Waqf-Based Learning Spaces as Islamic Social Infrastructure: A Tauhidic Perspective on Knowledge, Charity and Spatial Meaning

Abstract

Waqf has historically functioned as a foundational institution of Islamic philanthropy, sustaining educational, religious, and social welfare institutions across Muslim societies. Contemporary Islamic social finance discourse, however, increasingly emphasises governance structures, financial sustainability, and asset productivity, often under-theorising the spatial and educational dimensions through which waqf’s impact is realised. This paper argues that waqf-based learning spaces—such as madrasahs, mosques, libraries, and community learning centres—should be reconceptualised as Islamic social infrastructure that embodies sadaqah jariyah through the integration of ethical intention (niyyah), spatial embodiment, and social benefit (maslahah). Adopting a qualitative conceptual methodology, the study synthesises classical Islamic thought, contemporary Islamic social finance scholarship, and learning-space theory to develop a tauhidic framework for understanding waqf’s institutional and spatial impact. The paper contends that reducing waqf to financial performance metrics risks obscuring its civilisational role in sustaining ethical formation and knowledge continuity. By positioning waqf-based learning spaces as institution-based value creation aligned with maqasid al-shariah, this framework expands prevailing conceptualisations of waqf impact beyond capital preservation toward holistic human development. The study offers theoretical contributions to Islamic philanthropy and social finance by integrating spatial meaning into waqf discourse and provides policy-relevant insights for waqf governance, educational planning, and impact evaluation.