25,000 Mosques Nationwide Observe "A waqf Protection Day" on Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind's Call
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, mosques across the country observed the third Friday of Ramadan as 'Save Waqf Day'. Imams, khutbahs, and mosque officials utilized this occasion to underscore the religious, social, and communal significance of waqf (endowment) in their sermons,
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New Delhi, March 29: In response to the impassioned appeal from Maulana Mahmood Asaad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, mosques across the country observed the third Friday of Ramadan as 'Save Waqf Day'. Imams, khutbahs, and mosque officials utilized this occasion to underscore the religious, social, and communal significance of waqf (endowment) in their sermons, emphasizing the imperative of safeguarding these endowments for the benefit of those in need. On this occasion, Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, the General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, delivered a poignant address at Masjid Abdun Nabi, New Delhi.
In a resolute display of solidarity, imams from over twenty-five thousand mosques spanning states such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Kerala, Goa, Yamunanagar, Haryana, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Jharkhand, pledged unwavering commitment to protect waqf properties nationwide. People have been administered an oath to take decisive action, in accordance with the Government of India and the Waqf Act, against any encroachments, illegal possessions, or unauthorized transfers of waqf assets. They have pledged to support Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and other waqf protection organizations, promising to stand shoulder to shoulder in this endeavor. Furthermore, they affirmed their readiness to endorse the social boycott of individuals who exploit waqf properties, stressing the importance of honoring the intentions of the endowment.
These imams also shed light on the alarming reality of numerous waqf properties being sold off at inflated prices due to neglect and indifference. Muslims themselves have often been blamed for the exploitation of these properties, with the original intentions of the waqf being disregarded in favor of personal gain. Large-scale encroachments by influential entities, including government institutions and private enterprises, have further exacerbated the situation, with thousands of waqf properties currently under occupation.
According to reports, an estimated 10,000 waqf properties across the country are occupied by various entities, while the Sachar Committee report suggests that the number of endowment properties could be as high as five lakh. Shockingly, Karnataka alone witnessed a scam amounting to Rs. 2 lakh crore, underscoring the urgent need for concerted action to protect these invaluable assets. In Madhya Pradesh, a staggering 70% of the Rs. 55,000 crore worth of waqf properties have been misappropriated. Similar instances of illegal occupation have been reported in Andhra Pradesh, among other provinces, highlighting the pervasive nature of the crisis.
In light of this, it is incumbent upon the Muslim community of India to actively engage in the waqf protection movement. By raising awareness and advocating for the preservation of these endowments, we can ensure their rightful utilization for the betterment of society.
