Vaqf (Endowment) in Khorasan ad Transoxania: from Samanids to Ghaznavids

In the third and forth centuries after hijrah, Khorasan and Transoxania which were under the domination of Samanids and Ghaznavids were passing the successfully cultural, scientific and economic periods. Besides the various elements, the tradition of vaqf (endowment) was effective in providing ground for this trend and it was considered as an important factor in various affairs of Khorasan people. Now, considering the changes in community of Khorasan in the era under study, the question is that the consumption of vaqf (endowment) was mainly in which direction and which social groups performed this act. This research is to study the role of vaqf (endowment) in the aforementioned era via the descriptive analytical method and relying on library research. The findings of research illustrates that vaqf (endowments) were utilized in three economic, social, and scientific grounds and all the groups were shared in this regard. However, the groups dependent on the government were benefited from more portions due to the political, social motivations and financial afford.