FAQ

A Waqf (plural: Awqāf) is an Islamic charitable endowment in which a person permanently dedicates an asset — such as property, funds, or other valuable resources — for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى). The original asset remains intact and is never sold, transferred, or inherited.

Instead, only the returns, profits, or benefits from that asset are used to fund charitable causes.

This unique structure means that a single act of giving can continue to serve the community for generations, making it one of the most impactful and enduring forms of charity in Islam.

Islamic Foundation: 

The Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said:

“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: sadaqah jāriyah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim)

A Waqf falls under sadaqah jāriyah — ongoing charity — because as long as people benefit from it, the donor’s reward continues without end, even after they have passed away.

Waqf in Islamic History

The tradition of Waqf is as old as the Islamic community itself:

• The Well of Rūmah - The Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) praised and accepted the purchase of this well by Uthmān ibn ʿAffān (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), who then endowed it for public use. To this day, its income supports charitable causes in Madinah.

• Masjid Qubā and Masjid Nabawi - Early expansions and facilities were funded through dedicated assets that served as Waqf.

• Ottoman Era - Nearly every masjid, madrassa, hospital, and public service in the empire was sustained by Waqf income — from bridges to soup kitchens.

• Modern Examples - Around the world today, masājid and Islamic organizations are using Waqf to run schools, scholarship programs, hospitals, and community centers without relying solely on donations.

Key Principles of a Waqf

According to Islamic tradition and scholarly consensus:

• Permanence – Once an asset is dedicated as Waqf, it cannot be sold or reclaimed.

• Preservation – The original asset must remain intact; only its generated income is spent.

• Purpose – The benefits must be used for a lawful, charitable, and clearly stated cause.

• Accountability – It must be managed with trust (amānah), transparency, and in compliance with Shariʿah.

• Regular Charity (Sadaqah): Funds are used immediately, and the benefit ends once the funds are exhausted.

• Waqf: The capital remains intact, producing continuous benefit and reward for as long as the Waqf exists.

Think of sadaqah as giving someone a meal, and Waqf as building a farm that will feed people forever.

Masjid As-Siddiq is more than a place of prayer — it is a center for learning, service, and community life. Every week, we rely on donations to keep programs running, pay staff, maintain facilities, and provide vital services. While these contributions are deeply valued, they can be unpredictable and often cover only immediate needs.

A Waqf changes that. By creating a permanent, income-generating endowment, we ensure that Masjid As-Siddiq will have a stable and reliable source of funding for decades to come. This means less time spent on emergency fundraising and more time devoted to education, youth programs, social services, and spiritual growth. It is an investment in financial independence, allowing our masjid to expand its role as a lasting pillar for this generation and the next.

At its core, a Waqf is about preserving the gift and using its returns to serve the community. Here’s how it works for our masjid:

Your Contribution Becomes a Permanent Asset

When you donate — whether it’s cash, property, land, or a portion of business profits — it becomes part of a permanent endowment fund dedicated to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى).   The goal is to build the Waqf up to a minimum of $1 million.  Only after we meet that threshold will the proceeds from the Waqf, or a percentage of them, be allocated to the masjid.

• Cash is invested in halal, income-producing ventures.

• Property & land are rented or developed, generating ongoing income.

• Business shares allow a percentage of profits to go toward the Waqf every year.

The original asset is never spent — only its returns are used, so your gift keeps working for generations.

The Fund Is Managed With Care and Transparency

A dedicated Waqf Committee, financial professionals, and scholarly advisors oversee the assets to ensure:

• All investments are Shariʿah-compliant and ethical.

• Operations are handled with trust (amānah) and full accountability.

• Regular financial reports, audits, and community updates are provided.

Profits Support Masjid As-Siddiq’s Mission

The returns from the Waqf fund our core priorities, such as:

• Education – Weekend madrassa, Qur’an programs, youth mentorship, Islamic scholarships.

• Facilities & Recreation – Expanding prayer spaces, classrooms, recreation areas, parking, and accessibility.

• Social Services – Food distribution, emergency aid, mental health support, and a masjid-operated funeral home.

• Operations – Staff salaries, utilities, and ongoing program costs so services remain uninterrupted.

Your Reward Continues Without End

Because the original donation remains intact and benefits keep flowing, your contribution is sadaqah jāriyah — ongoing charity. Every prayer in the masjid, every child learning Qur’an, every family supported — you share in the reward for as long as the Waqf exists.

