– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: Hundreds of Muslim women gathered at the India Islamic Cultural Centre on August 21. They united in protest against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025. The participants said the law threatens constitutional rights and endangers Muslim religious and charitable institutions across India.
The rally was organized by the All India Muslim Women Association (AIMWA). It was titled the Women’s Conference to Oppose the Waqf Amendment Act 2025. The gathering included parliamentarians, legal experts, scholars, and grassroots leaders. The conference was held under Maulana Ubaidullah Khan Azmi, Vice President of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. It was presided over by Mohammed Adeeb, former MP and President of Indian Muslims for Civil Rights (IMCR).
“Waqf is a matter of survival and existence”
Dr. Asma Zehra, President of AIMWA, gave the keynote address. She said, “This amendment is not just about property. It threatens our prayers, our masajid, our graveyards, our schools, our very identity. Waqf is rooted in charity and service to humanity since the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. We cannot remain silent.”
Dr. Zehra explained AIMWA’s campaign since the bill’s introduction on August 7, 2024. She noted awareness programs, petitions, and delegations to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). These efforts reached cities including Hyderabad, Patna, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Mrs. Fauzia Khan, MP from Maharashtra, warned about the amendment’s legal dangers. She said applying the Limitation Act to Waqf properties could open the door to encroachment. She added, “This law undermines constitutional protections and puts centuries-old religious sites at risk. Women must lead the movement for social transformation and justice.”
Professor V.K. Tripathi, a social activist, also spoke. He called the Act “draconian” and said it unfairly casts suspicion on Muslim religious properties, especially in villages. He urged non-Muslims, including temple authorities, to defend religious rights. He warned that corporate interests are targeting religious lands.
Former Union Minister and Supreme Court lawyer Salman Khurshid addressed the gathering. He cited Supreme Court reliefs in the Aligarh Muslim University and UP Madrasa cases. He said, “We are hopeful for justice, but we must stay vigilant. Legal battles and community awareness must go hand-in-hand.”
Mrs. Mumtaz Patel, daughter of late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, criticized the passing of the bill. She pointed out that 232 MPs opposed it, yet it became law. She said, “Women have always been the backbone of social movements. It’s time to rise again.”
Mrs. Afroze Fatima, Vice President of AIMWA, highlighted Muslim women’s spiritual connection with Waqf institutions. She said, “We cannot imagine our lives without azan, masajid, and community spaces built through waqf. We have to take this message to every village and mohalla.”
Other speakers included Mohammed Shafi (VP, SDPI), Maulana Qazi Wasi Ahmed Qasmi (Nayab Qazi, Imarat-e-Shariah Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand), Mrs. Zinath Mahtab, Mrs. Mamdooha Majid, Ms. Huda Rawal, and Ms. Umaimah Fahad. They all called for nationwide mobilization and awareness.
The conference ended with a pledge to expand the campaign across India. It resolved to strengthen legal action and empower women to defend religious and civil rights.
Ms. Shadab Qamar delivered the vote of thanks. AIMWA also announced plans for similar conferences in other states. The movement against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 is set to grow.
