The Astonishing Story of the First Waqf in Islam: 7 Gardens of Perpetual Blessing

The First Waqf in Islam is not just a historical fact; it is a powerful narrative of conversion, sacrifice, and visionary socio-economic policy. Established by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the fertile lands of Medina, this pioneering endowment laid the foundation for one of the most enduring charitable institutions in human history. This is the profound story of how seven simple orchards became a perpetual engine of good, a story that begins with an unexpected hero: a Jewish rabbi.

The Unlikely Hero: Mukhayriq, The Rabbi Who Embraced Islam

The genesis of the First Waqf in Islam is inextricably linked to a man named Mukhayriq. He was a wealthy and learned rabbi from the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir in Medina. Recognized for his knowledge of the Torah, he found within its passages the descriptions of the final Prophet to come. When Muhammad (ﷺ) arrived in Medina, Mukhayriq recognized the truth he had been studying and, putting aside tribal allegiance, embraced Islam wholeheartedly.

His conversion was not a quiet affair; it was a public declaration that placed principle above parochialism. This set the stage for his monumental role in Islamic history.

The Ultimate Sacrifice at Uhud

The defining moment for Mukhayriq came on the day of the Battle of Uhud (625 CE). It was a Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. The leaders of his former tribe, using the Sabbath as an excuse, refused to fight alongside the Muslims.

But Mukhayriq would have none of it. He stood before his people and declared, “O Jews! By God, you know that it is obligatory for you to support Muhammad.”

When they hesitated, he rebuked them, stating that if he were to die in battle, all his wealth—his seven prized orchards—should be given to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to dispose of as God directed him.

True to his word, he took up his sword, fought alongside the Muslims with immense bravery, and achieved the highest honor: martyrdom on the battlefield. He was, as scholars note, the best of the Jews, as referenced in the Quranic verse (Surah Al-Imran, 3:113-115) that praises those among the People of the Book who are upright and believe in God’s revelations.

The Prophetic Decree: Establishing the First Waqf

Upon receiving the wealth of the martyred Mukhayriq, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) faced a decision. This was a substantial inheritance. In a move that would define Islamic philanthropy, he did not absorb it into the state treasury or use it for his personal needs.

Instead, he proclaimed the seven orchards as a Waqf—a permanent, irrevocable endowment.

This act by the Prophet established the core principles of the First Waqf in Islam:

• The principal asset (the land) is “frozen” and cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited.
• The usufruct (the yield, produce, and revenue) is spent on defined charitable purposes.

As recorded in authoritative sources like Sahih Al-Bukhari, this model was later formalized when Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab asked the Prophet what to do with a valuable piece of land he owned. The Prophet advised him to “give the land as endowment, give its fruits as charity,” cementing the precedent set by the First Waqf in Islam. You can explore more about the classical rules of Waqf in resources like the Oxford Islamic Studies Online.

The Seven Gardens: Names Etched in History

History has preserved the names of these seven blessed orchards, ensuring that the legacy of Mukhayriq and the wisdom of the Prophet are never forgotten. They were known collectively as “Al-Hawait” (the walled gardens), and their individual names were:

1. Al-Mashraba
2. As-Safia
3. Ad-Dalal
4. Al-Barqa
5. Al-A’waf
6. Al-Hasna
7. Mathib

These were not just plots of land; they were productive agricultural assets that would generate wealth for centuries to come.

The Purpose: A Blueprint for Social Welfare

The revenue from this First Waqf in Islam was strategically allocated to create a comprehensive social safety net for the nascent Muslim community in Medina. The proceeds were used for:

• Poverty Alleviation: Supporting the poor, the needy, and those in debt.
• Community Defense: Equipping the Muslim army with weapons, horses, and armor.
• Public Services: Aiding travelers, strangers, and those with no means of support.
• Family Support: Providing for the family of the Prophet (ﷺ) after his passing, as he left no personal inheritance.

This multifaceted approach demonstrated a profound understanding of sustainable community development, addressing everything from immediate welfare to long-term security. This model of social financing is a cornerstone of Islamic economic principles still studied today.

A Lasting Legacy: Does the First Waqf Still Exist?

This is a question many historians and believers ponder. The physical locations of the seven orchards are known to have been in the area of modern-day Medina, particularly in the region of “Al-Awali.” However, after over 1,400 years of urban expansion and geological change, the exact, identifiable plots of these specific gardens are no longer extant.

But to say they no longer exist misses the point entirely.

The First Waqf in Islam was not just about the land; it was about the institution. The physical gardens may have transformed, but the model they created exploded across the Muslim world. The concept of Waqf funded:

• Universities like Al-Azhar in Cairo.
• Hospitals and medical schools.
• Public fountains, libraries, and caravanserais.
• Vast complexes like the Süleymaniye in Istanbul.

In this sense, the First Waqf in Islam did not disappear; it multiplied a million-fold. Its spiritual and legal DNA is present in every Islamic endowment that has ever been established, making it one of the most successful and enduring social institutions in history.

Conclusion: The Eternal Ripple Effect

The story of the First Waqf in Islam is a masterclass in turning individual sacrifice into collective, perpetual benefit. It connects the faith of a Jewish convert, the strategic vision of a Prophet, and the fruits of seven gardens to create an unbreakable chain of charity.

Mukhayriq’s martyrdom secured his place in Paradise. The Prophet’s action institutionalized a system of mercy. And the seven gardens, long after their physical form has returned to the earth, continue to yield a harvest of good deeds for both of them. This astonishing legacy proves that the most powerful structures are not built of stone and mortar, but of faith, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of humanity.

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