The word "Waqf" has its origin in the Arabic word "Waqufa" meaning thereby to detain or to hold or tie up. It is said that once second Khalifa Omar acquired a piece of land in Khaibar and asked the prophet Mohammed as how best to to make the most pious use of it. The prophet said "Tie up the property and devote the usufruct to the welfare of human beings, and it is not to be sold or made the subject of gift or inheritance , devote its produce to your children , your kindred and the poor and in the way of Allah".

The Waqf Act 1995 defines the WAQF as the permanent dedication by a person professing Islam, of movable or immovable property for any purpose recognized by the Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable Waqf" means the permanent dedication by a person professing Islam, of any movable or immovable property for any purpose recognized by the Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable and includes :