The Masjid As-Siddiq Waqf will enable us to serve, teach, and support our community without relying solely on unpredictable weekly and yearly donations. Instead of operating from one collection to the next, a permanent, well-managed fund will provide steady income year-round. This stability means we can plan for the future with confidence, grow our programs, and respond to needs quickly.

Education – Fund our weekend madrassa, Qur’an programs, youth mentorship, and Islamic scholarships so that every generation has access to quality Islamic learning.

Facilities & Recreation – Expand prayer areas, build classrooms, create recreation and gathering spaces, improve parking, and ensure full accessibility so the masjid is welcoming and functional for all.

Social Services – Strengthen food distribution, offer emergency financial assistance, provide mental health support, and operate a funeral home owned and run by the masjid to serve families with dignity.

Operations & Sustainability – Cover staff salaries, utilities, and ongoing program costs so that services continue uninterrupted, no matter what happens with weekly donations.

With the Waqf, we move from survival mode to growth mode — ensuring Masjid As-Siddiq remains strong, independent, and impactful for generations to come.

One of the strengths of a Waqf is its flexibility. It is not limited to cash alone — many types of assets can be endowed to benefit Masjid As-Siddiq for generations. Whatever form it takes, your gift becomes part of a permanent fund where the original value is preserved, and only the returns are used to serve the community.

Cash Contributions – One-time gifts or ongoing monthly contributions are invested in halal, income-generating opportunities. The capital remains untouched, while the profits are used to fund programs, services, and maintenance.

Property & Land – Residential, commercial, or agricultural properties can be dedicated to the Waqf. These assets can be rented, leased, or developed to generate income that directly supports the masjid’s work.

Business Shares & Investments – Business owners and investors can allocate a portion of profits, shares, or dividends to the Waqf. This allows your business success to become a continuous source of sadaqah jāriyah.

Other Assets – In some cases, valuable items such as vehicles, equipment, or other income-producing resources can also be endowed, provided they can be managed in a way that benefits the Waqf fund.

No matter the size or type of your gift, once it becomes part of the Waqf, it will continue to benefit Masjid As-Siddiq — and you — for as long as it exists.

A Waqf is a trust, and trust must be honored with the highest standards of care, integrity, and transparency. At Masjid As-Siddiq, we are committed to ensuring that every contribution to the Waqf is managed responsibly so it can continue benefiting the community for generations.

Dedicated Waqf Committee – A specially appointed group will oversee all Waqf assets and operations. Their role is to protect the original capital, ensure all uses align with the Waqf’s stated purpose, and make decisions in the community’s best interest.

Financial Experts & Shariʿah Compliance – Qualified professionals will manage investments, ensuring they are halal, ethical, and sustainable. A Shariʿah advisory group will review and approve all investments to guarantee they meet Islamic guidelines.

Transparency & Accountability – The Waqf will provide annual reports detailing contributions received, where assets are invested, the returns generated, and how those returns are used. This information will be shared openly with the community.

Reinvestment for Growth – A portion of the Waqf’s annual profits will be reinvested to grow the fund. The stronger the Waqf becomes, the more financial independence and capacity the masjid will have to serve the community.

Through careful management, clear oversight, and open reporting, the Waqf will remain a secure, trustworthy, and lasting source of strength for Masjid As-Siddiq.

The Waqf is a community effort — it grows stronger when each of us takes part. Whether you contribute financially, offer your skills, or spread the word, your involvement helps secure the future of Masjid As-Siddiq and leaves a lasting legacy of service.

Donate – Give in a way that suits you:

• Make a one-time cash contribution or set up a recurring monthly gift.

• Endow property, land, or other income-producing assets.

• Dedicate a portion of your business profits or investments. Every contribution, no matter the size, becomes a part of the permanent fund and continues to benefit the community year after year.

Volunteer – Offer your expertise to help the Waqf thrive. We welcome support from those with skills in finance, legal matters, investment management, fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.

Spread the Word – Tell your family, friends, and colleagues about the Waqf. Please encourage them to join in so more people share in the reward. The more the community understands the power of a Waqf, the more it can grow.

By participating in the Waqf, you are doing more than supporting a project — you are investing in the strength of your masjid, the well-being of your community, and your ongoing reward in the Hereafter.