Muslims Across India Rally Against Controversial Waqf Bill Amid Growing Concerns of Discrimination

Muslims across India are rallying against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which they argue threatens their religious and cultural institutions.

Led by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Muslim demonstrators assert that the bill represents an attempt to increase government control over Waqf properties, raising fears of state interference and encroachment on minority rights, according to an article by Wisconsin Muslim Journal.

The Waqf system, an Islamic endowment structure, has historically funded education, healthcare, and religious institutions. Critics of the proposed amendments contend that they would shift control of these properties to the government, undermining religious autonomy. AIMPLB spokesperson Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas stated, “The proposed legislation will pave the way for the usurping of Waqf properties, and it is a direct attack on Muslims.”

One contentious provision allows for non-Muslim members to be appointed to Waqf boards, contradicting Article 16(5) of the Indian Constitution, which restricts governance of religious institutions to members of the respective faith. The AIMPLB argues this provision does not exist for Hindu or Sikh endowments, highlighting perceived bias.

Protests have erupted across the country, including significant demonstrations in Lucknow and Delhi. The AIMPLB organized a major protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on March 17, inviting support from various communities and political figures.

Adding to the opposition, the American Indian Muslims Association (AIMA) issued an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the withdrawal of the bill. Dr. M Qutubuddin, representing AIMA, expressed concerns over rising communal divisions and discrimination against Muslims in India. He warned that the bill could exacerbate unrest and called for a more inclusive approach to governance.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has dismissed opposition concerns, further intensifying the controversy surrounding the bill. As the situation unfolds, the stakes for the Muslim community remain high, with fears that the bill could set a precedent for increased government intervention in religious endowments, threatening the autonomy of minority institutions.