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Waqf & Endowment | IAR

Home  /  Get Involved  /  Waqf & Endowment

Waqf & Endowment

What legacy will you leave?

Your masjid is funded in part by an endowment built from many generous gifts over the years. Its principal is preserved, and its returns support IAR's work for this generation and the ones after it.

“When a man dies, only three deeds will survive him: continuing alms, profitable knowledge, and a child praying for him.”

A waqf is the clearest form of continuing alms — sadaqah jariyah — a gift that keeps giving long after the giver has passed.

The Prophet ﷺSahih Muslim

A future trust

An endowment that belongs to every generation

IAR's endowment belongs to the current and future generations of our community — our children, our parents, our leaders, our imams, and our volunteers. It supports almost every aspect of IAR's work.

Like many endowments, IAR's is structured to exist in perpetuity: the masjid relies on its earnings indefinitely. Guided by this principle of intergenerational equity, the endowment is managed carefully so that future generations benefit from it just as much as this one.

Together, the gifts that make up the endowment create a lasting financial foundation, connecting our diverse community with opportunities at IAR now and in the future.

By the numbersFiscal year 2022
$3.92MSize of IAR's endowment
$3.22MAnnual operating expenses of your masjid
$1.47MRevenue on investments for the year
See where your amanah is spent.Read the Annual Report
The Islamic Association of Raleigh masjid

Waqf in Islam

What is waqf?

Learn about the IAR Endowment

In Islam, an endowment is known as waqf (plural awqaf). It is a charitable act of dedicating property, land, or assets to a specific cause — usually religious, educational, or social. The endowment is permanently dedicated to that purpose: the principal is preserved, and its profits or benefits go to the designated beneficiaries or to maintaining and developing the endowment itself.

Waqf holds a significant place in Islamic history and society. It has traditionally been used to establish and maintain masjids, schools, hospitals, orphanages, libraries, and other public facilities — a continuous flow of benefit while the original capital stays intact.

A waqf can be established during one's lifetime or through provisions in one's will. It is a form of ongoing charity, sadaqah jariyah, that continues to benefit people long after the giver has passed.

Waqf assets are overseen by appointed trustees who ensure they function properly and honor the intentions of the person who gave them. In every era, waqf has been a way for individuals to support lasting causes and leave a charitable legacy for their community.

Where it goes

What your endowment preserves

Endowment returns help sustain five areas of IAR's work.

MasjidOperations and maintenance

Utilities, staff salaries, security, and general upkeep — so both campuses stay functional, well-maintained, and welcoming to everyone who comes to pray.

Religious ProgramsEducation for all ages

Qur'anic studies, Islamic classes, Arabic courses, and youth education — including curriculum development, teacher salaries, classroom resources, and technology.

YouthYouth and family programs

Activities, mentorship, workshops, guest speakers, and recreation that build a sense of community and positive values for young people and families.

CommunityCommunity services

Financial assistance for those in need, counseling services, health programs, and support for refugees and new immigrants.

OutreachInterfaith and outreach

Interfaith dialogue, partnerships with other faith and community organizations, and outreach that builds understanding and mutual respect with our wider community.

You can direct your gift

The endowment lets donors create restricted funds — gifts dedicated to a particular part of the masjid's work, from specific recurring bills to named committees and dedicated scholarships for tarbiya and hifz. Each of these funds has a person and a story behind it.

Shared growth

Three ways to build the endowment

The endowment is built to last indefinitely. Each option below benefits you and your family as well as your masjid.

The future is shared growth

Estate Planning

Partner offer through ShariaWiz

Your masjid has partnered to offer Shariah-compliant online will and trust planning.

Format
Online will and trust builder
Start your will

Interest-Free Loan

Qard hasan

Support your masjid with a zero-interest loan.

Contribution
Full amount upfront
Early return
Available on request in an emergency
If you pass away
Returned to your estate per your will
Start a loan agreement

Mudaraba

Profit-sharing partnership

Join your masjid by becoming a partner in our endowment.

Minimum
$10,000, paid upfront
Term
Fixed; details provided when you join
Updates
Quarterly newsletter
Profits
Distributed at maturity
Become a partner

Want to talk through these options?

Book a meeting with the endowment team. We'll help you find the option that fits you and your family.

Endowment FAQs

Common questions

Loans and Mudaraba

What if I have a financial emergency before my loan or Mudaraba matures?

Unexpected emergencies happen, and we want to give our supporters flexibility. For a loan, you can request an early return of your funds within 60 days, without penalty. This protects your financial interests while you support the masjid.

What happens if I pass away before my loan or Mudaraba matures?

The funds are returned to your estate and handled according to your will (assuming IAR is not an heir), so your intentions are respected and your legacy preserved.

Is there a minimum amount or term for Mudaraba?

The minimum Mudaraba investment is $10,000, which lets us pool resources effectively for projects that serve the community. Each Mudaraba has a fixed term until maturity; details are provided when you join.

How can I track my Mudaraba investment?

Partners receive a quarterly newsletter with updates on the progress of Mudaraba investments and the initiatives they support.

When are partnership profits paid?

Profits are distributed at the end of the investment's maturity period. This keeps returns accurately calculated and fairly shared among partners.

Do I have to give the full amount at once?

Yes. Both loans and Mudaraba require the full contribution upfront, so the funds can be managed and allocated effectively for their intended purpose.

Giving to the endowment

Can I direct my gift to a specific purpose?

Yes. You can create a restricted fund dedicated to a particular part of the masjid's work — a recurring bill, a named committee, or a scholarship for tarbiya or hifz. Book a meeting with the endowment team to set one up.

Can I transfer my IRA without paying taxes?

We are exploring options for IRA transfers. Sign up for endowment updates to hear when this becomes available.

Stewardship

Who is behind the endowment

An independent Board of Trustees oversees the endowment on behalf of the community.

Endowment Board of Trustees

Term 2022–2027
HA
Hesham AbdelbakyTrustee
MD
Muamar DahnounTrustee
MQ
Muquarrab QureshiTrustee
NK
Nadia KhanTrustee
AQ
Ahmad QuqaTrustee
Fundraising Manager
Kashif Osman
Consultants
Don Kandel, Yaser Ali

Diligent growth

Shariah-compliant, carefully managed

The endowment follows Shariah-compliant investing principles, which exclude sectors such as alcohol, gambling, and pork-related industries, keeping its investments ethical and socially responsible.

Alongside those principles, the endowment is managed for a well-diversified portfolio, strategic asset allocation, and diligent risk management. Together with skilled investment managers, this approach has allowed the endowment to grow steadily while upholding its Islamic values — an annualized growth rate of 15.31%.

Talk to the team

Questions about how the endowment is governed or invested?

Become part of something more

Keep the masjid open for the next generation

We rely on our generous community to create a lasting impact and keep your masjid running as a gathering place, school, and house of worship for Muslims across the Triangle.

ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ “Those who spend their wealth in charity day and night, secretly and openly — their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” The Qur'an 2:274