The Well of Rumah (or Ruma) in Medina was initially owned by a Jewish man who sold its water to Muslims at a high price. When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ learned of the hardship Muslims faced due to the lack of affordable water, he encouraged someone to buy the well and dedicate it as a charity, promising the buyer a place in paradise.
Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) purchased the well for 20,000 dirhams (in some accounts, 25,000 dirhams) and made it a waqf (endowment) for the benefit of Muslims. This act of generosity ensured that the well's water was free for everyone, marking one of his greatest charitable deeds.
How Is the Well of Rumah Benefiting Muslims Today?
Development of the Waqf: The land surrounding the well was turned into a waqf. The area now includes around 1,550 date palm trees, cultivated to generate ongoing benefits.
Date Production: The dates from these palm trees are harvested annually and sold in the market. The proceeds are directed toward charitable causes.
Special Bank Account for the Waqf: Under the Saudi Waqf system, a dedicated bank account in the name of "The Waqf of Uthman ibn Affan" manages the earnings. This ensures proper administration and transparency.
Utilization of the Waqf's Income: The income generated is used to support orphans, build mosques, fund education.
Al-Azhar University in Cairo: Founded in 970 AD, Al-Azhar University is one of the oldest educational institutions in the world. It was established and sustained through waqf endowments, which funded its operations and allowed it to become a leading center of Islamic learning.
Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom):Established in Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate, Bayt al-Hikma was a major intellectual center funded by waqf. It served as a library, translation institute, and research center, playing a crucial role in the Islamic Golden Age by preserving and expanding knowledge in various fields.
Yagci Haji Muslihuddin. He founded one of the earliest recorded cash waqfs in 1423 in Edirne, during the Ottoman Empire, he endowed a significant amount of money, which was then invested to generate income for various charitable purposes.
Dompet Dhuafa Hospital, Indonesia Rumah Sehat Terpadu (RST): is a modern hospital established through waqf by the Dompet Dhuafa Foundation. This hospital is a prime example of how waqf can be utilized to support healthcare services in contemporary settings.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM): Established in 1983 and supported by waqf funds, which help finance scholarships, research, and infrastructure development. This ensures that IIUM can provide quality education while maintaining its Islamic ethos.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (UAE) cash Waqf: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, has established the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which include cash waqfs to support education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid. These waqfs are invested in Shariah-compliant ventures, ensuring a steady income stream to fund various charitable projects
