single sadaqah helps once. But a waqf keeps giving, perpetually. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ‘When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.’ Waqf is that ongoing charity.”
How Is a Waqf Created?
Hon. Musa leaned forward. “Practically speaking, how do you establish a Waqf?”
“Very simply,” I answered. “You identify an asset that you own—land, money, buildings, businesses, or even books—and declare it as waqf. You begin by stating its purpose—whether it’s for education, healthcare, feeding the poor, supporting widows, or building mosques. Then, you appoint a trustee, known as the Mutawalli, who will manage the waqf according to your specified intentions. Alternatively, you can hand it over to an existing waqf management organization to oversee and implement your vision.”
Who Can Create Waqf?
“Anyone,” I said. “Men, women, young or old, rich or moderate in means. Even women in early Islam were prolific founders of waqf. Fatimah al-Fihri, for instance, founded what is now the oldest existing university in the world—al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco—as a waqf.”
Hajiya Maryam lit up. “Now that is something I can relate to.”
What Assets Can Be Waqf?
“Can it be just land and buildings?” Alhaji Sarki asked.
“Not at all. You can make a waqf of anything that’s legal, valuable, and durable: farmland, hospital, rental property, shops, shares in companies, solar power systems, dialysis machine, boreholes, even intellectual property. What matters is that it continues to yield benefit.”
For Whom Is a Waqf Meant?
“For Allah, first,” I said, “but practically, it’s for people’s benefit. The poor. Orphans. Students. The sick. Refugees. Future generations. Even animals. You can also create a family waqf—waqf ahli—to support your descendants under structured guidelines.”
Where Can It Be Done?
“Anywhere,” I answered. “Waqf is borderless. From Gombe to Gombak. From Kano to Islamabad. From Lagos to London. As long as it’s legal and impactful.”
When Can One Create Waqf?
“At any time,” I explained. “Some create waqf during their lifetime. Some declare it as part of their will. Some even create it in health as a way to safeguard their estate and ensure sadaqah jariyah after death.”
What Are the Characteristics of Waqf?
Hajiya was thinking deeply. “So, what makes a Waqf different from normal charity?”
I replied: “Good question. There are four main characteristics:
1. Permanence – The original asset remains. Only its yield is spent.
2. Irrevocability – Once you declare it a waqf, it’s no longer yours. You cannot take it back.
3. Inalienability – It can’t be sold, inherited, or gifted away.
4. Public or family benefit – It must serve a defined social, spiritual, or familial good.”
What Types of Waqf Exist?
Prof. Yakubu, ever the academic, asked: “Are there types or categories of Waqf?”
I nodded. “Yes, and they include:
Waqf Khayri (Charitable Waqf): For the public good—education, healthcare, food banks, orphanages, Almajiri schools, etc.
Waqf Ahli (Family Waqf): Benefiting your family and descendants in a structured way.
Waqf Mushtarak (Hybrid Waqf): Serving both family and public needs.
“What if I make an investment as a waqf and dedicate the returns to the development of the education of the less privileged children in my village?”. I looked at him and said, “Perfect. That is what is called ‘Waqf Istithmari (Investment Waqf)’: Income-generating assets whose profits are used for charitable purposes.”
Examples?
“Yes!” I added with enthusiasm. “In the Ottoman Empire, waqf built entire cities—schools, roads, hospitals. In Kano, historical waqf supported Quranic schools and feeding the poor. Today, Muslims are endowing clinics, scholarships, even fintech startups as waqf.”
Final Reflections
As our conversation wound down, something had changed. The room, once filled with political and business chatter, now pulsed with a deeper sense of purpose. These powerful individuals had discovered a timeless concept that could transform communities—quietly, sustainably, and spiritually.
“I have land I don’t even use,” said Alhaji Sarki. “Maybe it’s time to think legacy.”
“I’ll talk to my estate lawyer about this. I and I hope you as an expert would be ready to guide us also” added Hon. Musa.
“I want to fund a scholarship for girls in rural areas,” Hajiya declared.
“Count me in to design a model for university waqf,” said Prof. Yakubu.
I smiled. Waqf had found new champions.
Your Turn
If you are reading this, maybe it’s your turn too. What asset do you own that can live beyond you? What cause do you care about deeply? Waqf is not just about wealth. It’s about vision. It’s about rewriting your legacy on the pages of eternity.
Don’t just leave behind wealth. Leave behind barakah.
Amir Lamido
Abuja
13/04/25