What are the points of the Waqf Amendment Bill?
There is a lot of anger among Muslim leaders and organizations regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill. Many questions are being raised about this bill. Let us know what changes are being made in this bill and why the people of the Muslim community are opposing it.
Muslim leaders and organizations believe that this bill is an interference in their religious matters and it can pose a threat to the Waqf property. The independence of the Waqf Board can be taken away. The opposition says that the Waqf Amendment Bill is against the Constitution and it will increase religious tension in the country. At the same time, the central government says that the purpose of this bill is to better manage the Waqf property and protect the interests of the Muslim community. The government says that this will not cause any harm to the Muslim community. At present, the lok sabha has sent the bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for extensive investigation.
Now first understand the meaning of Waqf
Waqf is an Arabic word. Waqf means to donate. Waqf is a kind of donation in which a person gives his land, house or money for a charitable work like a mosque, school or hospital. Then that person is no longer the owner of this property, rather it is considered the property of Allah. Understand by example- If a person gives his land in Waqf, then that land will no longer be his. The rental income from that land will be used to take care of the mosque or to help the poor.
What does the law say?
According to the Waqf Act 1954, Waqf means that any Muslim gives any of his movable or immovable property forever for any work which is considered religious, sacred or charitable work according to Islamic law. It is not necessary for a person to use the word 'Waqf' to do Waqf. If he expresses his wish in clear words that he is giving his property forever for any religious or charitable work, then it is considered Waqf. Earlier the Waqf law said that only Muslims can Waqf their property. But this law was changed in the year 2013. Now any person, irrespective of his religion, can Waqf his property.