What are the explicit terms that establish a religious endowment (Waqf)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Endowments (Awqaf) and Donations

Book 27 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The explicit terms that establish a religious endowment (Waqf) are three: 'Waqaftu' (I have endowed), 'Habastu' (I have retained/dedicated), and 'Sabbaltu' (I have dedicated for public benefit). The mere utterance of any of these three terms establishes the Waqf without needing any additional phrasing, due to established common usage in transactions and religious law. This practice is evidenced by the Prophet's statement to Umar: 'If you wish, retain its principal and dedicate its fruits.' These terms hold the same definitive status for Waqf as the terms for divorce hold for divorce.