The social functions of Islamic religious endowment(waqf) system in medieval Arab world

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The popularity of the waqf(Islamic religious endowment) system throughout the premodern Islamic world cannot be attributed simply to its characteristics as a "charitable act" supported by altruism and benevolence. Waqfs have been established by people out of more realistic and self-interested motives. By using original waqf deeds as main sources, this study reveals the multifaceted and complex functions performed by the waqf system in medieval Arab society, as well as how the waqf system was strategically and selectively utilized, depending on the personal and social circumstances of endowers.