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What is the ruling on working in a job that deals with endowments (awqaf) if its revenue is deposited into a central fund and not fully disbursed according to the endower’s (waqif’s) stipulation, and is the transfer of this revenue to the fund considered a sin?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The majority of scholars hold that the condition set by the endower (waqif) must be followed unless it involves disobedience [to Allah]. If it is for an act of piety, then his condition must be adhered to. However, Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah views that it is permissible to spend the endowment (waqf) on what is more beneficial, even if it differs from the original condition set by the endower, basing his opinion on the principle of [achieving] public interest (maslahah). Based on this, if the money is spent on a more beneficial cause, then there is no harm in working with them. But if the spending involves disobedience or is less beneficial, then cooperation is forbidden, as Allah Almighty says: "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." If your work with them reduces corruption, then it is permissible and rewarded, because Islamic law is built upon bringing about benefits and reducing harms.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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