Maulana Mahmood Madani slams proposed Waqf Act amendments, warns of threats to proper
Maulana Mahmood Madani slams proposed Waqf Act amendments, warns of threats to property protection
M.U.H
09/08/2024420
Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, has expressed serious concerns about the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. Speaking today, he criticized the changes, stating that they could harm the protection of waqf properties.
Maulana Madani said, “The amendments presented in Parliament today are detrimental to the preservation of waqf properties. They will give government agencies unnecessary intervention, undermining the true nature of waqf as a divine trust.”
He criticized the proposed removal of Section 40 of the Waqf Act and the plan to have district collectors, instead of waqf tribunals, handle issues related to waqf property titles and disputes according to revenue laws. “This is effectively equivalent to abolishing the waqf board,” he remarked.
Madani expressed surprise that when the government already controls land, decisions about its ownership will be made by collectors. He warned, “It seems the current government is influenced by extremist elements who want to undermine the Waqf Act.”
He also highlighted that the proposed changes would violate Supreme Court guidelines and Article 26 of the Indian Constitution. Additionally, he condemned the suggestions to end protections provided by the Limitation Act of 1963 and the termination of waqf by user and waqf ali alawla.
Maulana Madani stated, “Waqf properties are the divine ownership of God and cannot be subjected to any government or authority. Their purposes are clearly outlined in Islamic teachings, and it is crucial that the management of waqf properties remains with the waqf board, with representation from Muslim scholars.”
He urged the government to withdraw the proposed amendments and engage in detailed consultations with all stakeholders, including religious leaders and waqf management bodies. “Amendments to laws are not forbidden, but some aspects of these proposed changes go against the waqf’s intent. The autonomy of waqf properties should be preserved, and any changes should be made with the consensus of religious communities and Muslim institutions,” he said.
Maulana Madani also called on political parties and citizens to raise their voices against these amendments and show solidarity for the protection of religious rights and freedoms.
