Srinagar, Apr 11 (KNO): In accordance with the decision and appeal of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 was categorically rejected on Friday across Jammu & Kashmir, with a strong demand for its immediate withdrawal.
Imams and members of the Majlis publicly read out the resolution prepared by the council in major mosques, khanqahs, shrines, and Imambaras throughout the Kashmir Valley, Chenab region, Jammu, Leh, and Kargil, receiving overwhelming public support and endorsement, a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reads.
On this occasion, the prominent scholars, Imams and Khateebs also expressed serious anger and concern over the house detention of its head, Mirwaiz Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, who was once again prevented from delivering the Friday sermon at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar.
They strongly condemned the government’s authoritarian, undemocratic, and un-Islamic actions, describing them as deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the Muslim community and declared them entirely unacceptable.
Resolution reads as follows
Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama Jammu & Kashmir, expresses its concern regarding several provisions of the new law, which are being widely viewed by the Muslim community as affecting the established and religious character of the Waqf institution in India.
The new legislation introduces significant changes in the management and supervision of Waqf properties, and many feel that it may diminish the role and authority of the Muslim community in overseeing its religious endowments, which have traditionally been managed in accordance with Islamic principles.
- The reduction in the powers of Muslim-led Waqf Boards, and the greater role now assigned to government authorities and non-Muslim officials, has led to apprehensions that the core religious and charitable purpose of Waqf may not be fully understood or upheld.
- The provision allowing non-Muslims to be appointed to the Central and State Waqf Boards, and the removal of the earlier condition that the CEO of a Waqf Board must be a Muslim, has been viewed by the community as a deviation from the spiritual and religious ethos of Waqf management.
- The transfer of key decision-making powers to district collectors, including the authority to determine whether a property is Waqf or not, may lead to unilateral decisions and a weakening of the role of Waqf Boards. This is of particular concern in the context of ongoing disputes involving Waqf properties in various regions.
- The repeal of Section 40 of the Waqf Act, 1995, which earlier empowered Waqf Boards to determine the status of properties, is seen as creating uncertainty around many longstanding Waqf properties.
- The removal of the concept of “Waqf by long-standing use”, which protected mosques, graveyards, and other Islamic sites used for generations without formal documentation, may result in the loss of such properties simply due to lack of official records.
- Changes in the functioning of Waqf Tribunals, allowing for appeals in High Courts, may lead to prolonged legal proceedings and delays in the resolution of matters affecting religious endowments.
These developments have given rise to serious concerns across the Muslim community, as Waqf institutions play a vital role in serving religious, educational, and social needs in accordance with Islamic values. It is therefore essential that the management of Waqf remains rooted in those values and guided by individuals who understand their spiritual and legal significance.
In this regard, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama reaffirms its full support to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and will stand by the Board in whatever course of action it deems appropriate to address the issues arising from the new law.
The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama calls upon the Muslim community to remain united, aware, and engaged, and to support all peaceful and lawful efforts for the protection and proper functioning of our religious institutions and endowments—(KNO)