
Waqf al-‘Ilm (knowledge endowment)
Waqf al-‘Ilm, or knowledge endowment, is a charitable practice in which individuals or organizations dedicate resources—such as land, buildings, or funds—to support the continuous teaching, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge. It aims to benefit society by ensuring educational and scholarly pursuits are maintained indefinitely, often funding schools, libraries, or research initiatives. Unlike other forms of charity, the endowment is preserved, with its fruits used consistently for educational purposes, fostering ongoing learning and intellectual growth within communities.