Role of Devoted Endowment (Waqf Arasad) in the Development of Qatari Foreign Aid

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research is to clarify the meaning of Devotion Waqf, Muslim scholars’ opinions on how to adopt this type of Waqf (endowment), how reaching an Islamic ruling on Devotion Waqf can benefit non-Muslims, and finally, how Qatari aid for foreign countries can employ this kind of endowment. Methodology: This study employs the inductive method, tracing Muslim scholars’ opinions on Devotion Waqf and the implications of these for Islamic Fiqh. In addition, it uses an analytic approach to evaluate a ruling on Devotion Waqf and identify the relevant evidence and jurisprudential applications, and to assess the salient arguments by analyzing the texts related to applying Devotion Waqf in Qatari foreign aid. Findings: Our findings highlight that Devotion Waqf is an endowment devoted by the ruler to the interests of his subjects. This opens the door, in this age, to rich Islamic countries fostering development in impoverished countries. It is a type of endowment to which the provisions of Waqf are applied. Thus, the ruler has the right to devote Muslim wealth, as he is a trustee of Muslims for protecting and developing their wealth. Devotion Waqf can be applied in the foreign aid provided by Qatar to other Islamic countries and similarly impoverished nations via the proposal to establish Waqf institutions for this purpose to generate constant resources for foreign aid. Originality: This is the first study to apply Devotion Waqf in the foreign aid to other countries. As we study and discuss Muslim scholars’ opinions, this research paves the way for more studies on this subject.