What is Waqf?
Waqf (plural Awqaf) is an asset protected from ownership transfer and the benefits generated from the asset are for charitable purposes for as long as it exists. Waqf in the Arabic language literally means to prevent something from moving, and thus in this context, refers to stopping the movement or transfer of ownership of the asset to any private individual. That means, once an asset has been designated as a Waqf, it cannot be sold, given as inheritance or as a gift. This simple notion leads to empowering consequences e.g., a waqf is permanent, and irreversible, and its benefits go from one generation to the next. This way the potential benefits produced by a waqf can be truly immeasurable. National Waqf is then simply an official custodian of your Waqf.
Waqf builds communities
Among the special features of waqf is that it is permanent, and irreversible, while its benefits go from one generation to the next.
Waqf provides a sustainable, long-term mechanism for social investment and contribute towards community development and growth.
Sustainable change through
Impactful Giving
Combine the power of the collective to effect positive change
Gift a Waqf to a Charitable Purpose
National Waqf allows everyone to participate in establishing and reviving the institute of Waqf in our communities. Individuals will be able to donate cash that will be pooled together and invested in shariah compliant assets that will generate sustainable returns inshallah. That will support the most important priority causes in the UK.
If National Waqf had been set up 20 years ago with £1 m invested every year, we would have distributed almost £8 m to charities to date whilst owning c. £29 m in assets.
National Waqf Invests
We aim to maximise investment returns so we can give more out in grants, and yet not exposing the Waqf assets to an unacceptable level of risk.
Our investments are managed in-house by our Investment Committee. We manage our own investments because:
- We have a skilled team who can achieve strong results.
- It gives us more control and choice over what we invest in.
- It saves us a lot of money compared to hiring external investment managers
NWF Delivers Returns
Income generated from the Awqaf is used to give grants, cover the costs of managing the asset and a portion is also re-invested into the fund to generate further returns in the future. Thus, we plan to continue the cycle of good without diminishing the original donation.
Charities Apply for Grants
The objective National Waqf is to provide sustainable funding to charitable causes. Our grant team invites applications for funding from all entities and organisations doing charitable work in the UK.
The due diligence process includes review of the governance, senior management, financial capacity, and an assessment of the organisation’s capacity to deliver the project objectives.
Grants are Awarded
Our policy is to set up an impartial and capable Grant Giving Committee to review grant applications. We will award grants to successful applications for funding.
Our principles of awarding grants are:
- Addressing a real and strategic need.
- Assessing the consequences of no funding and seeking to maximise positive impact.
- Preferring to address root cause(s) above symptom(s).
We agree KPIs (key performance metrics) with all beneficiaries and progress against KPIs is monitored before making further grant payments. If we are not satisfied that the grant is being managed in accordance with the partnership agreement then further grants are not awarded.
National Waqf Monitors & Reports
Our Investment Department will track and report on the performance of all investments directly to the donors and where possible on this website. These will be in the form of quarterly or annual reports depending upon the investment types.
Our Grant Giving Department will also monitor and evaluate the charities and projects donated so they meet the original objectives of the donations and achieve the desired impact of the donor. We will periodically communicate our achievement with you insha'Allah.
Explore the legacy of Waqf
Learn how historical examples showcase the practicality and enduring legacy of Awqaaf. These everlasting Awqaaf continue to benefit the community and bring legacy and reward to those who established them.
Uthman ibn Affan
Uthman ibn Affan, the third Caliph of Islam, is known for his significant use of Waqf for the benefit of the Islamic community. He made substantial contributions to various charitable projects, the most famous of which was the "Waqf of Uthman" or "Uthmanic Waqf."
Community Projects
Uthman funded the construction of wells, mosques, and infrastructure to improve the quality of life within the Islamic state.
Welfare System
He established a welfare system, using Waqf income to support the needy with financial assistance, food, and clothing, providing long-term benefits.
The Ottoman Empire
Sultans dedicated over half the empire's real estate to endowments, totaling forty-five to sixty thousand Awqaf. Notably, Sultan Suleiman's endowment for the Sulemaniye Camii, designed by Mimar Sinan, generated an annual revenue of around five million akça, highlighting the enduring cultural and financial impact.
Imperial Endowment Legacy
Sultans enriched cultural and economic prosperity through extensive endowments, supporting central structures like Masjids.
Sulemaniye Camii Impact
Sulemaniye Camii, a testament to endowment success, generated an annual revenue of around five million akça, showcasing the enduring financial impact of such cultural investments.
Nizamiya college Baghdad
Built in Dhul-Hijja 457/1065 and funded by Awqaf, operated with an annual cost of 15,000 Dinars. Hosting scholars like Shaykh Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, it left a lasting impact on Islamic sciences. Despite the institution's absence today, its faculty's academic contributions continue, ensuring a lasting legacy.
Nizamiyas Scholarly Influence
Nizamiya College, sustained by Awqaf, significantly shaped Islamic sciences, hosting distinguished scholars like Shaykh Abu Hamid al-Ghazali.
Enduring Academic Legacy
Despite Nizamiya's absence, the academic contributions of its faculty persist, leaving an enduring mark on Islamic scholarship.