The All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, Jamiat Himayat-ul-Islam, and Pasmanda Muslim Mahaj have supported the Waqf Amendment Bill, citing it as a necessary step to address illegal encroachments.
Waqf Amendment Bill: The Waqf Amendment Bill has elicited diverse opinions within the Muslim community. While some major Muslim organizations oppose it, several smaller organizations have voiced their support. Many organizations openly declared their support for the bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha, raising serious concerns about illegal occupation of Waqf properties.
Questions Raised Regarding the Role of the Waqf Board
Organizations supporting the Waqf Amendment Bill argue that the Waqf Board has not significantly contributed to the progress of Muslims. They question the transparency regarding the board's activities, such as the number of poor girls whose marriages it facilitated or homeless people it provided housing to. Several Muslim organizations held rallies in Delhi and Bhopal in support of the bill.
Opposition from Major Muslim Organizations
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, and several other large organizations have opposed the Waqf Bill. They contend that the bill infringes upon religious freedom and will negatively impact the religious rights of Muslims.
Muslim Organizations Supporting the Bill
1. Jamiat Himayat-ul-Islam
Kari Abrar Jamal, President of Jamiat Himayat-ul-Islam, supported the bill while sharply criticizing the Waqf Board's role. He stated that those illegally occupying Waqf properties are the ones troubled by the bill. He also questioned the lack of transparency regarding the Waqf Board's income and expenditure.
2. All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council
This organization, associated with the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, has supported the Waqf Amendment Bill. Syed Nasruddin Chishti, the organization's chairman, stated that the bill will ensure the security and transparency of Waqf properties. He also attempted to dispel the misconception that the bill poses a threat to mosques or religious properties.
3. Pasmanda Muslim Mahaj
This organization, representing Pasmanda (backward) Muslims, described the Waqf Bill as beneficial for 85% of Muslims. The organization believes that this amendment is causing difficulties for upper-caste Muslims who have illegally occupied Waqf properties.
4. Muslim Rashtriya Manch
The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has also supported the bill. The organization believes that this amendment will bring transparency to Waqf properties and will be in the best interests of ordinary Muslims.
5. Muslim Women Intellectual Group
This organization of Muslim women has also supported the Waqf Amendment Bill. During the JPC meeting in November 2024, the group highlighted the bill's necessity for the welfare of women, orphans, and widows. Shalini Ali, the organization's head, stated that this amendment will bring transparency to the Waqf Board and ensure resources reach those genuinely in need.
