Colonial impacts on awqãf and Muslim social welfare in Kenya

This article analyzes the socio-cultural impact of failure by Muslims in Kenya to review British colonial statutes that disrupted traditional awqãf (religious endowments) practices postcolonial period. Awqãf are autonomous enterprise meant for spiritual expression taqwa (piety), seeking qurba (closeness) with God, and ensure socio-economic security endower’s progeny social welfare community. Upon establishment rule (1895–1963), however, a wide range legal codes, remain enforced period, were instituted effectively impacting on local Islamic notion awqãf, resource control, welfare. As negotiated from era, nonetheless, it became manifest struggles revolved around not only control fulfillment obligations but also appropriation principle shurut al-waqif (conditions endower) safeguard sectarian interests compromised Muslim cultural unity identity.