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Wakaf: Blessings in this World and the Hereafter

wakaf
DR K
Dr Kamaruddin Mohd Nor

5 min read

For centuries, Wakaf has been used as a method by Muslims worldwide to donate wealth that can benefit the public and, at the same time, generate continuous rewards for the donor.

Unlike regular charity, where the reward may be received at the time of donation and only benefits the recipient, Wakaf allows charitable assets to continue generating rewards for the donor even after their passing.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

    "Among the deeds that will continue (to receive rewards) after the doer has died are knowledge that he left behind, a righteous child who prays for him, a copy of the Qur'an that he leaves as a legacy, a mosque that he built, a house that he built for travelers, a canal that he dug, or charity that he gave from his property."

In this hadith, seven types of deeds are mentioned that fall under the category of continuous charity, where the performer continues to receive rewards even after death.

Indeed, in Islam, we are encouraged to seek wealth and accumulate assets, as having wealth enables us to perform righteous deeds and acts of continuous charity that will be a source of ongoing rewards even after our passing.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When a person dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him" (Sahih Muslim).

The Federal Territory Mufti Office has explained that the term 'ongoing charity' mentioned in the hadith refers to Wakaf because it provides continuous benefits to the public. The continuous reward for the donor is a significant advantage of Wakaf. Additionally, Wakaf indirectly helps preserve ownership, asset sharing, and strengthening the economy of the Muslim community.

Without regular charity or acts of continuous charity, there may be limited opportunities to increase our rewards in the Hereafter, except for the three mentioned by the Prophet. Are we confident that we have accumulated enough rewards to sustain us in the Hereafter?

Without these three acts, no matter how much wealth we possess in this world, it may hold no meaning after our passing.

Therefore, Islam encourages us to accumulate wealth while remaining generous by giving to charity and making Wakaf a source of continuous rewards. Examples of Wakaf can include donating land for mosques, schools, and burial grounds.

One well-known example of a Wakaf donor is the Prophet Muhammad's companion, Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him), who donated a well called 'Bi'r Rummah.' During a prolonged drought, water became scarce, and a Jewish owner charged exorbitant prices for access to the well. Uthman purchased the well and dedicated it as a Wakaf, allowing everyone to benefit from its water for free. What's most remarkable is that the well continues to serve the people of Madinah to this day. Just imagine the continuous rewards received by Uthman as a result of this Waqf.

WHAT IS WAKAF?

Wakaf is an encouraged act of worship for financially capable Muslims. Its purpose is to provide comfort that can also be enjoyed by those less fortunate while earning continuous rewards for the person who carries out the Wakaf donation. In terms of terminology, it means any property held or retained by the person giving the Wakaf donation from any sale, inheritance, gift, or bequest while preserving its physical assets. There are three elements of Wakaf, as explained below:

The property donated is known as 'Mauquf,' and it must meet the established conditions:

  • The property must be the full ownership of the the individual who wishes to make a Wakaf contribution.
  • It can be delivered, and it is not a property that is withheld, such as the property of someone declared bankrupt or the property of an orphan.
  • The property must be permanent, have a value consistent with the established Shariah law, and be beneficial.

Then, there are three conditions for valid Wakaf:

  • The Wakaf donation is not limited to a specific period.
  • The purpose and intent of the Wakaf are clear.
  • Wakaf contribution is implemented in cash without any conditions.

HOW TO MAKE WAKAF CONTRIBUTION?

There are numerous options for making a Wakaf, including those offered outside the country. However, one should be cautious when deciding to Wakaf because not all Wakaf is valid and correctly implemented.

It is better to Wakaf with a registered entity and conduct research on the management of the Wakaf offered by the organization. We certainly do not want to be disappointed after placing high hopes on Wakaf, only to discover that 'it was too good to be true.'

Donate assets with a recognized Mutawalli (trustee) appointed by the state religious authorities, such as ASNB Wakalah, which offers WakafWakaf ASNB

Wakaf ASNB allows ASNB unit holders to Wakaf using existing investments, with a minimum amount of RM1,000.

The advantages of Wakaf ASNB are:

  • Continuous Wakaf funds
  • Transparent and informative management, with donors receiving annual reports on the distribution of contributions to Wakaf projects, information on the accumulated Wakaf funds, and the investment returns from the Wakaf funds
  • Wakaf updates will be relayed to the designated heirs or recipients you have appointed
  • Convenient application process, available online through the portal and the myASNB application at https://www.myasnb.com.my/ or at ASNB branches.