By Anwarulhaq Baig
BANGALORE—Waqf experts and community leaders have raised concerns over government authorities targeting Waqf properties, urging the Muslim community to be vigilant in protecting them.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) recently organized a three-day workshop here to address the critical issues and challenges facing Waqf, Islamic endowments vital to the Muslim community’s social and economic well-being. The workshop brought together specialists, officials, activists, and representatives from across the country, fostering a collaborative discussion on safeguarding these valuable assets. The workshop’s inclusivity, involving a range of experts and community representatives, reflects the complexity of challenges surrounding Waqf protection and management in the country.
In his online speech, JIH President Syed Sadatullah Husaini raised alarm over the growing threats facing Waqf properties. Highlighting the ongoing struggles against land grabbers, corruption, and political interference, he warned of a “new aspect” – the emergence of “pro-communal political forces” aiming to abolish the Waqf Act and demolish historical mosques.
During the address, the JIH leader underscored the urgency for the Muslim community to unite in safeguarding Waqf properties. He called on individuals and organisations to raise awareness about the significance of these properties, extend support to groups actively working to protect them, and take legal measures against those attempting encroachment.
Expressing his concern over the difficulties faced by those involved in Waqf preservation efforts, Mr. Husaini acknowledged the persistent threats from land grabbers, the land mafia, and corrupt politicians who exploit these properties for personal gain.
Highlighting the rising challenges in the present situation, the JIH chief discussed the emergence of a strong ideological aspect to the political challenge, with pro-communal political forces obstructing the work of those dedicated to Waqf preservation. He pointed out instances of proposed legislative changes, including a Private Members’ Bill in the Rajya Sabha, raising concerns about potential amendments to the existing Waqf Act.
Mr. Husaini shed light on the multifaceted challenge, citing the threat to mosques, some dating back centuries, and instances of calls for their overnight demolition. He also mentioned the ongoing campaign of misinformation across the country including launching a film aimed at creating misunderstanding against Waqf, with numerous petitions being heard in various courts.
Addressing the diverse challenges, the JIH chief emphasized the need for vigilance and heightened awareness among common Muslims regarding the importance of Waqf. He urged for a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural significance of Waqf properties in India and emphasized their potential for contributing to the development and progress of the Muslim community and the nation as a whole.
Emphasizing the importance of public engagement solving the issues of Islamic endowments, JIH Vice President Malik Motasim Khan urged Muslims to become actively involved in safeguarding Awqaf (religious endowments) across the country. Speaking on the occasion, he identified three key areas where increased awareness and participation could make a significant difference: government or administration, state waqf boards, and waqf management committees. Highlighting various threats to Waqf properties, including potential mishandling by government bodies, state Waqf boards, and individual trustees, he stated, “The biggest and most crucial step in protecting waqf lies in sensitizing the Muslim public about their significance, proper utilization, and methods for preservation.”
Stressing the importance of public scrutiny and engagement, the JIH Vice President explained, “through awareness and activism, Muslim community can exert constant pressure and holds government and administrative bodies accountable.”
Advocating for community’s participation in selecting members and leadership for state waqf boards, which oversee all Waqf properties within a state, Mr. Malik declared, “Strong connections and collaboration between members of the community and state Waqf boards are essential. Without public awareness, these entities cannot function effectively.” He urged Muslim organizations to play a proactive role in educating and mobilizing communities to ensure transparency and responsible management of awqaf.
The JIH V-P also addressed concerns regarding misconduct by Waqf trustees (mutawallis). He emphasized their role as custodians, not owners, and stressed the need for proper training and support. “Mutawallis often misinterpret their roles, leading to mismanagement of resources,” he explained. He proposed training programs at the district level to educate trustees about their rights, responsibilities, and proper use of waqf funds.
To further strengthen protection, the JIH Vice President suggested establishing local committees for each waqf property, including institutions, mosques, graveyards, Imambada and Dargah. He elaborated, “these committees, composed of 10-15 honest and dedicated individuals, can serve as local watchdogs. Functioning under the guidance of state Waqf boards, these committees would have access to support and resources to effectively safeguard their designated awqaf.”
