In other words, it is an endowment settled for public use.

In other words, it is an endowment settled for public use. Many laws govern this act, and fuqaha debate over whether waqf requires an intention of qurbat or not. Then there are laws about waqf khas (family endowments) and waqf aam. Chapter Fifteen: ­Kitab Al­sukna Wal Habs It is another type of endowment but with a difference. While waqf is permanent, where the owner gives away his property forever, sukna is a temporary arrangement.

In it, a person gives away his abode or house to a deserving person for a fixed period of time. When the time expires, the property is restored to him, as its rightful owner. Habs means a temporary bequest for charitable purposes. In this arrangement, the property itself is not given away; only its accruals or benefits are bequeathed for a certain period, upon expiration of which the benefits revert to the owner. Chapter Sixteen: ­Kitab Al­hibat Deals with the gifts.

One can only settle a thing which he rightfully owns as a gift. They are of two types: a gift given in exchange or a gift given away without any return. Gifts given in exchange or substitute cannot be claimed back, but that which is given away without any exchange can be claimed back. But if this unconditional gift has been settled on ones own relatives, or if its original form has been changed or destroyed, then it cannot be reclaimed.

Chapter Seventeen: ­Kitab Al­subq Wa Al­ramayah Deals with racing and shooting, a chapter which falls under subsidiary laws of jihad. Islam forbids wagering, betting or staking, but allows training for racing or shooting or marksmanship as a prelude to military skills. Chapter Eighteen: ­Kitab Al­wasiyyah This relates to making of the Will, testament etc. in respect of one's estate and minor heirs. Man has a right to appoint an executor or administrator for the purpose.

He can direct the appointee to look after his minor children, educate them and provide them with necessary training. Similarly, he can direct him to use up to 1/3 of his estate in the manner he, the testator, prefers. Such directives are of three types: One is related to distribution of his money and property; another can be about performing certain duties, like Haj, Ziyarat, Qadha Namaz, Fasts, etc.

The last one concerns releasing from the bondage, like when he directs that a particular slave be set free upon his death. Chapter Nineteen: ­Kitab An­nikah Marriage Contract.