SRINAGAR: A memorandum concerning the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has been presented to Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), by the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) of Jammu and Kashmir. Dated January 24, 2025, the document articulates grave concerns about the amendments, highlighting their perceived detrimental impact on the Muslim community and their institutions.
The MMU, a prominent body uniting various Islamic organisations, Ulemas, and educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, expressed deep apprehension that the proposed amendments infringe upon the autonomy of Waqf properties. These properties, established as charitable and religious endowments, have historically functioned to support underprivileged communities. The memorandum contends that the amendments undermine the constitutional rights of the Muslim community and pose a threat to their religious and social fabric.
Among the key issues raised, the MMU pointed to government overreach, reduced Muslim representation in Waqf councils, and the removal of the “Waqf by user” provision, which historically recognised longstanding religious or charitable use of properties as sufficient to establish their Waqf status. Additionally, the amendments are viewed as enabling the potential appropriation and sale of Waqf properties, creating a sense of insecurity and mistrust within the Muslim community. Concerns were also expressed about the regional implications for Jammu and Kashmir, a Muslim-majority area, where the amendments are perceived as an attack on religious freedom and institutional autonomy.
The memorandum called for the immediate rejection of the proposed amendments, urging meaningful engagement with stakeholders to address community concerns and ensure the protection of Waqf properties.
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The document was submitted under the patronage of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who represents the MMU, alongside a detailed list of constituent members, including Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar, Muslim Personal Law Board Jammu and Kashmir, Darul Uloom Rahimiyah Bandipora, Anjuman Shari Shian, Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Karwan-e-Islami, Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam, Jamat-i-Islami, Jamiat Hamdania, Anjuman Ulama-e-Ahnaf, Darul Uloom Qasmiya, Darul Uloom Bilaliya, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat-ul-Aima wal Ulama, Anjuman Aima wa Mashayekh, Darul Uloom Naqshbandiya, Darul Uloom Rashidiya, Ahlul Bait Foundation, Madrasa Kanz-ul-Uloom Pirwan-e-Wilayat, Auqaf Islamia Khiram Sirhama, Bazm-e-Tauheed Ahle Hadith Trust, Anjuman Tanzeem-ul-Makatib, Muhammadi Yateem Trust, Anjuman Anwar-ul-Islam, Karwan Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, Darul Uloom Syed-ul-Mursaleen, Anjuman Ulama wa Aima Masajid, Falah-e-Darain Trust Welfare Society Islamabad, Ashraf-ul-Uloom Hyderpora, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Batamaloo, Darul Uloom Furqaniya Nowshera, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Khanyar, Jamiat-ul-Ulama, Siraj-ul-Uloom, Idara Wahdat-ul-Makatib, Darul Uloom Imdadiya Natipora, Darul Uloom Jamia-tur-Rashad Awantipora, Khanqah Muradiya Jamia Masjid Kreeri, Darul Uloom Saut-ul-Quran Gulshanabad, Awami Rahat Trust, Imamia Federation, Sabeel-ul-Irshad Buchpora, Alnoor Trust Bemina, and Kashmir Shaheen Syndicate Social Trust.
The MMU hopes that the JPC will reconsider the amendments in the interest of preserving the religious and social integrity of the Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir and across the nation.
