The effect of endowment on the life of the poor of Iranian society in the Safavid period

Endowment is one of the highest and long-lasting manifestations of charity to people and helping the lower classes of society, including the poor. Undoubtedly, one of the most brilliant deeds of the Safavid period is the development of endowment. Benefactors, who were more of the powerful and the governing body classes of the society, often sought to eradicate poverty from society and interact with the poor. This research through a descriptive-analytical method seeks to answer the questions of what effect the endowment has had on the life of the poor of Iranian society in the Safavid period? What were the benefactors’ goals from interacting with the poor of Iranian society in the Safavid period? Findings indicate that endowment had a positive effect on the lives of the poor of this period. The endowment was supporting the poor on the one hand, and by showing a justified picture of benefactors was encouraging people to practice this tradition on the other hand. Benefactors in the Safavid period was often donating properties to help the poor to obtain the good prayers of them, please God, and show a justified picture as a Muslim and benevolent king.