Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi’s Mixed Reaction to Waqf (Amendment) Bill
On August 8, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, shared his thoughts on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. He believes that while amendments are necessary, the appointment of non-Muslims to the Waqf Board is against Shariat and the law.
He stated, “Waqf should be looked at from a completely Islamic point of view. Waqf board was formed to maintain the land given by the elders. In the new era, the property of the Waqf has increased by many times. An amendment is necessary. Waqf Board chairman, members, and officials were buying and selling land with the help of land mafias. Waqf board diverted from its purpose and got involved in collecting money. We support the amendment but we are against the appointment of non-Muslim members in it. We are against the appointment of a district officer.”
He further added, “Appointment of non-Muslims is against the Shariat and the law. Giving the authority to the DM is also wrong. These points must be removed from the amendment.”
Other leaders like Congress MLA from Bhopal, Arif Masood, and AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP, Asaduddin Owaisi, also criticized the bill. Masood emphasized that Waqf properties are private and do not belong to any individual. Owaisi called the bill dangerous and accused it of aiming to bulldoze Waqf and finish Muslims.
On the other hand, Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, defended the bill, stating that Muslim delegations approached him with concerns about mafia control over Waqf Boards. He assured that the government has conducted extensive consultations on the bill.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. It seeks to clearly define “waqf” and ensure that the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women.
Doubts Revealed
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi -: He is a religious leader and the National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, an organization representing Muslims in India.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill -: A proposed change to the laws governing Waqf, which are properties or funds donated for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
Waqf Board -: A group that manages Waqf properties and funds, ensuring they are used for the intended religious or charitable purposes.
Shariat -: Islamic law derived from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, guiding Muslims in various aspects of life.
Arif Masood -: A political leader in India who has expressed criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Asaduddin Owaisi -: An Indian politician and leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party, also critical of the bill.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju -: A member of the Indian government who supports the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, arguing it will help control mafia influence over Waqf Boards.
mafia control -: Refers to illegal groups or criminals trying to take over or misuse Waqf properties for their own benefit.
