Introduction
Promoting the culture of charitable endowment (known as waqf in Iran and the Islamic tradition) and ensuring its continuity is crucial for future generations to benefit from the socioeconomic effects of this phenomenon, which is considered one of the key factors in achieving sustainable development goals. The longstanding and noble tradition of endowment is an essential pillar of the economy, society, religion, and culture in Islamic communities. Throughout history, this tradition has played a significant role in advancing public welfare, and improving the quality of life for Muslims, particularly by promoting knowledge, culture and Islamic education among Muslim nations. From a geographical worldview, the endowment institution has various economic, social, and cultural functions. It has always been regarded as a tool for addressing socioeconomic challenges, reducing poverty and class disparities, and expanding social and economic welfare. Investment in public welfare through endowment contributes to a balanced distribution of wealth and is a key factor in wealth concentration within society. This study aims to investigate the socioeconomic effects of the endowment institution from the perspective of beneficiary households in rural settlements with the highest endowments. The paper addresses this research question:

To what extent has endowment influenced the economic and social conditions of rural areas?

Research Methodology
This research is applied and descriptive, using a survey approach. The statistical population includes rural areas in Khusf County that have the highest endowments. According to the latest census data (2015), Khusf County has a population of 27,600, equivalent to 7,492 households. The study's target population consists of 17 villages with a total of 1,740 households, which account for the majority of endowments in the county. The sampling method at the village level was non-probabilistic and purposive, while at the household level, simple random non-probabilistic sampling was used.
After determining the sample size, questionnaires were distributed and completed based on the proportion of households in each village. The questionnaire was researcher-designed, and the items were in the form of a 5-point Likert scale, covering two areas: the impact of endowment on the economic status and its impact on the social status of rural households. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts in rural planning and development, and Cronbach’s alpha was used to ensure the reliability of the measurement tool. Since the obtained values for both the economic and social components were greater than 0.7, the variables of the study were considered reliable. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation) were used to analyze the data, and to test the research hypotheses, non-parametric binomial tests and one-sample t-tests were employed.
 
Findings
The frequency distribution of respondents’ views on the economic impacts of endowment revealed that, from the perspective of rural households, it has had the most significant economic impact on the renovation and improvement of public spaces in rural areas. According to the majority of respondents, the endowment has moderately influenced agricultural production and has contributed to the stability and sustainability of income among rural households to a moderate degree. Thus, it can be concluded that the economic impact of endowment, according to the individuals in the sample, has been moderate overall. Regarding the social impacts of endowment, the distribution of responses indicated that endowment has significantly contributed to fostering a spirit of charity among rural households. It has played a major role in the establishment of public facilities such as mosques, religious halls (Husayniyya), schools and more. Furthermore, endowment has greatly enhanced the spiritual well-being and sense of trustworthiness among rural households. Overall, respondents rated the social impact of endowment as moderate.
 
Discussion
The survey results from rural areas in Khusf County indicate that endowment has had a relatively favorable impact on improving the economic and social conditions of rural households. Based on priority rankings according to mean scores and coefficient of variation, the most significant economic impacts of endowment were found in increasing production levels and ensuring job stability and sustainability. In terms of social impacts, endowment has most strongly influenced the enhancement of charitable spirit among rural households and contributed to the establishment of cultural and social institutions. Overall, both the economic and social components were rated by the local community as having more than moderate influence from endowment on the areas mentioned. This finding aligns with the research conducted by Sadeghi Kakhki (2016), who also explored the economic impact of endowment on development. Moreover, the significant social impact of endowment observed in Khusf County’s rural areas is consistent with Karami’s (2011) study on the social and cultural functions of endowment and its role in the development of rural areas in the Bisotun region of Kermanshah. Given Khusf County’s environmental limitations, the underdevelopment of agriculture and industry, as well as weak economic infrastructure, rural population dispersal, and depopulation, the endowment has largely been able to mitigate the challenges arising from these environmental conditions. It has not only strengthened the financial and economic foundations but has also contributed to the economic sustainability of the rural community. Sustainable development relies on the rational use of resources and ensuring their preservation and use for future generations. In addition to bolstering economic foundations in unfavorable geographical conditions, the endowment institution has significantly contributed to the continued use of sustainable resources. The culture of endowment, as a behavioral model based on altruism and justice, has made a notable contribution over time to sustaining the economic and social life of rural areas, even in challenging geographical environments.