New Delhi
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board deems it necessary to make it clear that any change in the Waqf Act, 2013 which alters the nature of waqf properties or makes it easier for the government or any individual to usurp the same will not be acceptable.
Likewise, reducing or restricting the powers of waqf boards will not be tolerated.All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s spokeperson, Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas, said in a press statement that according to confirmed reports, the Government of India wants to change the status and nature of the Waqf properties through about 40 amendments in the Waqf Act, 2013, so that their possession becomes easier.
According to reports, a bill of this nature may be introduced in the Parliament next week. Muslim Personal Law Board considers it important to clarify that waqf properties are donations made by Muslim philanthropists dedicated to religious and charitable purposes – the government has only enacted the Waqf Act to regulate them.He further said that the Waqf Act and waqf properties are protected by the Constitution of India and Shariat Application Act, 1937.
Therefore, the government cannot make any amendment that would change and alter the nature and status of these properties. He further said that in all the decisions and actions taken by the Modi government regarding Muslims, something has been taken away from them and nothing has been given, whether it is the closure of Maulana Azad Foundation or restricting minority scholarship or triple talaq. He said this issue will not be restricted to Muslims only- after wielding the ax on wakf, it is feared that the next number may be the endowments of Sikhs and Christians and then on the Mhats and other religious properties of Hindus.
Dr. Ilyas made it clear that Muslims would never accept any amendment to the Waqf Act that would change its status. Similarly, interference with the legal and judicial status and powers of Waqf Boards will not be tolerated. The spokesperson of the Muslim Personal Law Board strongly appealed to the allies of the NDA and other opposition parties to completely reject any such move and never allow it to be passed by the Parliament.Dr. Ilyas further said that the Board appeals to all Muslims and their religious and milli organisations to unite against this malicious act of the government. Muslim Law Board will also take all kinds of legal and democratic measures to thwart this initiative. Released byDr. Mohammad VaqaruddinOffice Secretary
Press Release