Shia cleric Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad along with community members stage a protest outside Asafi Mosque against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in Lucknow, on August 23, 2024. | Photo Credit: Naeem Ansari/ANI
The Waqf Amendment Bill, currently under discussion in India, has sparked widespread debate over its potential impact on the management of Waqf properties: land and assets designated for Islamic charitable purposes.
The bill proposes shifting control from community-led management to government oversight, a move that has raised concerns among various stakeholders.
Dr. Mujibur Rehman, Assistant Professor at the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at Jamia Millia Islamia, highlights the shift in governance, stating: “The BJP government is trying to take that particular right out of the community and put it under the auspices of the government”.
Supporters of the bill argue that increased government oversight could improve transparency and address concerns over mismanagement. However, critics worry about the potential loss of autonomy for the Muslim community and the broader implications of such a shift.
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Where and When Did This Issue Arise?
Waqf properties, many of which date back centuries, are spread across India and hold significant cultural and historical value. The debate intensified recently as the bill moved through the legislative process, prompting discussions about the future of these properties and their governance.
A key point of contention is the new documentation requirements for Waqf properties. Given the historical disruptions, particularly during British colonial rule, many of these properties lack formal records. Dr. Rehman warns: “Close to 70 to 80% of the property would go back to the state, and so there would be a massive, massive loss for the community”.
The bill has led to discussions on the broader treatment of minority communities in India. Some community leaders argue that the proposed changes could disproportionately affect Muslim organizations, potentially leading to financial and institutional losses.
Dr. Rehman notes: “There is a lot of uneasiness and unhappiness in the manner manner that the BJP government has treated the community”. While the government maintains that the bill aims to improve governance, many fear that the changes could weaken community-led management structures.
Additionally, the proposal to include non-Muslim members in Waqf management committees has drawn criticism. While some view this as a step toward inclusivity, others argue that Waqf properties should remain under the administration of those with a deep understanding of their religious and cultural significance.
“There are major complaints by the Muslim community leaders that the decisions will not be fair towards the community,” Dr. Rehman stated.
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How Will This Play Out?
As the bill moves forward, discussions continue on whether the proposed amendments strike the right balance between reform and preserving community rights. While many acknowledge the need for improvements in the current system, there is concern that the bill may not effectively address key governance challenges.
Dr. Rehman emphasizes: “The current system does have a few cracks that need to be patched up, but definitely not the ones that have been proposed”. His statement reflects a broader call for a more consultative approach to legislative changes affecting minority communities.
The final decision on the Waqf Amendment Bill remains uncertain, but its outcome will likely have lasting implications for Waqf property governance and broader discussions on community autonomy in India. To find out more, listen to Dr. Rahman in conversation with Salaamedia Salaamedia below:
