Below is a refined presentation of a series of reminders shared by Shaykh Sajid Umar regarding the remarkable legacy of Islamic endowments. These insights draw from the guidance of his teachers and from the lessons embedded in our scholarly history:

• Islam introduced the system of endowments, offering a structured means for Muslims to uplift their communities. Yet despite its importance, the Ummah today is noticeably behind in establishing endowments, especially those connected to education.

• Before Islam, Arabia had no established concept of endowments. With revelation came a shift in thinking. Every Muslim was encouraged to take responsibility for the welfare and development of the community, not only in their lifetime but long after they returned to their Lord.

• Zayd bin Thaabit, may Allah be pleased with him, considered nothing more beneficial to a person after death than the endowments they set up while alive. Jaabir, may Allah be pleased with him, mentioned that among the Companions, anyone who had the ability ensured they created an endowment to the best of their means.

This is because an endowment is a form of continuous charity, one of the most powerful ways to build one's hereafter even after departing this world.

• All endowments hold value, but educational endowments stand out for their far-reaching and long lasting impact. They cultivate individuals who, in turn, build and inspire more endowments. Invest in learning, and you set in motion a cycle of benefit that can last centuries.

• History offers proof. A brief look at the Umayyad and Abbasid periods reveals a rich presence of endowments, many of them educational. Institutions such as Al-Azhar and Al-Zaytuna, which shaped generations, were born from such initiatives.

• Some of the greatest scholars of our tradition are the products of endowment-based programs. Daar al Hadeeth in Damascus is a shining example. Through its doors walked luminaries such as Imam al Mizzi, Imam an Nawawi, Ibn Hajar al Asqalaani, Ibn as Salaah, Ibn Katheer and many others.

• Today, our Ummah is in urgent need of endowments dedicated to supporting students of knowledge, scholars, teachers and those who serve the faith. Scholars cannot inspire and guide effectively while relying on the wealth of others for basic needs. Students cannot fully dedicate themselves to learning while navigating constant financial challenges.

• A strong system of endowments provides dignity, stability, and independence. It allows our scholars to teach without constraint, our students to study with focus, and our Imams to serve their communities with clarity of purpose.

May Allah grant us understanding, wisdom, and the motivation to revive this noble tradition. May He inspire us to establish endowments that benefit generations long after we are gone. Ameen.