In the vibrant city of Fes during the Marinid period, the elderly who lacked family or caretakers found themselves without special care, particularly as their health declined. In response, prominent merchants and dignitaries of Fes established an institution known as the House of the Elders, a precursor to modern nursing homes. This facility was not an ordinary establishment; it served as a model of care that prioritized the well-being and dignity of the elderly population.
One notable aspect of the House of the Elders was the unique attention given to its residents. Young volunteers would visit the elderly twice a week, engaging them in various activities to uplift their spirits and accompanying them on weekly excursions to the gardens of Fes, ensuring they did not feel confined within the walls of the institution. This exceptional level of care was provided free of charge, funded entirely by waqf, a form of charitable endowment in Islamic tradition that covered their food and healthcare. This exemplifies a civilization deeply rooted in compassion, where mercy is upheld as a fundamental value in Islam.
Often, Islamic history is perceived primarily as a political narrative centered around power struggles, but it is far more profound than that. The Islamic civilization birthed what can be referred to as a "societal authority" within the framework of urban development that emerged in the early centuries of Islamic history. This knowledge of life aimed at ensuring human happiness on Earth, as we are tasked by God to cultivate it. Consequently, society must function beyond the confines of violent conflicts, fulfilling roles that guarantee a minimum standard for dignified living. This leads to a fundamental question: what responsibilities does this societal authority uphold? It encompasses areas such as social welfare, health, and education.
Dear reader, you might be surprised to learn about the mechanisms by which society has historically fulfilled these responsibilities. This was achieved through waqf institutions, which were subject to rigorous judicial oversight. These endowments were established on agricultural lands and commercial enterprises, with their revenues being directed toward the aforementioned social services. However, how did society exercise its authority in these historical contexts? Many today may not realize that the khanqahs and ribats built for Sufi practices also played a crucial role in this regard, as our civilization did not abandon the elderly to live as vagrants without shelter.
For instance, the ribat established by Sultan Baybars in Cairo during the Mamluk era functioned as a sanctuary for those in need, particularly the elderly. This ribat was designed with a specific system outlined in the founder's document, allowing for complete accommodation for thirty individuals who were in need, while permitting seventy others to visit and return home at the end of the day, all while receiving the same provisions of bread and sustenance. The founder mandated that no one serving at the palace could reside within the ribat, ensuring that those accepted were genuinely in need and of good character.
Moreover, the services provided by this ribat, like all establishments offering social care, were influenced by political circumstances and crises. For example, during a drought in 776 AH, food provisions were halted, yet bread continued to be distributed, with monetary compensation provided to residents in lieu of food. The founder's stipulations included a clear emphasis on maintaining the ribat's original purpose of serving those in genuine need, while also ensuring that residents adhered to religious guidelines.
Another notable ribat was the "Bagdadiyah Ribaat," established by the esteemed lady Tadhkar Bay Khatun, daughter of King Baybars, in 684 AH (1285 CE). This institution catered specifically to divorced women, providing them with a safe haven until they could remarry or reconcile with their spouses. The ribat became well-known for its strict regulations and moral oversight, ensuring the ethical conduct and religious observance of its residents.
Additionally, the "Tanzik Ribaat" in Jerusalem, founded by Prince Tanjik ibn Abdullah in 730 AH (1329 CE) for elderly Muslim women, exemplified the same commitment to social welfare. It is critical to acknowledge that these historical examples reveal a sophisticated system of social support that was integral to the fabric of Islamic society, ensuring that no vulnerable group was left without protection or assistance.
In conclusion, the legacy of these historical institutions reflects a profound understanding of social responsibility embedded within Islamic culture, which continues to resonate in contemporary discussions surrounding social welfare. The various forms of waqf, from support for brides to care for the elderly, illustrate a commitment to upholding human dignity and fostering a community that prioritizes mutual aid and compassion.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
