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The Prophet (saw) encouraged water sources for public use and the establishment of the first water Waqf: When the Prophet (s) arrived in Medina, he soon realized that the city had very little drinking water except the water of Bir Ruma (Ruma Well). It was said that this well belonged to a man from Bani Ghaffar, who used to sell a waterskin full for a dry measure of cereal. The Prophet (s) asked him: “Would you want to sell this well to me in exchange for a water source in Heaven?” The man answered: “That’s the only source of income that my children and I have”. When Uthman (r) heard about this, he paid the man thirty five thousand Dirhams for the well and then approached the Prophet (s) and said: “Can you make me the same offer?” He said: “Yes”. “Then I offer it to the People”. Thus Uthman (r) declared the well as waqf for use, in perpetuity, by the people of Medina. Awqaf SA has set up a special charitable endowment fund to plant trees, grow food, and provide water in poor & needy communities on a sustainable basis. How does it work? Awqaf SA invests 100% of the Tree-Food-Water Waqf fund. The income generated from the investments is then used year after year to plant more trees, grow more food, and provide more water on behalf of donors. This would be done on an ongoing basis and the thawaab will also be ongoing. What does it cost? At current prices, to plant a tree costs in the region of R50-R70. A food garden pack of seeds costs around R30-R50 and the provision water costs around R20000 per borehole serving whole communities. What projects are funded? Projects include developing Tree nurseries, establishing sustainable food gardens, providing water in desolate areas, and environmental education and advocacy programmes. Why Trees, Food & Water? The Prophet (s) made several references to preservation of the environment: "The world is green and beautiful and Allah (God) has appointed you as His stewards over it. He sees how you acquit yourselves." (Muslim) "Whoever plants a tree and looks after it with care, until it matures and becomes productive, will be rewarded in the Hereafter" (Bukhari & Muslim) "If anyone plants a tree or sows a field and men, beasts, or birds eat from it, he should consider it as charity on his part." (Imam Ahmad, Musnad) "Whoever brings dead land to life, for him is a reward in it, and whatever any creature seeking food eats of it, shall be considered a charity from him." (reference……) Even during wartimes, Muslims are prohibited from destroying trees, vegetation, and water sources. Muslims are encouraged to bring dead land or undeveloped land by planting trees and food crops, and digging wells and springs. Planting trees for the future: The Prophet Muhammad (s) was also concerned about planting trees for future generations. He said: "If the Hour is imminent and anyone of you has a palm shoot in his hand and is able to plant it before the Hour strikes, then he should do so and he will be rewarded for that action" (reference? ……..) Even if you are your death bed and you are holding a seed in your hand, plant it. The benefit of planting trees: Trees provide shade, fruit, greenery, and generally improves the quality of life of a community. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. No wonder that people who live in green, leafy areas enjoy their environments. Trees also provide us with paper, books, furniture, and houses. South African Context: We are all aware of the legacy of apartheid – people forced to live in desolate, impoverished areas. Thousands of school today still do not have water. Many new settlements are being built in urban areas with no trees, food security or water. Unemployment and poverty levels are high in a land of milk and honey. This is not acceptable to Islam. As Muslims we have a duty to contribute towards poverty alleviation, community development, and nation building. We are part of the landscape of this country. How much do I contribute? You may contribute in units of R100 and may do so in regular monthly payments by debit order or by direct deposits into the Awqaf SA TFW Waqf Fund. You may donate as many units as you please. Ideally each person should donate a minimum of 10 units i.e. R1000,00. This will enable 1 tree and a parcel of seeds to be purchased and planted every year, forever InshaAllah. Donors wishing to donate trees, seeds, and boreholes are also welcome. Cooperation and Partnership: Awqaf SA has signed a Memorandum of friendship and cooperation with Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) and will work with Local Municipalities, Communities, and any other group that wishes to help in the process. Sustainable Environmental Projects: -Food tunnels – commercial food production and value added services. -Tree nursery – commercial tree cultivation. -Recycling of paper, glass, plastic, and metal.
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For more Contact Information:
Send mail to
info@awqafsa.org.za
with questions or comments about this web site.
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