Creating a “Waqf” means dedication of property to:

In its classical legal conception a waqf permanently dedicates property to "God", with its benefits devoted to religious, pious or charitable purposes recognised by Muslim law (Ahmed G. H. Ariff v CWT, 1969). Maintenance of family members can be a permitted use of a waqf, but neither the family, the State nor the founder becomes the owner.

Current law: The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 changed the statutory framework for creating and administering waqfs, and the Supreme Court's interim order of 15 September 2025 stayed some of its provisions pending decision. These changes do not alter the classical concept of dedication asked about here.