Waqf Policy in the first Abbasid Era: A Historical Study on the Economic and Social Functions of Waqf Institutions

Abstract

The waqf is one of the most prominent institutions that shaped the features of Islamic civilization. Its role was not limited to charity but evolved into a comprehensive economic and social institution that deeply influenced public life, particularly during the Abbasid era. This research aims to study the waqf policy adopted by the Abbasid state through analyzing its economic and social functions, and its position within the framework of state institutions. The study relies on the historical-analytical method, drawing on original sources from Islamic heritage literature alongside modern academic studies, in order to provide a comprehensive picture of the role of waqf during this period. The research discusses how the Abbasid state managed waqf in terms of administrative organization, financial supervision, and encouragement of its expansion, as well as its vital role in financing public facilities such as schools, hospitals, mosques, and libraries. It also highlights the contribution of waqf in supporting the poor and underprivileged, thereby strengthening the principles of social solidarity and justice. The study concludes that waqf in the Abbasid era was a strategic tool that went beyond its traditional charitable function to become a cornerstone of economic and social development, a means of achieving stability, and a mechanism that reinforced the authority and prestige of the state.