Islamic Philanthropy: The Instrument of Waqf According to the Perspective of Sahīh al-Bukhārī

Abstract

Waqf is regarded as a sustained act of charity, referred to as Islamic philanthropy, with the potential for spiritual and economic benefits for society. Even though waqf is not specifically mentioned in the Quran or the Sunnah in a conclusive (qati’e) way, there are several hadiths indicating that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged his companions to dedicate their most beloved possessions for the sake of Allah SWT or for the benefit of humanity. Scholars have interpreted these hadiths as the basis for waqf, drawing from the understanding and implications of sadaqah jāriyah, which is understood as waqf. Therefore, this study aims to examine the waqf instrument as a form of Islamic philanthropy from the perspective of the Sunnah as found in Sahīh al-Bukhārī. The research methodology is qualitative, utilizing various classical texts (kitab turāth), contemporary fiqh sources, journals, and data analyzed using an interpretative technique approach. The findings reveal that a thematic analysis of hadiths from Sahīh al-Bukhārī demonstrates encouragement for waqf, resulting in a framework for waqf as an instrument of philanthropy in Islam. This framework encompasses the concept of waqf, its conditions, various types of waqf, and the methods for managing waqf assets.