Islamic Endowments in Jerusalem Under British Mandate - Softcover

Reiter, Yitzhak

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0714643424 ISBN 13: 9780714643427

Publisher: Routledge, 1996

Synopsis

The Waqf (pious endowment in Islam) fulfilled vital political, social and economic functions. Reiter presents a picture of the role of Islam in mandatory Je.0rusalem through the resources of the Waqf. The Waqfs, as owners of 80 per cent of the land in the old city of Jerusalem, and their socio-political influence, lie at the root of the present debate about the character and future of this Holy City. The prevalent image of institutionalized corruption within the Waqf system, involving beneficiaries, administrators and members of the elite is not completely supported by the findings ofthe present study.

About this title

Product Description:

Yitzhak Reiter presents a picture of the role of Islam in mandatory Jerusalem through the resources of the Waqf.

From the Back Cover:

The waqf (pious endowment) was a major Islamic institution in Jerusalem under British Mandate and it fulfilled vital political, social and economic functions. This book considers how the waqf adapted to modern times and reflects on its role in Islamic life in Jerusalem in the light of the political debate between the Palestinian Arab national movement and the Jewish Zionist movement. One of the weaknesses of Islamic endowments was the lack of proper supervision of their administration. The image of institutionalized corruption within the waqf system, involving beneficiaries, administrators, qadis and members of the elite, however, is not completely supported by the findings of the present study. Alongside cases of neglect and poor administration of waqf in Mandatory Jerusalem, there were numerous instances of estates being properly maintained and well managed. The waqfs own 80 per cent of the land in the Old City of Jerusalem, and their socio-political influence lies at the root of the present debate about the character and future of this holy city.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0714643424
• ISBN 13: 9780714643427
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272