What specific properties are now part of the Kassim wakaf endowments?

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The Kassim wakaf endowments now encompass Masjid Kassim, the East Bay Gardens condominium, and commercial units within Wisma Indah.

A High Court challenge by a granddaughter seeking a share of income from Islamic charitable trusts established by her grandfather nearly a century ago has been dismissed. The court ruled that the wakafs, or charitable endowments created by the late merchant Ahna Mohamed Kassim Ally Mohamed, were irrevocable. The granddaughter, Fauziyah Mohd Ahbidin, argued that her grandfather's 1932 will entitled her father, and by extension herself, to a portion of the net income from properties placed under these trusts.
Original Endowment and Present Holdings

The initial endowment by Ahna Mohamed Kassim Ally Mohamed specifically included land designated for Masjid Kassim and the adjacent Kubur Kassim burial ground. Over time, the scope of these assets has expanded. The properties now comprising the Kassim wakaf include the mosque itself, the East Bay Gardens condominium complex, and various commercial units located in Wisma Indah.
Legal Interpretation of Wakaf Irrevocability

A central point of contention in the legal proceedings revolved around the irrevocability of the wakafs. The court determined that Kassim was a follower of the Shafie school of Islamic jurisprudence, a doctrine which mandates that charitable dedications are permanently binding. Even if Kassim had adhered to the Hanafi school, the court noted that Singapore applies the majority Hanafi view, which also considers wakafs as irrevocable.
Court's Stance on Income Diversion

While Kassim's will had attempted to reserve income for his son after the creation of the wakafs, the judge held that any diversion of income away from the charitable purpose would effectively alter the nature of the wakaf. Such alterations are not permitted under the law. The court acknowledged the granddaughter's belief that her father had been deprived of intended benefits but stated that legal principles could not be reshaped based on sympathy. The Kassim wakaf fund currently holds accumulated assets valued at S$23 million, with a net surplus of S$1.26 million reported in 2024.

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What specific properties are now part of the Kassim wakaf endowments?

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