Speaking on the topic of inclusive participation in Waqf protection, JIH Secretary General T. Arif Ali underscored the importance of maintaining close relationships with diverse segments of society, including different schools of thought, media personnel, lawyers, scholars, Ulema, intellectuals, experts, activists, and organizations dedicated to Waqf.
“Maintaining strong ties with these varied stakeholders is crucial for ensuring the effective protection and management of Waqf properties,” Mr .Arif Ali stated. He envisioned a collaborative effort where diverse perspectives and expertise could contribute to the well-being of these religious assets.
In his opening address, JIH national secretary for Waqf affairs Abdur Rafiq pointed out that Waqf has become a very big agenda for the present ruling dispensation, and it wants to disturb Muslims in any way by taking away Waqf properties from them. He stated that the Muslim community holds the majority of urban properties in the form of Waqf, which has upset many, including the government, administrative machinery, and even affects the judiciary, leading to efforts to grab or reduce these properties.
Highlighting key issues, the JIH national secretary urged participating waqf activists to participate in a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the protection and survival of Waqf properties. He said, “Those working for Waqf need to be trained and guided in best practices for property management and legal protection. The government and Waqf boards need to be made aware of these needs, and qualified and pious individuals should be brought into the Waqf boards. Preparing documentation plays a very important role in protecting properties, and therefore deserves special attention.”
Underlining the recent incidents in Delhi where authorities and individuals, particularly targeted or attempted to occupy unused and isolated Waqf properties, Mr Rafiq cautioned about the vulnerability of vacant Waqf properties in remote areas, jungles, or those laden with garbage. He suggested various development schemes to utilize these unused properties for the community’s benefit.
To overcome challenges facing Waqf properties nationwide, the JIH secretary emphasized the importance of a strong network among diverse community individuals and organizations working for Waqf, regardless of any internal differences. Underlining the importance of collective action, he said, “This network should include everyone, not just individuals or isolated groups. We need retired officers, lawyers, police personnel, Waqf board staff, retired IAS and IPS officers, and various experts onboard. Such broad collaboration is essential for our success in this endeavour.”
Shedding light on the workshop’s aims and objectives, Mr Rafiq stated that the three-day event aims to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to collaboratively strive for the betterment and proper management of Waqf properties entrusted to us by our elders and ancestors. He appealed to all participants to not only take the Waqf issue seriously but also continue their commitment beyond by collectively driving a positive and beneficial movement throughout the country.
On the occasion, in a comprehensive overview of Waqf management and administration, JIH Assist Secretary Inamurrahman Khan explained key terminologies, departmental structures, and relevant legal frameworks related to Islamic endowments. His presentation addressed the roles and responsibilities of the Central Waqf Council, state waqf boards, and WAMSI. The Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI) is an online portal developed by the Union government to maintain online records of Waqf properties across the country.
Drawing on the Waqf Act, Mr. Inamurrahman outlined the mandatory formation, composition, functions, and rights of management committees for each waqf property. He defined key terms like Waqf nama (deed), mansha (purpose), and waqif (donor), while exploring different types of waqf endowments. Through this explanation, the JIH official sought to empower communities and promote informed participation in Waqf management, while identifying key players crucial for safeguarding these valuable religious assets.
In his keynote address, JIH Karnataka President Dr Saad Belgami highlighted the worrying condition of waqf assets across the country, criticizing the lack of seriousness from the community in managing and protecting these religious endowments.
The former CEO of the Karnataka State Waqf Board, Mujeebullah Zafari, spoke about the present situation of the awqaf in the state while present CEO Jilani Mokashi outlined recent schemes and actions by the state government to survey, and digitize records of waqf properties across Karnataka. Waqf expert Afzalulhaq also spoke at the event about various acts and laws related to administration of awqaf.
