Muslim Communities Question Waqf (Amendment) Bill Before Assembly Polls
In Mumbai, a group of Muslim communities, including scholars, clerics, and intellectuals, have asked secular political parties to clarify their stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. This bill has been referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee and is significant as it comes before the Assembly polls in states like Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand.
Last week, the Centre introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which, if passed, will be known as the United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act (UMEED). The Muslim community appreciated the statement by Uddhav Thackeray, head of Shiv Sena (UBT) and former Maharashtra Chief Minister, who criticized the BJP-led NDA government for introducing the bill now despite having a clear majority earlier.
At a discussion in the Islam Gymkhana hosted by the Tareek-e-Awkaf and All India Ulema Board, concerns were raised about the bill’s potential to significantly strip the power of the Waqf Boards. The meeting was led by Shabbir Ansari, President of Tahreek e Awqaf, with Yusuf Abrahani, Chairman of Islam Gymkhana, as the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Baba Siddiqui, Amin Patel, Maulana Mahmood Daryabadi, Advocate Waris Pathan, Sarfaraz Arzoo, Nizamuddin Rayeen, Advocate Farhana Shah, Maulana Naushad Ahmad Siddiqui, Allama Bunai Hasani, Mahmood Hakimi, Maulana Mirza Abdul Qaum Nadvi, Suhel Subedar, and Fazil Ansari. The discussion was moderated by Salim Alware.
The meeting unanimously opposed the Waqf Bill, arguing that it is part of a well-thought-out political strategy. They questioned the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf bodies, viewing it as interference in religious activities. The speakers cited Articles 14, 15, 25, and 30 of the Indian Constitution, arguing that the bill is discriminatory in nature.
Doubts Revealed
Waqf -: Waqf is a type of charitable trust in Islam where property or money is donated for religious or charitable purposes.
Amendment Bill -: An amendment bill is a proposal to change or add to an existing law.
Assembly Polls -: Assembly polls are elections where people vote to choose their representatives in the state legislative assembly.
Secular Political Parties -: Secular political parties are those that do not favor any religion and treat all religions equally.
Joint Parliamentary Committee -: A Joint Parliamentary Committee is a group of members from both houses of Parliament who come together to discuss and review a particular issue or bill.
United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act (UMEED) -: UMEED is the name that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will be known by if it becomes a law. It aims to manage and develop Waqf properties more efficiently.
Shabbir Ansari -: Shabbir Ansari is a leader who is involved in discussing and raising concerns about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Waqf Boards -: Waqf Boards are organizations that manage Waqf properties and ensure they are used for the intended charitable or religious purposes.
Discriminatory Nature -: Discriminatory nature means treating a group of people unfairly or differently based on their religion, race, or other characteristics.