The Importance of Considering Ontology as a Level of Analysis: The Waqf as a Model: الوقف أنموذجا

Abstract

This research aims to deepen the understanding of the waqf phenomenon through a rigorous inquiry that goes beyond reference to institutional forms proposed in the fields of the fiqh (jurisprudence) of financial contracts, economics, and finance. The research issue is framed within the following question: “How can the phenomenon of waqf be analyzed and examined in depth in a way that goes beyond existing epistemological and ontological frameworks?” The importance of the research is to approach phenomena by going beyond what is written as the basis of knowledge and what exists as simply a substantive thing. This approach goes beyond the dichotomy of “epistemology/ontology” by considering ontology as a level of analysis which transcends the institutional reference frames. It paves the way to a new field of knowledge which deals with the essence of the formation of human groups and the renewal of their vitality and their ability to stay alive—given that society is not a society (in the broadest sense of the word) unless it is able to attract benefit and repel detriment.