A Billion-dollar Waqf Empire
The Gardens of Uthman RA
Accustomed to the abundant supply of sweet Zamzam water in Makkah, the early Muslims faced significant challenges securing adequate water in Madinah after their migration. The most drinkable water came from a well named Rumah, but its owner charged even for small amounts, making it difficult for the Muslims to access.
To ease this hardship, the Prophet (PBUH) approached the owner, offering him a garden in Paradise in exchange for the well. The owner refused, insisting on monetary payment instead.
When Uthman ibn ‘Affan RA learned of the situation and the Prophet’s promise of a reward in Paradise for whoever secured the well for the Muslim community, he approached the owner with an offer to purchase it. The owner declined, unwilling to part with his lucrative source of income. Undeterred, ‘Uthman proposed buying or renting half of the well, allowing each to use it on alternate days. Enticed by the prospect of an immediate payment and continued revenue, the owner agreed.
On his designated days, Uthman allowed everyone to draw water for free. This generosity left the owner without customers on his days, forcing him to reconsider. He eventually offered to sell his remaining share of the well to Uthman, who purchased it for approximately 20,000 dirhams. ‘Uthman then declared the well a waqf (endowment) in Allah’s name, ensuring it would serve as a public resource for all Muslims.’
Later, one of the Companions approached Uthman with an offer to buy the well for twice its cost. Despite repeated, higher offers, Uthman declined, ultimately stating that his buyer was Allah.
Over the following decades, date palms began growing around the well. Successive rulers cultivated the area until it expanded to approximately 1,550 trees. Today, the dates from these palms are sold, with the proceeds split: half distributed to orphans and the poor, and the other half deposited into a bank account under Uthman’s name, managed by the Ministry of Endowments.
Funds from this account have been used to purchase land near the Prophet’s Mosque and construct a hotel. Remarkably, the land remains officially registered under Uthman ibn ‘Affan’s name, ensuring his enduring legacy of charity and service to the Muslim community.
Summary
Uthman RA declares the well as a waqf.
Uthman RA declares the well as a waqf.
The waqf land expands, with over 1,550 date palms growing around the well.
The waqf land expands, with over 1,550 date palms growing around the well.
A bank account under Uthman RA’s name is created, managed by the Ministry of Endowments.
A bank account under Uthman RA’s name is created, managed by the Ministry of Endowments.
Funds from the waqf finance a hotel, generating sustainable income for charity.
Funds from the waqf finance a hotel, generating sustainable income for charity.
Efforts are underway to redevelop parts of the land on behalf of the Waqf, with tentative plans submitted to the public.
