Waqf Funds in the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in the Maldives: A Jurisprudential Study

Abstract

There is no law to regulate Waqf affairs in the Maldives. In 2010, the "Waqf Fund for Assisting Mosques" and the "Waqf Fund for Religious Awareness" were established under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and they are considered the first cash Waqfs in the Maldives. By the end of 2021, 107 million Maldivian Rufiyaa had been deposited in the Mosque Assistance Fund and 68 million in the Religious Awareness Fund. However, although the Ministry calls them Waqf funds, there is a dispute among Maldivian researchers and scholars regarding their Sharia validity. The problem of this research lies in studying the extent to which the Waqf status of these two funds is established according to Sharia. Research Objectives: To clarify the fulfillment of the pillars of Waqf in these funds, to present and evaluate the arguments against their Waqf status, and to clarify their validity under Sharia. Significance of the Study: 1. Many Maldivians donate to these funds and need to ensure their validity. 2. They are the largest Waqf funds in the country. 3. They will serve as models for new government Waqf funds currently being established. Methodology: The researcher followed a descriptive-analytical approach. Results: 1. The funds fulfill the pillars of Waqf. 2. The arguments against their Waqf status are weak. 3. Their Sharia status as Waqf is confirmed.