There has always been a discussion about the concept of Waqf in India. Usually there is a situation of legal battle, confusion and controversy regarding this. The Modi government introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill-2024 this year itself, after which a serious debate has started again on it. The Waqf Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 2024. The objective of this amendment is to streamline the work of the Waqf Board. At the same time, efficient management of Waqf properties can also be done.
In its third term, the Modi government has introduced the amendments proposed by the BJP in the Waqf Act, which have become a matter of great controversy. Due to these amendments, questions have started being raised about the misuse of Waqf properties and its limits. Do you know what Waqf is? How is it being misused and how can the reforms introduced by the BJP bring about a change?
Know what is Waqf?
Waqf refers to properties dedicated to religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. Through this, property is donated for religious or charitable use. Let us tell you that Waqf is an Arabic word, which means an object given in the name of God, or money given for charity or donation. When a property is designated as a Waqf, it cannot be sold. Even the property given to the Waqf cannot be transferred. This property always remains with the Waqf. It is believed that this property is in the name of Allah. Let us tell you that the properties of Waqf are handed over to Allah, in such a situation, the competent authority in the Waqf administration appoints a Mutawalli.
This is how the concept of Waqf came to India
Waqf came to India when the Delhi Sultanate started here. According to information, Sultan Muizuddin Sam Gaur had dedicated two villages in favour of the Jama Masjid of Multan. Sheikhul Islam was entrusted with its administration. Due to the emergence of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Islamic Raj in India, the Waqf properties kept on increasing. According to information, the matter of ending Waqf in India was raised in the end of the 19th century when during the British Raj, the matter of Waqf property became so big that it reached the Privy Council of London for hearing. During this hearing, four British judges had described Waqf as the worst and most fatal type of perpetuity. The judges had even declared Waqf invalid. India did not accept this decision of the four judges. The institution of Waqf was saved in India through the Muslim Waqf Validation Act of 1913. Since then, no attempt was ever made to curb Waqf.
Claim can be made on Waqf properties
One of the primary controversies related to Waqf is the large number of properties. There are thousands of properties across the country, ranging from private land to urban real estate, which are registered under Waqf. Many of these properties are registered without proper documentation or verification. In many such cases, people have come to know that private properties were also registered as Waqf properties without information or consent. Legal battles have also been fought over ownership of these properties. The number of such claims has also increased in the last few years. In such a situation, it is also believed that this institution is being misused to grab land, which has also increased concerns.
