Rep of Grand Ayatullah Shirazi Presents Critiques, Recommendations to Indian Government Regarding Waqf Bill

Following objections from opposition party leaders regarding the 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill in the Indian Parliament, a committee has been formed to review and amend the proposed legislation.

The committee’s chairman, Jagdambika Pal, met with Muslim scholars in Lucknow to discuss the matter. Among those he consulted was Hujjat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi, the representative of Grand Ayatollah Shirazi in Lucknow.

Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi presented written critiques and recommendations prepared by legal advisor Syed Mohammad Haidar Razavi concerning the 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill to Jagdambika Pal.

It is important to note that Shia leaders in various regions of India, including Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Muzaffarpur, have established numerous endowments over the past two to three centuries.

During the British occupation of India, significant damage was inflicted on Shia endowments, and subsequent governments have also caused considerable harm to these waqfs in different eras.

If the 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill is passed in the Indian Parliament, it could lead to substantial losses for Shia endowments.

In addition to opposition from leaders of certain parties, Muslim leaders from all sects and religions, as well as non-Muslim religious and national leaders, have expressed strong opposition to this bill.