Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia hold significant waqf land assets with considerable potential for promoting community welfare. However, effective management of these assets remains a persistent challenge. This study examines the challenges of waqf land management in pesantren, their negative implications for community welfare, and proposes a framework aligned with Maqashid al-Shariah principles. Employing a qualitative field research approach, the study investigates four pesantren in Merangin Regency, Indonesia, through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. Findings reveal four major challenges: (1) incomplete legal documentation 79.2% of waqf land remains uncertified; (2) disputes with heirs of waqif (donors), including a case involving the loss of 50 hectares of waqf land; (3) limited nazhir (manager) capacity and financial resources; and (4) inadequate transparency and governance accountability. These challenges have resulted in disrupted educational sustainability, reduced community welfare, and weakened public trust. From a Maqashid al-Shariah perspective, effective waqf management must simultaneously protect and develop assets (hifz al-mal), enhance welfare (hifz al-nafs), and sustain Islamic education (hifz al-din). The study proposes the PTSA Model Legal Strengthening, Capacity Transformation, Legal Awareness, and Governance Accountability as a strategic framework for professional and welfare-oriented waqf management. These findings contribute to Islamic law scholarship and offer practical guidance for policymakers and pesantren administrators in optimizing waqf assets for sustainable community development.
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