The Waqf properties in India represent one of the largest networks of religious and charitable endowments in the world, meant primarily for the welfare of the Muslim community. However, over the decades, the management of Waqf properties has been mired in allegations of corruption, encroachments, illegal transfers, and a lack of transparency. In this context, the Government of India’s proposed amendment to the Waqf Act represents a progressive step toward reform, modernization, and protection of these sacred trusts. Contrary to some misconceptions, the new amendment is in fact pro-Muslim, as it seeks to preserve the interests of the community and protect its valuable resources from misuse.
One of the key goals of the amendment is to eliminate the influence of the so-called “Waqf mafia”—a term often used for corrupt elements who have illegally occupied or misused Waqf land for personal or political gain. These individuals have not only deprived the Muslim community of its rightful resources but have also brought disrepute to an institution meant to serve the poor, the needy, and promote education and welfare. By introducing stricter regulations, mechanisms for better auditing, and transparency, the amendment aims to stop the illegal sale or lease of Waqf lands and recover properties lost to encroachment. This protection is, without doubt, in the best interest of the Muslim community, which depends on these properties for scholarships, madrasa funding, orphanages, and other welfare activities.
The amendment includes robust provisions for digitization, auditing, and third-party review of Waqf properties. One of the long-standing challenges has been the poor documentation and opaque management of Waqf lands, leading to disputes and untraceable ownerships. The new bill proposes a centralized digital record of all Waqf assets, accessible to the public, which will prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that properties are being used for the right purposes. This level of transparency is not a threat, but a tool for empowerment, as it enables the Muslim community to hold Waqf officials accountable and demand efficient and honest governance.
A provision of the bill that has sparked debate is the inclusion of Hindu members in the Waqf Board. Critics argue that it might dilute the religious character of the board, but a closer look reveals that this step is not aimed at controlling Waqf institutions, but at introducing greater diversity and oversight to reduce internal corruption. Historically, the mismanagement of Waqf properties has often occurred from within, and not necessarily due to outside interference. Including neutral and competent members can strengthen the board’s governance, bring in professional expertise, and act as a check against vested interests. The Muslim community stands to benefit from cleaner, unbiased administration, and from a national commitment to safeguard its institutions.
The amendment recognizes that Waqf is not the property of any individual or group, but a trust that belongs to the community—especially the poor and the marginalized. Often, elite interests have captured Waqf boards, using their positions for personal benefit, while grassroots Muslims received little from the intended welfare schemes. The bill’s provisions for stricter qualifications of board members, term limits, and mandatory reporting of financial decisions will make the Waqf Board more responsive and responsible toward the common Muslim. The intention is to democratize the institution, giving voice and benefit to ordinary citizens rather than a select few.
The government’s effort to reform the Waqf system is also rooted in a vision of national integration. By removing corruption and mismanagement from a religious institution, and by promoting interfaith cooperation in administration, the bill sends a message of inclusive governance. Rather than viewing the reform as interference, the Muslim community can see it as a sign of respect—an acknowledgment that Waqf properties matter not just to Muslims but to the entire nation. A strong, well-governed Waqf Board will not only uplift Muslims socially and economically, but also present a model of harmony and cooperative federalism.
Waqf properties, if used wisely, can generate substantial income for the community. Many countries, such as Malaysia and Turkey, have successfully used Waqf to build modern schools, hospitals, housing for the poor, and employment programs. Unfortunately, India’s Waqf assets, despite their vast size, have not fulfilled this potential. The amendment creates a pathway for economic empowerment, enabling Waqf boards to develop unused or misused land for community benefit. With proper safeguards and ethical investment, Waqf can become a pillar of Muslim development, and this bill is a necessary first step.
The new amendment to the Waqf Act is a pro-Muslim reform, built on the principles of accountability, integrity, and good governance. It does not take away religious rights; rather, it protects them from those who have exploited the system for too long. The bill is an opportunity for the Muslim community to reclaim its rightful resources, modernize its institutions, and align them with 21st-century standards of transparency and justice. In embracing this change, the Muslim community will not only preserve the sanctity of Waqf but also strengthen its position in India’s democratic and pluralistic fabric. This is not an attack—it is an invitation to rebuild, reform, and rise.

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