How should an endowment specified generally for 'acts of righteousness' (Abwab al-Birr) be distributed?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Endowments (Awqaf) and Donations
Primary text
If an endowment is established for the general 'doors of righteousness' (Abwab al-Birr), it must be spent on everything that involves righteousness and seeking closeness to God. Our scholars stipulate distribution across four specific avenues: non-inheriting relatives, the needy (Masakin), Jihad, and Hajj.
Supporting text
Abu al-Khattab reported an alternative narration from Imam Ahmad stating that the redemption of captives (Fida' al-Asra) may substitute for Hajj. The basis for these two opinions mirrors the reasoning discussed in the preceding legal matter.