Is a religious endowment (Waqf) valid if established for non-Muslim subjects (Ahl al-Dhimma)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Endowments (Awqaf) and Donations

Book 27 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The endowment is valid for the non-Muslim subjects because they possess respectable property, and giving charity to them is permissible; thus, establishing an endowment for them is permissible, similar to Muslims. A Muslim is permitted to establish an endowment for them, as it is narrated that Safiyyah bint Huyayy, the wife of the Prophet (PBUH), endowed a portion for her Jewish brother. Furthermore, if a non-Muslim is allowed to endow for someone, a Muslim is allowed to endow for that same person, just as in the case of endowments between Muslims. If the endowment is established for those who frequent the location of their churches and synagogues while passing through, it is also valid, as the endowment is directed towards them (the people) and not the location itself.