حبس الاصل..وتسبيل الثمرة
Waqf is an Arabic term meaning “to stop” or “to hold,” referring to the permanent preservation of an asset for ongoing public benefit. It is the lasting dedication of a valuable asset (the corpus) to be protected and invested, generating continuous returns for a chosen charitable or philanthropic cause. The original asset remains intact, while its benefits sustain the purpose across generations.
Waqf has roots as old as Egyptian civilization itself. In ancient Egypt, land and resources were endowed to sustain temples, provide for priests, and serve communities—an early model of preserving assets for public benefit. With the rise of Islam, waqf became a defining institution that shaped Egyptian society and the wider region. It supported education, health care, mutual aid, animal welfare, and public services, while also giving rise to some of the world’s oldest universities such as Al-Zeitouna in Tunisia (founded 737 CE), Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco (founded 859 CE), and Al-Azhar in Egypt (founded 970 CE). Waqf flourished throughout history and its model was later exported to the West, inspiring the foundations of many enduring institutions. In the 19th century under Muhammad Ali, more than 30% of Egypt’s land was endowed, but the wealth it generated led to restrictions and eventual nationalization. As a result, civil society lost this sustainable and autonomous economic system, shifting instead toward short-term charity organizations dependent on donations. Yet waqf’s legacy—rooted in both ancient Egyptian and Islamic traditions—remains central to Egypt’s identity as a civilization builder. Reviving this tradition today means restoring a uniquely Egyptian model of sustainable development that empowered generations and can once again strengthen communities for the future.
Sitting on innovation : A living Waqf
At Waqfeyat Misr Foundation, every bench tells a story — a story of empowerment, generosity, and community spirit. Through our vocational training program, individuals from vulnerable backgrounds learn valuable carpentry skills, gaining confidence and independence.
These skills come to life in the form of beautiful, sturdy benches that already serve people across Egypt’s public spaces—from busy streets to peaceful parks, in front of insurance buildings for the elderly, and around hospitals for patients. You too can endow a bench in your name to offer comfort and rest to even more people.
Princess Fatma Ismail’s Endowment and the Founding of Cairo University
In 1913, Princess Fatma Ismail, daughter of Khedive Ismail, embodied the essence of the waqf tradition—an enduring system where assets are dedicated in perpetuity for the benefit of society. She donated 6 feddans in Giza for the campus of the new Egyptian University and endowed 661 feddans of fertile land in Daqahliya as a Waqf to finance construction, faculty salaries, and research. To further secure the university’s future, she contributed her jewelry and personal wealth, ensuring the continuity of education for generations.
Sultan Hassan Mosque: A Monument of Waqf and Majesty
The Sultan Hassan Mosque, constructed between 1356 and 1363 AD during the Mamluk era, is one of the most remarkable examples of Islamic architecture in Cairo. Commissioned by Sultan Hassan and funded entirely through waqf endowments, the mosque was designed to serve both as a place of worship and a center for religious education. Its endowments supported four separate madrasas, each dedicated to one of the four Sunni schools of thought. Today, the mosque remains a symbol of Egypt’s rich waqf heritage, reflecting how endowments historically combined religious devotion with civic and educational purpose.
Al-Azhar Mosque and University: A Legacy of Waqf
Al Azhar: A 1,000-Year Legacy Sustained by Waqf Al Azhar University, founded in 970 AD, is the third oldest university in the world. For over nine centuries, it stood as a beacon of knowledge and excellence in the Islamic world and beyond. Its sustainability was rooted in a powerful Waqf model— funded by public donations, income from agricultural and real estate endowments, and profits from incomegenerating enterprises. Named by the Fatimids in honor of Fatima Al-Zahraa, daughter of Prophet Muhammad, Al Azhar became a state-run university in 1924. By the 1960s, most of its waqf assets were brought under government control, ending its financial independence
Discover the inspiring world of Waqf (endowments) through this engaging video series by Dr. Marwa El Daly. Through thoughtful storytelling, she reflects on the rich history, values, and impact of waqf—where each episode presents a unique story of a different endowment, highlighting its cultural significance and role in fostering giving, community empowerment, and sustainable development.
