There are 29,910 Waqf estates in West Bengal both Public and Private, out of which only 6,914 Waqf properties are enrolled with the Board of Auqaf, West Bengal.
In the contemplation of Islamic Jurisprudence every trust for whatever purpose created is really and in fact for the benefit of human beings. Everything which is dedicated to Allah is breath for the good of mankind and everything which is dedicated for the good of human beings, individually or collectively is for the service of Allah. Every pious act is Ibadat (worship).
Providing maintenance for one’s parents, for one’s children, for one’s poor relations, are acts of Ibadat. The essence of every waqf is Kurbat, approach to the Almighty and therefore the real object of the study of the management of the waqf properties in Bengal which has not escaped the process of decadence brought by the twin impact of neglect and misuse, should be to see that the religious and legal system of Islam is founded essentially on the service and well being of humanity.
There are huge number of waqf in West Bengal having assets worth several thousand crores of rupees with very meager income. These waqf properties are not properly maintained and utilised economically for want of funds and therefore management of these waqf and dealing with the income thereof are the matters of Public concern. The resources of these waqf besides helping the preservation of Cultural, Charitable and Philanthropic Institutions can and should contribute substantially to the educational and economic uplift of humanity in general and Muslim Community in particular. The object of this study of control, supervision, administration and management of waqf has therefore a social purpose and is aimed at streamlining the management of waqf properties in the State.