Maeeshat News Network | Mumbai

Syed Ubaidur Rahman’s History of Waqf in India: Muslim Endowments, Origin and Laws is a monumental contribution to the study of waqf, the Islamic institution of charitable endowments, in the Indian context. Published in a robust 382-page hardbound edition, priced at Rs 895 in India, this book is a comprehensive and meticulously researched exploration of waqf’s theological, historical, and legal evolution over fourteen centuries. Rahman, a distinguished historian and author, delivers a work that is both a scholarly triumph and an accessible resource, appealing to a diverse audience, including students, researchers, legal scholars, policymakers, and general readers interested in India’s socio-religious and legal history.

The book opens with a detailed examination of the theological foundations of waqf in Islamic law, providing a clear and engaging introduction to the principles that underpin Muslim charitable endowments. Rahman explains how waqf, rooted in the Quranic emphasis on charity and community welfare, emerged as a mechanism to dedicate property for religious, educational, or social purposes. This foundational section is particularly valuable for readers unfamiliar with Islamic jurisprudence, as it sets the stage for understanding waqf’s broader historical and legal significance. Rahman’s ability to distill complex theological concepts into accessible prose ensures that both novices and experts can appreciate the subject’s depth.

From its theological origins, the book transitions into a chronological exploration of waqf’s development in India, spanning from the early Islamic period to the modern era. Rahman traces the institution’s growth under various dynasties, including the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, where waqf properties played a central role in supporting mosques, madrasas, and public welfare initiatives. He also examines the challenges faced by waqf during colonial rule, when British legal frameworks disrupted traditional systems of endowment management. This historical narrative is enriched by Rahman’s attention to the socio-political contexts that shaped waqf’s evolution, offering readers a nuanced understanding of its adaptability and resilience.

A significant strength of the book lies in its interdisciplinary approach, which seamlessly integrates historical analysis with legal scholarship. As Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor of Chanakya National Law University, aptly notes, the book is a “useful addition to the Indian awqaf scholarship” due to its comprehensive coverage of over fourteen hundred years, from waqf’s theological roots to the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. This dual focus makes the book an essential resource for students of both history and law. Similarly, Prof. Nandini Chatterjee of Oxford University praises it as a “comprehensive study” that examines waqf from the perspectives of Islamic law, Indian history, and contemporary legal developments, underscoring its relevance to a global academic audience.

The book’s treatment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is particularly noteworthy, given the legislation’s significance in reshaping the governance of waqf properties in India. Rahman provides a balanced analysis of the Act, detailing its provisions, implications, and the debates surrounding its passage. This section is timely and relevant, as it addresses ongoing discussions about waqf management, transparency, and modernization. By connecting historical precedents with contemporary legal reforms, Rahman ensures that the book is not only a historical account but also a practical guide for understanding current policy challenges.

Rahman’s writing is a standout feature of the book. His prose is clear, engaging, and well-structured, making dense subject matter accessible without sacrificing academic rigor. The book is organized into logically sequenced chapters that guide readers through waqf’s multifaceted history, from its origins to its modern-day implications. Each chapter builds on the previous one, creating a cohesive narrative that is easy to follow yet rich in detail. Rahman’s ability to contextualize complex legal and historical developments ensures that the book appeals to a broad readership, from academic scholars to curious laypersons.

At Rs 895, the hardbound edition is reasonably priced for its depth and scope, making it an excellent investment for libraries, academic institutions, and individual readers. The production quality is commendable, with a sturdy binding and clear typography that enhance the reading experience. However, the book could benefit from a more detailed index or glossary to assist readers unfamiliar with waqf-related terminology, particularly those new to Islamic law or Indian legal history. Additionally, while Rahman’s historical and legal analyses are thorough, the inclusion of more case studies or real-world examples could further illustrate the practical impact of waqf in contemporary India, making the book even more relatable to readers outside academic circles.

One of the book’s most significant achievements is its ability to fill a critical gap in the scholarship on Muslim endowments in India. While waqf has been studied in various contexts, few works offer the comprehensive, interdisciplinary perspective that Rahman provides. His meticulous research, drawing on primary sources, legal texts, and historical records, ensures that the book is both authoritative and insightful. Furthermore, the inclusion of perspectives from both Indian and international scholars, as evidenced by the endorsements from Prof. Mustafa and Prof. Chatterjee, underscores the book’s global relevance.

In conclusion, History of Waqf in India: Muslim Endowments, Origin and Laws is a definitive work that stands as a testament to Syed Ubaidur Rahman’s expertise as a historian and author. It is a scholarly achievement that bridges the gap between history, law, and theology, offering valuable insights into one of India’s most enduring socio-religious institutions. Whether you are a student of history, a legal scholar, a policymaker, or simply someone curious about the role of waqf in shaping Indian society, this book is a must-read. Its comprehensive scope, engaging prose, and timely relevance make it a vital addition to the literature on Indian history and Islamic endowments, destined to inform and inspire readers for years to come.