New Delhi : Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), has strongly denounced the recent passage of the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, calling it a “dark chapter” in the history of minority rights in India. Speaking at a monthly press conference at the Jamaat headquarters, he criticised the law for enabling greater government interference in Waqf matters and undermining religious freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
“The Act is a direct attack on the constitutional and religious rights of minorities,” said Husaini. “It introduces sweeping amendments to the Waqf Act 1995, allowing excessive state control over Waqf properties and institutions. This violates Articles 14, 25, 26, and 29 of the Constitution and disregards the autonomy of religious communities. While citing mismanagement as a reason, the Act provides no real solutions but instead adds non-Muslim members and hands control to government officials — a move that will only worsen corruption and misgovernance,” he added.
He further condemned the misleading narratives presented in Parliament, stating that comparing Waqf Boards to Charity Commissioners was inaccurate and deceptive. “States have exclusive laws to manage Hindu and Sikh religious endowments through members of their respective communities. Why then, this discrimination against Muslims?” he asked.
Highlighting the narrow margin of the Act’s passage, Husaini said, “The Bill barely passed with 288 votes in favour and 232 against in the Lok Sabha, and 128 Ayes versus 95 Noes in the Rajya Sabha. Notably, the ruling party has no Muslim MP in the Lok Sabha and none spoke in favour of the Bill during the debate. This clearly shows the Muslim community’s complete rejection of this legislation.”
He thanked all political parties and MPs who opposed the Bill and called on them to support the nationwide protests and challenge the law through legal and constitutional means. “Those parties that claim to uphold secularism yet supported this Act have exposed their hypocrisy. They will face the consequences of this betrayal in the electoral arena,” he warned.
Condemnation of Israeli Atrocities in Gaza
Turning to international affairs, Husaini expressed deep outrage over the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. “We strongly condemn the intensified airstrikes, especially those targeting Rafah and designated safe zones during Ramadan’s pre-dawn hours. These strikes killed innocent civilians, including women and children, and bombed schools sheltering displaced families — a blatant violation of international law,” he said.
He accused Israel of committing genocide, stating, “Over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured since October 2023. This is not just a conflict — it’s systematic annihilation. The international community, especially the United States, is complicit through its silence and support.”
Husaini appreciated the Indian Foreign Ministry’s concern over civilian deaths in Gaza and welcomed statements from pro-Palestine leaders but urged the government to take firmer steps to ensure a ceasefire and hold Israel accountable.
Senior JIH leaders Malik Moatasim Khan and Prof. Mohammad Salami Engineer were also present at the press conference and addressed the media.
