Muslims Across India Rally Against Controversial Waqf Bill

Muslims across India are rallying in opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which they argue is a direct attack on their religious and cultural institutions. 

Led by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), demonstrators are pushing back against what they see as an attempt to increase government control over Waqf properties. 

The controversy surrounding the bill is not just a legal dispute—it is a fight for religious autonomy, minority rights, and the preservation of historical and charitable endowments. 

Why the Outrage? 

The Waqf system, an Islamic endowment structure, has historically played a crucial role in funding education, healthcare, and religious institutions. The proposed amendments threaten to shift control of Waqf properties to the government, raising fears of state interference and potential encroachment. 

Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas and Maulana Mohammed Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi

AIMPLB spokesperson Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas has made the Board’s position clear: “The proposed legislation will pave the way for the usurping of Waqf properties, and it is a direct attack on Muslims.” 

Critics argue that key provisions—such as the appointment of non-Muslim members to Waqf boards—undermine religious identity and governance. 

One of the most contentious provisions is the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf boards, which critics argue contradicts Article 16(5) of the Indian Constitution, which allows only members of a particular religion to manage its religious institutions. 

AIMPLB argues that no such provision exists for Hindu or Sikh endowment boards, making the bill inherently biased. Critics also argue that the amendments introduce bureaucratic hurdles, such as mandatory registration and verification of Waqf properties, which could lead to disputes over land ownership and make historical properties vulnerable to government takeover. 

“Many historical Waqf properties lack formal paperwork. This requirement is a direct attack on Waqf properties that have existed for centuries,” said a spokesperson from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. 

“The clause on ‘Waqf by user’ pertains to properties like mosques, dargahs, and burial grounds, which are not registered but have been in use for centuries. Due to this, all unregistered properties will go,” Ilyas warned. 

 Protest in Lucknow against Waqf bill

The AIMPLB has organized a major protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on March 17, after initially postponing it from March 13 due to Holi. 

“People from all communities who supported us have been invited to this protest. Many MPs have also been invited,” Ilyas stated, emphasizing that the government is attempting to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims. 

Muslims protest against the new Waqf bill in Amritsar

The protests have extended beyond Delhi. In Lucknow, a significant demonstration took place at the historic Asafi Mosque after Friday prayers, where protesters carried banners and raised slogans against the bill. 

Similarly, protests were held in Vijayawada and Patna, with the AIMPLB lobbying key BJP allies like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) to oppose the bill. Despite these efforts, the government remains unmoved. 

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which reviewed the bill, dismissed opposition concerns and made it even “more stringent and controversial.” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the JPC’s handling of the bill, stating that it “bulldozed” the legislation without a proper clause-by-clause discussion. 

The Stakes for the Muslim Community 

Beyond the political ramifications, the bill carries deep socio-economic implications. The Waqf system has historically been an instrument for social welfare, and its autonomy has ensured that Muslim communities can sustain educational and charitable institutions independently. 

By centralizing control and imposing stricter regulations, the government is perceived as not only targeting Waqf properties but also weakening a crucial support structure for the community. 

Several Muslim groups have called the proposed changes politically motivated

AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi expressed the frustration of the Muslim community: “We expected that our suggestions would be taken into account by the joint committee of Parliament. But neither our opinion was considered nor the amendments proposed by opposition parties were included.” 

He warned that if the government continues on this path, protests will escalate, stating, “We do not want the situation to worsen, but the government wants conflicts in every street and neighborhood, especially over mosques and cemeteries.” 

The government claims that the bill aims to enhance transparency, curb corruption, and streamline the management of Waqf properties. However, Muslim organizations reject these justifications, citing the discriminatory nature of the amendments. 

The opposition sees the bill as part of a broader trend of policies aimed at marginalizing Muslims in India. 

“The government wants to impose this amendment on us at any cost. We want to see a developed India, but in these circumstances, our dream cannot come true,” Mujaddidi lamented. 

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is more than just a legal document—it is a test of India’s commitment to Muslim minority rights, religious freedom, and democratic principles. 

For the Muslim community, the stakes could not be higher. If the bill is passed in its current form, it may set a precedent for further government intervention in religious endowments, weakening the autonomy of minority institutions.