Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. All praises is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds - The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Recompose. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path - the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked (Your) anger or of those who
are astray. Ameen.
Waqaf and Infaq are not something new. It have been introduced for centuries. There are many exemplary stories on Waqaf and Infaq. But did you know these facts about Waqaf?
1. Umar Ibn Al-Khattab deeded lands as endowment
Islamic Waqaf highlight the importance of providing services and charity to the poor and the needy in Medina. That was why Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. advised Umar Ibn Al-Khattab to give away his land in Khaybar as Waqaf. Umar gave it away as alms, declared that the land must not be sold, inherited, or donated. He gave it away for the poor and those in need.
2. The Well of Uthman is one of the oldest Waqafs in history
During the early migration of Muslims to Madinah, there was a well owned by a man who charged people to drink from it. Uthman ibn Affan offered to pay the man in return for the well to be used by the Muslim community free of charge. The man declined, so Uthman asked if he would rent the well for one day for the Muslims and the next day to him and so on. The man agreed and noticed that the Muslim community was only using the well on the day Uthman owned the well. The owner felt at a loss and
quickly rushed to Uthman, asking him to buy the well from him. Uthman agreed and it was sold to him, which he assigned for all Muslims to drink from.
3. Al-Azhar University of Egypt was financed by Waqaf proceeds
Al-Azhar University in Egypt continues to be funded by Waqaf proceeds to this day from the day it was built. Al-Azhar continued to be at the forefront of Islamic education and it also plays an important role in spreading Waqaf throughout the world.
4. The oldest university in the world is a Waqaf
UNESCO and Guinness World Records confirmed that the University of Al Quaraouiyine is the oldest existing, higher educational institution in the world. Founded by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri in 859, the Al Quaraouiyine university is a Waqaf donation by al-Fihri. University of Al Quaraouiyine still operates to this day, serving as proof of the importance of Waqaf in the birth of the modern university.
5. Oxford University is modelled on the Islamic Waqaf system
Merton College, the University of Oxford, was formed with the support of financial endowments in 1264. These endowments have led to centuries of scholarships, learning, and teaching. It has also protected and fostered the freedom of thought and expression, a vital part of the college system today.
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