Historical Endowments in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah

The historical endowments in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah are endowments established in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah by the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH), his family, his wives, his Companions, the followers, and their followers, up to the present time, over more than 1,400 years. They include mosques, schools, Arbitah, libraries, Asbilah, wells, and public service and development facilities, among others.

The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, competed in the early days of Islam and during the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs to establish endowments. Endowments flourished in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, and their applications diversified. Initially, they were limited to building mosques, endowing farms and wells, houses, and some military equipment like armor and similar items. Later, their applications expanded with the emergence of schools and libraries outside the corridors of mosques, after they had been annexed to them. In addition, Arbitah, Takaya, and Zawaya appeared, providing multiple relief and cultural services to the poor and needy. They also provided services for other segments of society, such as caring for scholars and students, spreading culture and knowledge, and serving pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.

The endowment of Mukhayriq is considered the first charitable endowment utilized in Islam. Mukhayriq was a Jewish man who loved the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and fought alongside the Muslims in the Battle of Uhud. He willed that if he were killed, his seven orchards (date palm farms) would belong to the Prophet to do with as he wished. When he was killed, the Prophet endowed his seven orchards; namely: Al-Awaf, al-Safiyah, al-Dilal, al-Maithib, Barqah, Hisnah, and Mashrabat Umm Ibrahim.

The land that Caliph Umar Ibn al-Khattab endowed in Khaybar is considered the first endowment in Islam. He endowed it for the poor, relatives, freeing slaves, for the cause of Allah, the stranded traveler, and the weak. Umar Ibn al-Khattab also endowed a house. Uthman Ibn Affan endowed the Well of Rumah for the Muslims to drink from. Ali Ibn Abi Talib endowed several properties, including al-Fuqirayn in al-Aaliyah area, al-Malik Well in Qanat, al-Adhnabah in Idham, Ali's house near al-Baqi', Qays Well, and al-Shajarah. Abu Talhah al-Ansari endowed the Well of Ha'. Al-Zubayr Ibn al-Awwam endowed Baqi' al-Zubayr. He also endowed his houses as charity for his sons; they were not to be sold or inherited. Khalid Ibn al-Walid endowed Dar al-Mana', his armors, equipment, and his house in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah; it was not to be sold or inherited. Several Companions endowed their houses, including Anas Ibn Malik, Abdullah Ibn Umar, Mu'adh Ibn Jabal, Sa'id Ibn Zayd, Abdullah Ibn al-Zubayr, and Ibn Abi al-Dahdah. Abdullah Ibn Abbas endowed some of his wealth. Zayd Ibn Thabit endowed houses and gardens, and Jabir Ibn Abdullah endowed his orchards. Some female Companions and wives of the Prophet also endowed their houses or wealth, such as Aisha Bint Abi Bakr, Umm Salamah, Safiyyah Bint Huyayy, and Umm Habibah. Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet (PBUH) endowed some of her wealth, giving charity to Bani Hashim and Abdulmuttalib, in addition to the endowments of Asma Bint Abi Bakr.

These are mosques built in the early period of Islam; some were constructed at locations where the Prophet (PBUH) prayed, in the seventh century. The Caliphs and rulers kept renovating and maintaining them up to the Saudi era. Among these mosques are Quba Mosque, al-Jum'ah Mosque, al-Ghamamah Mosque, Abu Bakr al-Siddique Mosque, Umar Ibn al-Khattab Mosque, Ali Ibn Abi Talib Mosque, al-Fath Mosque, al-Ijabah Mosque, Abu Dhar al-Ghafari Mosque, al-Dir' (al-Shaykhayn) Mosque, al-Mustarah Mosque, al-Qiblatain Mosque, al-Manaratain Mosque, al-Magheeselah Mosque, and al-Miqat Mosque. They were established as endowments during the Prophetic era, and some were founded in the seventh century.

Endowment Asbilah are a prominent branch of civil architecture in Islamic architecture, falling under charitable buildings or establishments. The term Sabil (singular form of Asbilah)encompassed everything endowed for the cause of Allah. Among these Asbilah were those dedicated to providing water, even endowed Qurans, coffins, and water channels. These Asbilah varied according to their function and size, including Asbilah of water supply centers and water carriers who served the Prophet's Mosque, providing cold and flavored water to visitors. The water carriers would reach worshippers at their seating places in the mosque. This practice continued for a very long time, with water supply centers established around the Prophet's Mosque. The establishment of these Asbilah was not limited to the people of al-Madinah al-Munawwarah; it also involved wealthy and powerful Muslims from other places.

Among the Asbilah in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah are: Sabil Fatimah al-Sughra and Sabil al-Aqiq, Sabil of al-Ashrafiyyah School which was commissioned by Sultan Qaytbay, and Sabil Dawud Pasha which dates back to the Ottoman era. Additionally, there are Sabil al-Saqzili, established in 1713, Sabil Bashir Agha, established in 1738, and Sabil Sultan Abdulmejid Khan, established along with the place of ablution by Sultan Ahmed Khan.