The positive social impact of Waqf
Throughout Islamic history, Waqf has been a means of social solidarity and a virtue encouraged by Islam. History records that every companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who was able to donate a Waqf did so.
The social impacts of Waqf are diverse - some direct and others indirect - but all contribute to the uplift of the Muslim community.
Direct impact of Waqf on society
Waqf has played a pivotal role in organising society and managing its affairs through areas such as:
1- Humanitarian institutions:
This includes the establishment of health units and hospitals for the treatment of patients and the injured. It also includes building shelters and providing care for orphans, the elderly, and the disabled. Other examples include the construction of guest houses for visitors and travellers, ensuring their needs are fulfilled during their stay.
2- Public facilities:
Providing significant social services such as drilling wells, maintaining springs, and ensuring their upkeep.
3- Educational and religious institutions:
Building mosques, schools, educational institutes, universities, and libraries.
These Waqf institutions represent a voluntary transfer of wealth from the rich to the poor, helping to meet their basic needs and live with dignity.
Indirect impact of Waqf on society
1- Economic Growth:
Waqf indirectly contributes to social solidarity through its impact on the economic growth of the community, which in turn affects the incomes of community members and provides job opportunities for the unemployed, helping the youth and reducing their need for, and dependence on, social security or zakah.
2- Independence of Scholars:
Throughout history, Waqf has enabled scholars to maintain independence from rulers by endowing funds on scholars, educational institutions, and public buildings. This ensured the Waqf’s perpetual benefit as well as providing scholars with sufficient resources, allowing them to issue scholarly fatwa without fear of financial or political repercussions.
3- Investment in Human Capital:
Waqf represents a significant investment in human capital, leading to substantial increases in individual productivity through skill acquisition via education or enhanced productive capacity as a result of quality healthcare.
4- Educational Opportunities:
Spending Waqf funds on supporting education for youth opens avenues for social mobility.
5- State Budget Support:
Waqf covers a significant portion of education and public health expenses in the state's budget, reducing the problems of local resource gaps, budget deficits, and the accumulation of domestic public debt.
6- Capital Preservation:
Waqf plays a vital role in preserving community capital by prioritising spending from Waqf revenues rather than its principal, with benefits passing down through generations.
7- Infrastructure Development:
Waqf contributes to infrastructure development such as roads, bridges, and waterways, providing the necessary public structures for market establishment and facilitating goods transportation on Waqf ships. All of these are crucial for the growth of national outputs.
8- Enhancing individual productive capacities:
Waqf increases individuals' productive capacities by providing various production tools, enhancing their economic contribution.
