Allegations that the government’s revision of Waqf laws is a ploy to usurp Waqf land are completely unfounded, sources told media reports after questionable remarks from the Muslim Law Board. The purpose behind the amendments, sources stated, is to empower Muslim women and children who have been suffering under the current system.
It was highlighted that a “dangerous narrative” is being propagated by certain Muslim clerics, claiming that Muslim land will be taken away. In response, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board issued a statement declaring that any changes to the Waqf Act “will not be tolerated.”
Law Board spokesman Dr. SQR Ilyas accused the government of attempting to change the status and nature of Waqf properties through approximately 40 amendments to the Waqf Act, 2013, to make their possession easier. He emphasized that Waqf properties are “donations made by Muslim philanthropists dedicated to religious and charitable purposes,” regulated by the government.
Dr. Ilyas warned that the issue could extend beyond Muslims to impact Sikh and Christian endowments. He noted that the first Waqf Act was passed in 1954, with amendments in 1995 and 2013. Sources added that Muslim women and the general Muslim community are questioning why the government is not updating the present Waqf Act. Once land is designated as Waqf, it cannot be reversed, leading to powerful Muslims capturing Waqf boards and causing women and children to suffer.
The proposed amendments have two key aspects: including women in Waqf boards for the first time and ensuring that land is verified before being designated as Waqf property. The timeline for passing these amendments has not yet been decided.
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