Prepared by: The Scientific Committee of Rukaaiz Company for Endowment Management and Development One of the most beautiful forms of giving is when a person offers something good that benefits others. And one of the greatest forms is to establish a means for this good, hoping for its continuous benefit after their passing. This is where the status of endowment (Waqf) becomes clear. It is a giving whose impact does not stop at the moment of donation, but rather aims for the extension of benefit over time, and its donor hopes for reward and recompense from God. Virtue of Giving in Islam Islam has encouraged spending in good causes and clarified its great reward. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Baqarah: {The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain of seven ears, each ear containing a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [the reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.} (2:261). This verse clarifies the virtue of spending and the multiplication of its reward. Endowment is one form of spending money in acts of piety for which the donor hopes for this virtue. Endowment and Continuous Charity The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "When a person dies, their deeds stop except for three: a continuous charity, or knowledge that is benefited from, or a righteous child who prays for them." (Narrated by Muslim). Endowment is considered one of the most prominent forms of continuous charity indicated by this hadith, as the endower dedicates the principal amount and directs its benefit to good causes. People benefit from it as long as its benefit remains, and its donor hopes for continuous reward after their death. How the Impact of Endowment Extends Suppose a person endows a collection of beneficial books to be in a public library. A student of knowledge benefits from them today, and then others benefit from them in the following years as long as the books are suitable for use and available to beneficiaries. Here lies the value of endowment. Giving is not measured by the value of money alone, but by the benefit it achieves and the impact it leaves on people's lives. Perpetuity of Impact and Hope for Reward The continuous impact of endowment does not mean that its benefit is guaranteed at all times. Circumstances may change, or opportunities for benefiting from it may decrease. However, the intention is that the endowment be prepared for continuous benefit according to its nature and the purpose for which it was designated. As for the reward and recompense, they are in the hands of Allah Almighty. The endower hopes for Allah's grace to accept their endowment and grant them a reward that extends with its continuous benefit. Thus, endowment combines a benefit that reaches people during their lives, and a righteous deed whose donor hopes its impact and reward will remain after their passing. In our next article, we will learn about the endowment of Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, and the story of Bir Rumah, and how the meanings of sacrifice and continuous benefit were manifested in it. __________ We specialize in managing endowments, organizing their affairs and procedures, developing their performance, and enhancing their benefits, thereby promoting the sustainability of endowments and the achievement of their objectives.