Waqf (Endowment) for Sustainable Water Management: Waqf Practices and Initiatives Throughout Muslim Civilizations by Marwan Haddad Published on: 6th October 2024

https://muslimheritage.com/waqf-endowment/ This research paper explores the role of waqf (Islamic endowment) in sustainable water management across various Muslim civilizations, highlighting its historical significance and enduring impact. Throughout Islamic history, waqf has been a powerful tool for the development and maintenance of water infrastructure, including canals, aqueducts, wells, and irrigation systems. This paper examines key examples of water-related waqf initiatives from different periods to illustrate how waqf played a crucial role in providing equitable access to water resources, supporting agriculture, fostering urban development, caring about public welfare and health, and protecting the environment. By integrating Islamic principles of social justice, environmental stewardship, and public welfare, waqf ensured the long-term sustainability of water resources in both rural and urban settings. The research highlights the relevance of these historical practices for modern water management challenges, emphasizing how waqf principles can contribute to contemporary efforts for sustainable development, particularly in water-scarce regions. The study concludes by suggesting how waqf mechanisms can be revitalized and adapted to address current local as well as global water issues, blending Islamic traditions with modern governance frameworks for more resilient and equitable water resource management.