What is The "Perfect" Waqf © RohitSinghNegi

Waqf: A Timeless Islamic Tradition of Charity

Waqf, deeply rooted in Islamic culture, embodies the spirit of selfless giving. It’s a voluntary, irrevocable dedication of property or assets—land, buildings, or funds—for religious, charitable, or social purposes, often in perpetuity. Established during the Prophet Muhammad’s time, waqf reflects the Quranic emphasis on charity (sadaqah) and community welfare, as seen in verses like Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), which likens charitable acts to seeds multiplying in reward.

A classic example is a Waqf funding a mosque, ensuring its upkeep for worshippers across generations. But Waqf isn’t limited to religious sites—it powers schools, hospitals, orphanages, and even public wells, benefiting all, regardless of faith. 

Take the Waqf of Umm al-Mu’minin Khadijah, the Prophet’s wife, who dedicated her wealth to support the early Muslim community, setting a precedent for social good.

In modern India, waqf boards manage vast properties—over 600,000 registered waqf assets as of 2023—funding initiatives like scholarships and clinics. Globally, Waqf supports sustainable development, with countries like Malaysia using it for microfinance and education. 

Waqf’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to transform wealth into lasting communal harmony and upliftment.

Waqf types include :-

•Religious Waqf- funding mosques & madrasas

•Charitable waqf, supporting education, healthcare, and poverty relief. 

•Family waqf benefits heirs while allocating for public good. 

•Public waqf aids community projects like hospitals or libraries. 

Not all are religious—some focus on secular goals, like education or social welfare, benefiting diverse populations & families with a focus on public welfare. 

#Hamdard a "perfect" Waqf ?

How does one define "perfect" in the context of a Waqf—an Islamic endowment meant to serve charitable, religious, or social purposes in perpetuity. 

Hamdard, specifically Hamdard Laboratories in India (and its counterparts in Pakistan & Bangladesh), offers a compelling Case Study, but it’s not without flaws or complexities.

Hamdard was founded in 1906 by Hakeem Hafiz Abdul Majeed in Delhi as a small Unani medicine clinic. After his death in 1922, his son Hakeem Abdul Hameed transformed it into a Waqf in 1948, dedicating its profits to public welfare. Today, Hamdard (Waqf) Laboratories India channels 85% of its profits to the Hamdard National Foundation (HNF), which funds education, healthcare, and charity—think Jamia Hamdard University, hospitals, and relief programs. This aligns with the Waqf’s core ideal: a perpetual endowment for the public good, not personal gain. The family members, as mutawallis (trustees), draw salaries but don’t pocket profits, reinforcing the charitable intent.

What makes it "perfect" in some eyes is its scale and impact. With over 600 products—like the iconic Rooh Afza—it’s a commercial success, generating significant revenue (e.g., Rooh Afza alone reportedly exceeds Rs 135 crore annually). This self-sustaining model funds institutions without relying heavily on external donations, a rare feat for a Waqf. Jamia Hamdard, a deemed university, educates thousands across religion & caste, while initiatives like Majeedia Hospital serve diverse communities, embodying the Waqf’s non-sectarian spirit. Historically, it’s been praised for reviving Unani medicine and adapting it to modern standards, a nod to innovation within tradition.

But human limitations are present. Critics point to governance hiccups—like the leadership dispute after Abdul Mueed’s death in 2015, which led to a Supreme Court ruling in 2019 favoring Hammad Ahmed as interim head. This family feud disrupted operations, causing Rooh Afza shortages, hinting at management vulnerabilities. Transparency’s another point; while the Waqf deed mandates charity, detailed public financials are therefore scarce, raising questions about accountability. Some argue its commercial focus—pushing products like syrups or cosmetics—strays from the spiritual essence of a waqf, though profitability arguably amplifies its charitable reach.

Compared to an ideal Waqf, Hamdard ticks key boxes: perpetuity (it’s lasted over a century), public benefit (education and health), and irrevocability (profits are locked for charity). Yet, it’s not immune to human flaws—disputes, opacity, or the balancing act between commerce and piety. No Waqf is flawless; they’re shaped by the messy realities of running institutions. But Hamdard remains a standout & a shining beacon of a Waqf in India ....

© Rohit Singh Negi / Reshmi Nair 

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