“Now Waqf money will reach common and poor”: Sufi Leader expresses hope for positive impact of Waqf Bill

Chairman of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, Syed Naseruddin Chishty, on Wednesday expressed optimism about the Waqf Bill, stating that it addresses opposition concerns and will ensure Waqf funds reach underprivileged Muslims.

“People have been waiting for this for a long time. There is hope that a good bill will come. In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest, but I have learned that the government has considered the key objections raised by the opposition. This will be a very good bill,” Chishty said.

He emphasized that the bill aims to ensure the fair distribution of Waqf funds, directly benefiting economically disadvantaged Muslims in India.

“Now, Waqf money will reach the common and poor Muslims,” he stated, highlighting the bill’s potential to bring greater transparency and accountability in managing Waqf resources.

While Chishty expressed support for the bill, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed it, with prominent leaders warning of legal action and a nationwide protest if the bill is passed.

AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas condemned the bill, stating, “If this bill is passed in Parliament, we will start a nationwide movement against it. We won’t sit quietly. We will make use of all legal and constitutional provisions available to us. We will run a peaceful agitation until the proposed amendments are withdrawn.”

Calling the bill discriminatory and communally motivated, Ilyas further added, “Sadly, the points raised by opposition members were also not considered by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).”

The opposition to the bill primarily stems from fears that it could undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions, which manage properties meant for the welfare of the Muslim community.

AIMPLB leaders have voiced concerns that the bill could negatively impact the management of Waqf properties and limit their intended benefits.

Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of AIMPLB, also criticized the bill, stating, “With the amendments approved by the JPC, the matter has become more complicated. JPC mahaz ek fareb hai aur ek dhokha hai (JPC is just a hoax and a fraud).”