Waqf management policy of the two Umars
Managing Awqaf (plural of Waqf) requires precision, efficiency, and discipline to achieve its purpose - which is to increase returns and spend them in the designated areas. Billions of dollars have been lost due to laxity in selecting those who manage Awqaf. During the era of the two Umars, the caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah be pleased with them), Waqf management was based on four pillars: providing guidance, monitoring, planning, and organisation.
During the era of the two Umars, Umar ibn al-Khattab (Al-Farooq) and Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, may Allah be pleased with them, Waqf management was based on four pillars: providing guidance, monitoring, planning, and organization.
- Direct guidance and monitoring:
A notable feature of Umar ibn al-Khattab's policy in Waqf management was his personal involvement despite his responsibilities as caliph.
This was due to his concern for all matters related to his people and his belief that he would be accountable before Allah for all issues, from the most complex to the simplest.
Umar ibn al-Khattab aimed to ensure the welfare of Muslims and the continuity of Awqaf for future generations. He managed the Awqaf himself to avoid the risk of mismanagement or loss that could occur if administration was distributed among several individuals.
This approach closely matches the Prophet Muhammad's method of managing his Awqaf, where he (peace be upon him) oversaw his sadaqa personally or through a designated manager, his companion Abu Rafi, ensuring that the yearly needs of the Prophet’s household were met and the remainder was spent on charitable causes for Muslims.
Umar ibn al-Khattab's Waqf management policy was successful and extended until the late second Hijri century.
Umar ibn Abdul Aziz followed a similar policy to Umar al-Khattab. He entrusted the management of his Waqf for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in Makkah to the custodians of the Kaaba. He also appointed a competent and trustworthy person to manage the Prophet's Waqf in Fadak.
- Selecting competent managers:
Umar ibn Abdul Aziz believed it was crucial to appoint professionals and competent personnel for Waqf management. He assigned the task of supervising Awqaf to just, honest, and trustworthy workers. This was a general principle followed by both Umars in selecting their administrative staff.
- Monitoring Waqf supervisors and holding them accountable:
The supervisor was responsible for overseeing the Waqf assets and facilities. Both Umars monitored their workers and held them accountable.
- Providing generous provisions for workers:
The first preventative measure seen by both Umars against betrayal was to provide generously for the workers, despite their personal frugality towards themselves and their families.
- Protecting Waqf Assets from Encroachment and Restricting Them to Their Rightful Beneficiaries:
The first preventative measure seen by both Umars against betrayal was to provide generously for the workers, despite their personal frugality towards themselves and their families.
Protecting Waqf assets from encroachment and restricting them to their rightful beneficiaries:
Both Umars were known for their frugality in the economic management of the nation's wealth, ensuring its protection and maintenance. They prevented even their families from taking anything from Awqaf designated for the poor, the needy and travellers.
Planning and organisation
Waqf management under the two Umars was distinguished by the following:
Utilising Awqaf to serve the infrastructure of the Islamic state and attracting new Awqaf. Both Umars sought to use Awqaf to serve the infrastructure, with Awqaf serving roads, facilities in remote areas, construction and agricultural Waqf to care for farmers. In addition, there were Awqaf for social care, such as spending on the poor and needy, helping those in debt, freeing captives, supporting widows, people with disabilities and others.
Applying the principle of consultation (shura) to guide Awqaf in a beneficial direction for the public good. To follow this approach, Umar ibn al-Khattab consulted righteous individuals regarding lands in newly conquered territories.
