Endowment and its Impact on Intellectual and Educational Development: A Study of the Islamic Sharia

Abstract

This research clarifies the meaning of the endowment, its legitimacy, its types, its pillars, its requirements, significance, as well as its positive influence on our contemporary life. Actually, endowment has a great contribution to development; as it covers all aspects and dimensions of life whether being religious, social, cultural, economic or military. It depicts what is meant by development, in other words, developmental act in its various forms that leads to raising the level of society from a relatively lower level to a relatively higher level, and among its features: comprehensiveness - development - sustainability–besides consideringthe needs of future generations – in addition to fulfilling the needs of individuals. The Shariah urges development and considers it as a legal duty; Because it gets enough for the nation and dispenses with others.

Furthermore, this study manifests that the endowment had an impact on intellectual development. Through the endowment, many mosques were built, and science circles were established, schools, various education houses and libraries were structured. All these deeds of endowment have a prominent impact in spreading true science and culture besides eradicating ignorance, heresies and ideas alien to society. Substantial amount of money of the endowment were spent to ensure its continuity in fulfilling its purpose for which it was established and its development. The endowment also played a tangible role in ijtihad, innovation, independence of scholars and cracking them with truth. It also played a vital role in building civilization and its developmentin an interactive influential manner from both sides. It also addressed the reasons behind the decline in the role of the endowment in our current era, including: lack of experience in developing endowment funds, the absence of the role of the trust, the weak religious faith of some wealthy people, and the lack of interest in the public interest of society. In conclusion, the endowment helped development and prosperity in all aspects of life in the Islamic society.