anything for the writings of heretics, the endowment is invalid, because it is assistance in sin and transgression.

Thus, if a communist establishes an endowment for publishing communist books, do we say that this is like a Christian establishing an endowment for copying the Gospel? No, because the Christian has a basis of doubt: the Gospel was sent down from Allah, but it has been altered and its rulings abrogated. The communist, by contrast, has no such basis, for communist books are books of misguidance and atheism; they are not from Allah. Therefore, establishing and recognizing endowments for them, and giving effect to them, must be prohibited altogether. The same applies to books of innovation: nothing may be endowed in Muslim lands for copying books of innovation.

In summary, when an endowment is made for a particular cause, it must be for a charitable purpose. But when it is made for a specified individual, it need not be for a charitable purpose, because the endower may intend the benefit of that particular person rather than seeking nearness to Allah. However, it must not involve sin; if it is for a sinful purpose, it is invalid. Let us give some examples:

An endowment for the poor is valid, because it is charitable.

An endowment for the wealthy is invalid, because this is a general category, and an endowment for a general category must be for a charitable purpose. The wealthy are not eligible recipients of charity.

An endowment for a frame-drum player requires further detail. If it is for women who beat frame drums at weddings, it is permissible, because it is an act of devotion: it is recommended to publicize a marriage, and for women to beat the frame drum on such an occasion.

But if it is for football players, it is invalid, because this is a general category, which must be charitable, and this is not charitable.