“On March 12th, 1966 Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih III introduced the Waqfe Arzi scheme. The purpose of this project is to promote the learning and teaching of the Holy Quran as well as imparting religious knowledge to local members. Under Waqfe Arzi , at their own expense, thousands of Ahmadis are teaching Qur’an to the members, exhorting them to do good deeds and shun evil. The net result of this activity is that members of the Community are receiving religious education and moral training, which in turn is strengthening their character. The minimum period required for Short Term Dedication is two weeks at a designated place.
Essentially, The Waqfe Arzi department aims to prepare such members of the Ahmadiyya Community who are sincere, knowledgeable, and healthy for temporary dedication and to dispatch them to various destinations, especially to places where there is a need for the learning of the Holy Quran. Apart from this, the responsibility of focusing on the general teaching and moral training of people especially those who have newly converted. However much possible they should try to teach the Holy Qur’an, it’s translation, and the meanings of the verities of the Quran.
When this scheme was first launched, many members of the community readily answered the call of the Khalifa of the time by saying “Labayk” (we are here) and put themselves forward for temporary dedication. In reference to why this scheme was started, Hazur says:
“The main purpose of the Waqfe Arzi scheme is that members of the community should at their own expense voluntarily go to various Jama’ats and organise classes for the learning and teaching of the Holy Quran. The local Jama’ats should be so organised that they should willingly and happily take up the yoke of the Holy Quran upon their shoulders and set an example for the world.”
(Daily Al-Fazl, 14th May 1966)
“Every Ahmadi should perform Waqfe Arzi. It is necessary for Murrabis and office holders in general, in fact it is necessary for every Ahmadi, that he exhort not only his own self, but also his brother that he participate in Waqfe Arzi. There is no doubt that this is one of the paths of sacrifice ,and the way is difficult. But there is also no doubt in this that without treading on the paths of sacrifice we cannot achieve the pleasure of Allah.”
(Daily Al Fazl 27th August 1969)
“Waqfe Arzi is a way of reforming the inner self The second biggest benefit of the waqfe Arzi scheme is that those who go on it get to self examine themselves in certain aspects. They become aware of some of their own weaknesses before they leave, and get inclined towards prayers. In other words, a large part of the preparation for going on Waqf is that they get inclined towards praying, and increasing their religious knowledge or efforts at renewing it. They increase their study of books before leaving, and take some books with them. They contemplate, and keep an eye on their negligence, carelessness and weaknesses and try to correct them. They have the desire that when they go to another place, they should set a good example for them, and not be a cause for them losing their faith. Thus, Waqfe Arzi delegations have benefited immensely from their blessings of prayers.”
(Daily Al Fazl 12th Feb 1977)
Waqf-e-Arzi Rules
Application:
- Every participant to apply at least two weeks before the start date of their Waqfe Arzi.
- Fill the online application form here >>
Period of Waqf:
- The duration of Waqfe Arzi (short-term dedication) can range from a minimum of three days
to a maximum of six weeks. You can take part as is convenient for you.
Expenses:
- Waqfe Arzi is done at one’s own expense.
- Every participant shall be responsible for his travel and food expenses.
Where to Go:
- The Centre will decide the most appropriate place according to one’s own circumstances.
What to Do:
The devotee shall spend his/her time in:
- Zikre Ilahi (remembrance of Allah).
- Offering Tahajjud prayers in addition to 5 daily obligatory prayers and Friday prayer.
- Recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
- Teaching of the Holy Qur’an.
- Watching Love Friday Sermon.
- Tarbiyyat and Tabligh activities.
- Visiting the sick and elderly people.
- Waqar e Amal.
- Promoting Waqf-e-Arzi Scheme.
- Participating and promoting Jamaati and tanzeemi events.
- Any other activity instructed specifically to your waqf.