Waqf Land Management in Islamic Boarding Schools: Challenges, Community Welfare Implications, and a Maqashid al-Shariah Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52690/jswse.v8i1.1680Keywords:
Islamic Boarding Schools, Maqashid al-Shariah, Productive Waqf, Public Welfare, Waqf GovernanceAbstract
Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia hold significant waqf land assets with considerable potential for promoting community welfare. However, effective management of these assets remains a persistent challenge. This study examines the challenges of waqf land management in pesantren, their negative implications for community welfare, and proposes a framework aligned with Maqashid al-Shariah principles. Employing a qualitative field research approach, the study investigates four pesantren in Merangin Regency, Indonesia, through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. Findings reveal four major challenges: (1) incomplete legal documentation 79.2% of waqf land remains uncertified; (2) disputes with heirs of waqif (donors), including a case involving the loss of 50 hectares of waqf land; (3) limited nazhir (manager) capacity and financial resources; and (4) inadequate transparency and governance accountability. These challenges have resulted in disrupted educational sustainability, reduced community welfare, and weakened public trust. From a Maqashid al-Shariah perspective, effective waqf management must simultaneously protect and develop assets (hifz al-mal), enhance welfare (hifz al-nafs), and sustain Islamic education (hifz al-din). The study proposes the PTSA Model Legal Strengthening, Capacity Transformation, Legal Awareness, and Governance Accountability as a strategic framework for professional and welfare-oriented waqf management. These findings contribute to Islamic law scholarship and offer practical guidance for policymakers and pesantren administrators in optimizing waqf assets for sustainable community development.
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