Q: What is the distinguishing difference between a trust and waqf?
الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب
A: The fundamental difference between the forms of trusts discussed in the document on trusts and a valid waqf is that in the latter property is taken out of one’s ownership and passed in to the ownership of Allah swt whilst dedicating its usufruct perpetually and with the intention of obtaining Divine pleasure. In the forms of trust discussed in the document this does not happen. This is the basic difference although there are other rules that are peculiar to waqf.