4 – A waqf is valid only in property whose usufruct can be taken while its substance remains; anything that is consumed by use is simply a charitable gift, not an endowment.
5 – The Prophet’s words, “so give its returns to the poor,” indicate the channels through which a waqf may be spent: any avenue of public or private benevolence such as needy relatives, the poor, students of knowledge, combatants in Allah’s cause, and the like.
6 – The phrase, “there is no sin upon the one who oversees it,” establishes the legitimacy of appointing a supervisor for the waqf who enforces the founder’s conditions, maintains the endowment, and distributes its proceeds to the proper beneficiaries.
7 – The words, “to eat from it according to what is customary,” show that the supervisor may take a reasonable living allowance from the waqf in recompense for his work and for devoting himself to its upkeep.
8 – The narration further affirms that the endower may set fair, legally valid conditions and that those conditions must be honored; otherwise the stipulation would serve no purpose.
9 – It demonstrates the virtue of waqf, counting it among the forms of continuous charity and ongoing beneficence.
10 – The report suggests that an endowment should be made from the finest and most wholesome of one’s wealth, seeking Allah’s reward. Allah says, “You will never attain righteousness until you spend of that which you love” (Qur’an 3:92), and, “O you who believe! Spend of the good things you have earned and of what We have brought forth for you from the earth. Do not select the inferior thereof for spending while you would not take it yourselves except with eyes closed. And know that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy” (2:267).
11 – It indicates that one must give sincere advice to anyone who seeks counsel, guiding him to the best and most beneficial course.
12 – It also underscores the merit of consulting scholars and people of sound judgment, and that a person should not act unilaterally in important matters. Allah says, “Consult them in the matter” (3:159) and, “Their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation” (42:38). Consultation generally leads to rectitude, right guidance, and success.