Abstract
This study provides a critical discussion on the history of waqf in Algeria throughout three main different eras namely, the Ottoman rule era, the French colonisation period and after independence era, to raise awareness and enrich researchers’ thoughts regarding the practice of waqf in Algeria. Also, it highlights the practice of many waqf institutions existed therein and addresses their developments and impacts on the community life. Subsequently, it highlights the development of the waqf legal system in Algeria, which provides a platform that facilitates understanding its status in the Algerian community, which offers lessons to be learnt from and considered for the development of waqf institutions. The authors reviewed a significant body of relevant studies written on various aspects of the waqf history in Algeria, to provide readers and researchers with lessons from waqf institutions in Algeria throughout three different phases in history, as few studies have addressed this issue in the context of Algeria. The study reveals that the Ottoman rule era in Algeria was marked by the spread of different waqf institutions which played a vital role in all aspects in the community life. However, these institutions experienced a huge retreat during the colonial era, where the French colonisers aimed at confiscating awqāf and belittling its effective role in the community. After independence in 1962, there have been modest initiatives to upgrade waqf properties, and attempts to recover the lost ones, but all these efforts were considered weak as compared with the size of the waqf properties in Algeria during the Ottoman period.
Highlights
This study provides a critical discussion on the history of waqf in Algeria throughout three main different eras namely, the Ottoman rule era, the French colonisation period and after independence era, to raise awareness and enrich researchers’ thoughts regarding the practice of waqf in Algeria
It highlights the practice of many waqf institutions existed therein and addresses their developments and impacts on the community life
The study reveals that the Ottoman rule era in Algeria was marked by the spread of different waqf institutions which played a vital role in all aspects in the community life
Summary
Waqf is an Islamic endowment, devoted to the benefit of the community, or individuals, family members, or any other beneficiary that is not disapproved by the Sharī‘ah. Throughout Islamic history, places of religious worship, for example, mosques, and schools, universities, hospitals, public wells and even infrastructures such as roads, have. When researching the history of Algerian awqāf, before the colonial era during the Ottoman period, it is found that the waqf system in general, and waqf institutions in particular, have played an important role in the community life, where the awqāf provide important positions and jobs, even outside the religious sphere.6 This in addition to its contribution in helping the poor and needy and in alleviating their burden inside as well as outside the state, such as the awqāf of the two holy mosques, promotion of education, the provision of public service, repairing roads, spending on forts, and so on.. The last section represents the conclusion which provides a summary of the study’s main points and draws some lessons to be learnt from
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
