4TH EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR: LEGAL TERM AND IMPORTANCE OF AL-WAQF- BY DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE

The last edition on this topic took us across meaning, categories, whether or not waqf fund is zakatable and some implications of waqf for developing society like Nigeria. This edition would mention on legal term and the essentials of waqf proper. 

Before long, Allah _(SWT)_ confirms His superiority of knowledge over five main things at the expense of man. He says: "Surely with Allah is  residual knowledge about the the last hour, He knows what is contained in the womb, man knows not what he will do tomorrow, and he knows where and when death comes upon him and that He is most knowledgeable and most informing." (Q.31:34).

In the above verse, it shows clearly that since tome of death is not determined by man it is  in his best interest to be good always and commit  unto other people's welfare out of his wealth.

Secondly, the four main principles which characterize successful life sustenance as mentioned in the last edition (Q28:77) sum up the essence of life in all fronts.

Purposefully, a life devoid of divine worship _(Ibaadah)_ is not only clewless but also miserable. _Ibaadah_ as a term in Islamic theology categorizes human endeavour into two namely: _Ibaadatu_ _Illahiyyah_ which is mathematically Vertical. This is a relationship between man and the Creator (Allah). On the other hand, Horizontal _Ibaadah_ connects man with another human and non-human elements on land with whom his relationship earns him good reward id sone in a better way and vice versa. " Sinsin_Oloun_ _lara_eniyan_ " forms  the bulk. of 50% of worship in human circle.

To this end, it is crystal clear that _Waqf_ as cross-cutting will is meant to benefit all and sundry in line with the horizontal conundrum of worship.

The legal term of waqf is similar in outlook but more rooted in the terms and composite of beneficiaries. It goes thus: "I offer...... to....... son of........ so that he may fear Allah, be good to others and remember death as ultimate of human in life. The the advice of Prophets Ibrahim and Ya'qub to their siblings as contained in Q2:134 earlier mentioned. The Wasiyyah and Waqf will writing ends with possible cursing who deviates from the term particularly on the aspect of religion.

Waqf is a treasure dump at  special Ministries of _Awqaf_ in Islamic nations from where relief aid and support to poverty-ridden countries are taken. Countless number of mosques, hospitals, schools, water source and the likes are witnessed in various neighborhood with labels  description of the sponsor.

Nigerian society runs short od such provisions from layers of Government for the system not accommodating such window. However, it behoves individuals, religious and welfare bodies to stem tide around this avenue of supporting others and to benefit from common others.

Areas where endowment can help in people's survival include but not limited to: 

i. Organizing group marriage as a project annually to evict chronic bachelors and spinsters from the societal stigma.

ii. Building hostels in strategic locations to give comfort and safety to way-farers and students.

iii. Provision of medium scale facilities in needy areas to prevent outbreak of diseases. Free eye test and provision of free eye glasses and immunization against foreseeable diseases.

iv. Provision of baseline and qualifying examinations forms and tutorial sessions for indigents ro excel.

v. Building and supporting others to have place of worship, learning and skill-acquisition and  recreational centers.

The endless list is according to the peculiar needs of the an environment.

In essence, what matters most is the instinct and passion to de-mystify the myth of poverty as.plough back to others who either by making of chance do not the same opportunity we have to control affluence.

We besiege Allah to grant us the zeal to love and benefit others. 

Thanks for reading and till we meet in the next edition. 

Ma'as salaamah.

DR. RAZAQ U. BOLAWAYE

27-06-1444 AH/ 20-01-2023

- Nigeria