To whom does the endowment revert if the endower has no relatives or if the relatives later perish?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Endowments (Awqaf) and Donations
Primary text
If the endower has no relatives, or if the designated relatives eventually perish, the endowment is directed to the poor and needy as a perpetual endowment for them. This is because the ultimate intent is continuous reward. The relatives were prioritized only because they were deemed most deserving; if they are absent, the needy fulfill that criterion.
Supporting text
An exception exists for the view stating it reverts to the heirs as their absolute property; in that case, upon the absence of heirs, it reverts to the Muslim treasury because the endowment has become void due to termination, transforming it into property without an heir.