Indian Muslims Rally Against Proposed Reforms to Waqf Property Laws

Proposed amendments aimed at reforming the management of waqf properties in India have sparked fierce opposition among Muslim groups, who view the changes as politically motivated efforts to undermine their rights and shift control over historical properties.

The Indian government’s proposal to amend the Waqf Act, originally established in 1995, has sparked significant unrest among Muslim communities across the country. The amendments, comprising over 40 changes, are seen by many as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine the rights of minority groups.

The term waqf refers to properties that are donated by Muslims for charitable or religious purposes, which include mosques, madrassas, and shelters, among others. According to current estimates, there are over 872,351 waqf properties in India, valued at approximately 1.2 trillion rupees ($14.22 billion). Traditionally managed by state-level boards, this vast portfolio of properties has come under scrutiny for allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government argues that proposed reforms are essential for combating corrupt practices and responding to calls for change within the Muslim community. However, many Muslim organizations and opposition parties are concerned that these reforms are strategically designed to consolidate political control, diluting the influence of Muslim leaders in the management of waqf properties.

Among the proposed changes is a significant revision concerning property ownership that threatens the future of many historical mosques and burial grounds. Current ownership records are often inadequate, particularly for donations made without formal documentation. The proposed amendments would eliminate protections for properties categorized as “waqf by user” under existing laws, raising fears about their future legitimacy.

Professor Mujibur Rehman, an expert on the socio-political dynamics in India, notes that the historical complexity of community property management complicates contemporary attempts at reform. The suggestion that waqf boards must include non-Muslim members has added to the apprehension, as communities worry about the potential loss of agency over their properties.

Critics of the proposed changes argue that they could lead to increased encroachments upon waqf lands, with legal processes potentially undermining the existing governance structures. Prominent Muslim MP Asaduddin Owaisi has been vocal in his opposition, claiming that the alterations will create opportunities for illegal claims on waqf properties.

In the face of these proposed changes, the call for reform among Muslim groups is not about resisting change, but rather about advocating for a sensitive approach that respects historical and community ties to these properties. As discussions continue in parliament and among the influential stakeholders, the fate of waqf properties remains a contentious issue that could shape the landscape of minority rights in India for years to come.