Resolution No.(154)(19/2010) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:

"Ruling on Spending on the Waqf (an endowment) from its Own Funds"

Date: 7/10/1431 AH, corresponding to 16/9/2010 AD.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

During its tenth session held on the above given date, the Board reviewed the letter of His Excellency the Premiere concerning the request of the Minister of Awqaf (endowments) and Islamic Affairs to re-allocate financial support to the Awqaf Funds Development Foundation or to combine its budget with that of the Ministry of Awqaf. This is of course after reviewing the letter of the Awqaf Minister and the remarks made by the Ministers of Finance and the Public Sector`s Development. 

After extensive deliberations, the Board decided what follows:

The Board stresses its resolution No.(103); 5/4/1427 AH, corresponding to 3/5/2006 AD, which states: " Since the above Foundation functions as the trustee of the Waqf, then it is permissible for it to allocate a certain amount from the Waqf`s revenues to cover the expenses and wages of its employees, but within reasonable limits along with maintaining the original capital. This is based on the following Hadith: Concerning the Waqf of 'Umar: It was not sinful of the trustee (of the Waqf) to eat or provide his friends from it, provided the trustee had no intention of collecting fortune (for himself). Ibn 'Umar was the manager of the trust of 'Umar and he used to give presents from it to those with whom he used to stay at Mecca. {Bukhari}.

The majority of the Muslim scholars from the four schools of thought-except Ibn Etaab-are of the view that the wage of the Waqf administrator, whether it was conditioned from the Waqif (endower) or the judge, should be from the outcome of the Waqf itself. The Muslim scholars mentioned that the wage of the Waqf administrator or trustee, if not  specified by the endower, should be equivalent to his regular wage.

The Board advises the government to participate in covering the Waqf`s administrative expenditure, and steer its profits in charitable channels, as much as possible, to serve public interest. This is because the government is responsible for taking care of the country`s and the citizens` interests and this would lead to having more trust in the Waqf Funds Development Foundation. As a result, people would give more donations in order for that Foundation to play a more active role in serving charitable causes. And Allah Knows Best.

Head of the Iftaa` Board, The Grand Mufti of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Grace Sheikh

Abdulkareem Al-Khasawneh

Vice Head of the Iftaa` Board, Dr. Ahmad Hilayel

Dr. Yahia Al-Botoosh/ Member

His Eminence, Sheikh Sa`ied Hijjawi/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-Essa

Judge Sarrie Attieh

Dr. Abdulrahman Ibbdah/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Oklah/ Member

Dr. Abduln`nassir Abu Al Bass`al/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Al-Gharaibeh/ Member

Executive Secretary of the Iftaa` Board, Dr. Ahmad Al-Has`sanat