Mumbai Muslims Protest Against Waqf Amendment Bill, Vow Legal and Street Struggle | File Photo
Mumbai: Members of the Muslim Ulema who met this afternoon at Handi Wali Masjid, Null Bazar, said they will oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill by protesting on the streets and by filing appeals before the courts.
A meeting was convened on Thursday by the All India Sunni Jamiatul Ulema and Raza Academy. The meeting saw a large turnout of Ulema, Imams, and madrasa teachers. The bill has been passed in the Lok Sabha and is now in the Rajya Sabha.
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs the management of Muslim religious properties in India. The Lok Sabha passed the bill after a 12-hour debate, sparking anger among the Muslim community. However, there are Muslim groups that support the bill, arguing that the amendments will help poor Muslims.
Raza Academy’s chief, Haji Mohammad Saeed Noori, stated that the passage of the bill is a blow not only to Indian Muslims but also to all citizens who believe in the Constitution. He alleged that this law is part of a conspiracy to sow hatred between the two communities.
“Only Muslims have the right over Waqf properties; no one else can seize them. This law is an attempt to snatch Muslims’ religious freedom in a one-sided manner and, on the other hand, is vote bank politics to appease a particular class. But now, this fight will be fought within the constitutional framework, from the streets to the Supreme Court. We will not remain silent at any cost.”
Other Ulema also expressed strong reactions. Maulana Ejaz Ahmed Kashmiri said, “The BJP government has imposed this bill on Muslims through a well-planned conspiracy, making it easier to seize Waqf lands. Home Minister Amit Shah said with arrogance that everyone will have to follow this law. We want to tell him clearly that we do not accept this law imposed forcibly.”
“Why is there interference in religious matters?” Maulana Amanullah Raza Khan asked, criticising the central government for consistently troubling Muslims. “First, it was the triple talaq issue, then the CAA-NRC, and now the law regarding Waqf land acquisition. Muslim women are being misled in the name of the Waqf bill, which is highly condemnable and a well-planned conspiracy.”
Legal and civil rights activist Shaikh Faiyaz Alam, said that the passing of the bill indicated government overreach, non-Muslim interference, and risks of Waqf land encroachment. “Leaders like Arshad Madani, Asaduddin Owaisi, and AIMPLB have condemned this move as a violation of constitutional secularism and minority rights. Concerned citizens urge non-BJP Rajya Sabha members from INC, TMC, AAP, DMK, etc., to reject the bill and appeal to the President of India to withhold assent. If passed, this bill may lead to nationwide protests, civil unrest, and potential political instability. Media outlets and journalists are urged to highlight this critical issue.”
Maulana Zafaruddin Rizvi said that Muslims must now claim their rights under the Constitution, rather than living in fear. Maulana Khalilurrahman Noori warned that the BJP’s ally parties may be supporting them now, but a day will come when the BJP will overpower these parties, which Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu may not realise yet.
Maulana Mohammad Abbas Rizvi responded to Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju’s statement, saying, “The ‘Waqf Amendment Bill is being called the ‘ray of hope,’ but this ‘ray’ is only for Rijiju, while for the rest of the Muslims, it’s only darkness.”
