Religious group discusses implications of Waqf Amendment Bill

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir, a conglomerate of major religious bodies of the UT, on Thursday held a meeting to discuss the implications and possibilities regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill-2024. The participants also spoke about the concerns and apprehensions of the Muslim community in this regard.

A statement said they deliberated on issues such as inter-sectarian and intra-Muslim unity, the various challenges and difficulties faced by the Kashmiri society, the widespread use and abuse of drugs, the youth’s growing distance from Islamic teachings, the continued house arrest of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Muhammad Umar Farooq and other issues.

The statement further read that a comprehensive resolution was passed unanimously. “This session strongly reacts against the Government of India’s attempts to legalise the Waqf Amendment Bill-2024, firmly opposing and rejecting it in its entirety,” it said.

It said this session makes it clear to the Government of India that the “true owner of all Waqf properties, lands and estates is Allah and the concept of Waqf is inherently tied to the Islamic system of beliefs”.

“Any governmental interference undermines the fundamental concept of Waqf, and such efforts are, therefore, unacceptable to Muslims,” it said.

It said this session also emphasises that Waqf properties fall under divine law and are part of Muslim Personal Law. “Therefore, any interference or amendments made by the government through various acts and amendments are unacceptable to Muslims,” the resolution said.

The statement said Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama Jammu & Kashmir has already sent a detailed and reasoned letter to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), expressing its concerns and labeling the bill as anti-Muslim. “The council has also clarified that, if necessary, it is willing to present its position and viewpoint directly to the JPC through a meeting,” it said.

“Therefore, this session demands from the Central Government and the JPC to immediately address the concerns of the Muslim community and the only solution to this is the withdrawal of the proposed bill,” the statement added.

The body also condemned the continued house arrest of the MMU leader Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir during the sacred month of Rabi al-Awwal, calling for his immediate release so that he may fulfil his duties toward the public.