– Abdul Bari Masoud
Bengaluru: The nationwide campaign “Waqf Bachao, Dastoor Bachao Tehreek” (Save Waqf, Save the Constitution Movement), spearheaded by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), continues with full force against the unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unjust Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, enacted by the BJP-led Union government.
As part of this movement, protests, rallies, sit-ins, and conferences are being organized across the country. In Karnataka, the campaign is gaining momentum, and on August 22, a historic women’s conference was held at Quddus Sahib Eidgah in Bengaluru, attracting thousands of participants. The gathering sent a strong and clear message: “This black law will not be accepted and the struggle will continue until it is withdrawn.”
Addressing the conference, Maulana Mohammad Umrain Mahfuz Rahmani, Secretary of AIMPLB, emphasized the religious and social significance of Waqf in Islam, calling it a precious asset and a perpetual charity for the community. He alleged that the government’s amendments aimed at destroying this asset and interfering in Muslim religious and legal affairs. “This law is not only against Shariah but also in complete violation of the basic principles of the Indian Constitution. In such a situation, it is the religious and moral duty of the Muslim community to unite and raise their voice,” he said.
He urged women to remain steadfast in their faith, ensure the religious upbringing of their daughters, and actively participate in the movement to safeguard Waqf properties.
Maulana Abu Talib Rahmani, a member of AIMPLB, said that the Board had challenged the law in the Supreme Court. “The hearing has been completed, and the judgment is reserved. Yet the government has started public discussions and launched the ‘Hope Portal,’ which amounts to contempt of court,” he remarked.
Refuting the narrative that only Muslims hold large Waqf properties, he said, “In reality, Hindu religious institutions own more properties than Muslims.” He urged women to stay informed, even while observing purdah, and play an active role in protecting Waqf.
Mrs. Jalisa Sultan Yaseen, Convenor of AIMPLB’s Women’s Wing, said the present government has been targeting Muslims since 2014, and through the Waqf law, Shariah itself is under direct attack. “After independence, our forefathers dedicated their valuable assets for the welfare of the community. Today, the government is attempting to usurp those very trusts. This law is both oppressive and unconstitutional. Once implemented, Waqf properties will be seized, and the rights of Muslims will be trampled,” she warned.
Speakers at the conference unanimously declared that the Waqf Amendment Act is not merely a legal battle but a cultural and faith-based struggle. “Waqf properties are a sacred trust for Allah’s cause and will never be sold or squandered. Any attempt to grab them is an attack on the religious, cultural, and social foundations of the Muslim community,” they asserted.
They further alleged that the central government is systematically bringing laws to weaken Muslims, citing steps against madrasas, interference under the pretext of a Uniform Civil Code, and now the targeting of Waqf assets. “Every Muslim must consider this movement his or her responsibility,” the speakers stressed, demanding the complete withdrawal of the controversial law.
The event was presided over by Mufti Iftikhar Ahmad Qasmi, President of Jamiat Ulama Karnataka and member of AIMPLB, while other prominent figures in attendance included Dr. Saad Belgami, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Karnataka; Maulana Naushad Alam Qasmi, President of Milli Council Karnataka; Maulana Abdul Rahim Rashidi, President of Jamiat Ulama Karnataka; AIMPLB member Asim Seth Afroz; Sulaiman Khan, Assistant General Secretary of All India Milli Council; and Mohammad Yusuf Kani, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Karnataka.
The program began with a welcome address by Mrs. Salma Sharif, a member of AIMPLB’s Women’s Wing, while Fayyaz Sharif, the convener, delivered the vote of thanks. The conference concluded with an emotional dua (prayer) by Maulana Umrain Mahfuz Rahmani amid an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm and resolve.
