On Tuesday Morning, 27^th Jamadi Al-Thaniya 1440 Hijri (14 Isfand 1397), head of the General Directorate of Endowments and Charity affairs of the country, along with a group of his subordinates and the head of the Department of Endowments, Qom, met with Grand Ayatollah Saafi Golpaygani at his house and benefitted from his recommendations. In the beginning of the meeting, Hujjat Al-Islam Agha Khamoshi presented a report of the upcoming programs of the organization. In his statements, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah, stressed on the importance of Endowment for the propagation of Islamic teachings and its significant role in the removal of several economic issues of the country, the necessity of reviving the forgotten endowments and the need for implementing the intention of the endowers. 
 

An Excerpt from the statements of His Eminence is as follows:

In the name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful.

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him and his household) said:

“When a son of Adam dies, all his actions come to an end except for three things: a continuous charity, or a beneficial knowledge, or an obedient son who prays for him”.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to you and hope that your services are accepted by the Guardian of time, Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) and all of us are able to perform our duties in a way that pleases his holiness.

History of Endowment in Islam

          The issue of Endowment (Waqf) has its roots in Quran and traditions, and it continues to exist from the time of holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) and the infallible Leaders (peace be upon them). It is a recommended tradition which was always attended by the Muslims with the intention to perform an act that leaves its positive impact forever and prevents their file of actions from closing; when they leave this world, it shall remain and its rewards be registered in their file of actions.

          By the grace of God, those good deeds and affairs that result in the honoring of Allah’s signs and reviving of Islam, as well as the issue of Guardianship of our Imams (peace be upon him), are warmly welcomed by the people and even today, one can find such individuals in large numbers who wish to leave an impact behind them.  

The Obligation of Implementing the Intentions of the Endowers

One of the important acts which must be performed today is the revival of the endowments according to the intentions of the endowers. It means that people must witness that the endowments that exist in their access today are benefitted exactly the way they were meant to be and the intentions of the endowers are observed completely.

          In fact, one of the reasons why these endowments have remained intact is the total implementation of the intentions of the endowers, or else, it would have been destroyed completely. Therefore, in order to safeguard them and further develop public interest in them and to renovate them, it is our duty to make sure that the intentions of the endowers are precisely implemented.

The Need to Revive Endowments

Another point which must be taken under consideration is that in all the cities, there are such endowments that must be identified and their past must be well understood. Some of these endowment papers are such that when one reads them, he is astonished by the words with which people have expressed their devotion and beliefs. Revive and introduce this past for the people. Some endowments have unfortunately deteriorated or totally neglected by the people, which must be revived in every possible way. We had a religious school in Golpaygan which was immensely big but unfortunately, it was demolished by the former regime and we feel extremely saddened by it. Nevertheless, endowments must be revived and the once that exist must be safeguarded. 
 

However, these are such issues which must be taken care of properly so that when people witness that endowments are looked after and implemented, they turn towards this noble deed once again and its impact will be realized further. You should know that your work is a service to Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) and all these works are associated with his noble existence. How much ever these issues become organized and well-managed, his holiness (a.t.f.s.) will be happier. May Allah (s.w.t.) bless you with success and His support.

Was Salaamo Alaikum Wa Rehmatullah