INSTITUTION OF WAQF IN LAFIA AND ITS ROLE IN PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AMONG MUSLIMS

Endowment (Waqf) is an essential charitable institution in Islam that provides a compendium services to the Muslim community (ummah) such as welfare, educational activities, shelter, etc. The aim of this research is to survey the existence of Waqf institution in Lafia City of Nasarawa State, Nigeria and to call the attention of the Muslims to invest hugely in the aspect of Waqf. Because there are very few of them within the area of study, especially when one looks at the huge investment by some wealthy Muslims in the area on worldly materials that can only earn them gains this include hotels and houses built for the purpose of entertainment known in Hausa language as “Gidan Wasa” etc. The methodology adopted in the research includes interview, using of some related literatures as secondary sources while selected verses of the Qur’an and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) (Hadith) were the primary sources. This work is important as it would motivate the rich people among the Muslims to build and donate houses for Waqf which could be a sustainable charity (Sadaqat al-jdriyah) for them or for those intended for, also it would serve as a source material for prospective researchers to continue and fill the lacuna where this one has not filled, also stakeholders such as government, religious leaders and our royal highnesses (Emirs/traditional rulers) can use it as an awakening call to their subjects. It was found that many Muslims are not aware of the important institution of Waqf in Lafia which makes its existence unpopular like Zakah, Sadaqa, etc. Wealthy Muslims should focus and redirect their attention on this aspect of sustainable development such that even after the demise of the donor the benefits would continue without ceasing.