23 August 2024: Syed Sarwar Chishty, the leader of Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Secretary of Anjuman Moinia Fakria Khuddam-E-Khawaja, has strongly condemned the recently introduced Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a “severe threat” to the fundamental rights of Muslims in India, reported the Deccan Herald. Chishty expressed grave concerns about the Bill, labelling it as a direct interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community and a danger to the protection of their religious properties.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which represents the first major initiative from the BJP-led NDA government to ‘reform’ the registration process of Waqf properties, aims to centralise the process through a newly established portal. Among the proposed changes is the establishment of a Central Waqf Council, along with state Waqf Boards that include representation for Muslim women and non-Muslim members. This inclusion, however, has sparked mounting controversy.
During a press conference, Chishty voiced his opposition to the provision allowing the appointment of non-Muslims to Waqf Boards, arguing that these boards are inherently religious institutions governed by Islamic principles. He warned that the inclusion of non-Muslim members could compromise the religious integrity and autonomy of Waqf institutions, potentially leading to disputes over genuine Waqf properties and disrupting their religious and charitable functions.
Chishty further criticised Muslim bodies that have supported the Bill, dismissing them as “BJP sympathisers” and equating them to “Mir Jafars” who endorse what he described as “anti-Muslim Bills” such as the law against triple talaq and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. He cautioned that the Muslim community would respond accordingly to these supporters.
The Ajmer Dargah chief also expressed distrust in political parties other than All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) when it comes to safeguarding Muslim interests. He specifically mentioned AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi as the only leader in whom the community has faith to oppose the Bill effectively.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, has been referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament for review. The Bill has drawn widespread protests from opposition parties and Muslim organisations, particularly concerning the provision that designates the district collector as the primary authority in determining whether a property is classified as Waqf or government land.
Despite government assurances that the Bill does not intend to interfere with the functioning of mosques, critics argue that it targets the Muslim community and undermines constitutional protections. The debate over the Bill continues as the Joint Committee of Parliament begins its scrutiny of the proposed bill.
