Pious Foundation (waqf)

A Pious Foundation, known as a waqf, is an Islamic philanthropic concept involving the donation of assets for social, educational, or charitable purposes. Once established, the waqf's assets are held in a trust, providing ongoing benefits to the community without being sold or inherited. Common examples include funding schools, hospitals, or mosques. The donor, called a waqif, designates how the income generated from the waqf should be used, ensuring that the contribution continues to support noble causes over time. This system exemplifies the principles of generosity and social responsibility within Islamic teachings.