IOR/R/15/2/1219

The file consists of correspondence relating to the administration of Waqf property in Bahrain. Waqf property is that given by dedication to Muslim religious or charitable purposes. The file covers various matters, including:

• reforms of the administration of waqf property, including the formation of a committee to oversee the administration of Shia [Shī‘ah] holdings;
• the legal definitions surrounding waqf property, with the Awqaf Administration Law of Iraq used as a guide;
• the question of who will oversee the administration of Persian waqf property;
• the tracing of title deeds relating to waqf properties;
• the elections of the Shia Waqf Committee, including the result for the year 1939 (folio 83).

The correspondence is between the Political Agency in Bahrain, Adviser to the Government of Bahrain, members of the Waqf committees, Shaikh Hamad of Bahrain [Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah], the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf, the High Commissioner for Iraq, and the Political Agent in Muscat.

Folios 85-87 are internal office notes.