Debate Over Changes to Waqf Board Act
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahal and Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi Share Views
Amid reports that the Centre is planning to amend the Waqf Board Act, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahal from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged the government to consult stakeholders before making any changes. He emphasized that Waqf properties, donated by ancestors, should be used only for charitable purposes and cannot be sold or transferred. He noted that the Waqf Act 1995, with amendments in 2013, is sufficient and any new amendments should involve stakeholder consultation.
On the other hand, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, supports the amendments, stating that they are necessary and should not be politicized. He called for a discussion on the matter, highlighting that amendments are a regular part of the legislative process.
Former Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Rahman Khan, expressed hope that the Centre will not amend the act without proper discussion. He criticized the impression that Waqf properties could be taken away without enquiry, calling it an exaggeration.
Doubts Revealed
Waqf Board Act -: The Waqf Board Act is a law in India that manages properties donated for religious or charitable purposes in the Muslim community. These properties are called Waqf properties.
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahal -: Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahal is a respected Islamic scholar and a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which deals with Muslim personal laws in India.
Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi -: Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi is a prominent Muslim leader and the Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, which represents imams (leaders of prayers) across India.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board -: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board is an organization that aims to protect and promote Muslim personal laws in India, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Waqf properties -: Waqf properties are assets or lands donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes, like building mosques, schools, or helping the poor.
Former Union Minister Rahman Khan -: Rahman Khan is a former Union Minister in the Indian government. He has held important positions and is involved in discussions about laws affecting the Muslim community.
Stakeholders -: Stakeholders are people or groups who have an interest or concern in something. In this case, they are people affected by changes to the Waqf Board Act, like community leaders and property managers.