Waqf (also spelled as "Waqaf" or "Wakf") is an Arabic term that refers to an Islamic practice of donating or dedicating a property, such as a building, land, or money, for religious or charitable purposes. The property is generally held in perpetuity, with the income generated from it being used for the benefit of a specific purpose or group of people, such as the poor, orphans, and the sick.
The practice of waqf has a long history in Islamic societies and has been used to support various institutions, such as mosques, schools, hospitals, and social welfare organizations. Waqf can be established by individuals, families, or organizations, and can be created during one's lifetime or through a will. Once the property is dedicated for waqf, it becomes a religious endowment and cannot be sold or transferred, and the original intention behind the waqf must be respected.
