Waqf of Authority and Its Figures in the Late Abbasid Era (575–656 AH / 1179–1258 AD)

Abstract

The late Abbasid era, from the reign of al-Nasir li-Din Allah until the fall of Baghdad, witnessed extensive activity in the field of the waqf institution. The Abbasid caliphs—especially al-Nasir li-Din Allah and al-Mustansir Billah—alongside ministers and women of the court, played a prominent role in supporting and organizing waqf. Waqf was not merely a charitable act; at times, it became a political and social tool to protect influence and property from confiscation. Specialized endowments emerged, such as book waqf and medicine waqf, reflecting the development and maturity of waqf administration. Endowments were officially recorded in the Diwan al-Waqf and documented with deeds witnessed by judges, preserving their details in historical sources. Consequently, some officials resorted to endowing their properties to their descendants to protect them from confiscation upon dismissal. Waqf served as a safety valve for the Abbasid state in its weakest periods, helping absorb public discontent when the treasury failed to provide services due to wars and disasters. Waqf financed hospitals (bimaristans), schools, ribats, and zawiyas, providing shelter and food for the poor during crises. Thus, waqf made education accessible to all, as waqf schools offered free housing and books, enabling scholars to devote themselves to knowledge away from life’s pressures.