Srinagar, January 31 (KNS): The All Jammu & Kashmir Shia Association, under the leadership of its President, Imran Reza Ansari, has expressed deep concerns regarding the proposed Waqf Bill, which it believes poses serious constitutional and religious challenges. The Association has strongly opposed certain provisions of the Bill, arguing that they interfere with the religious autonomy of the Muslim community and contradict established Islamic principles.
A key point of contention is the inclusion of non-Muslims in the management of Waqf affairs. The Association asserts that Waqf is a religious endowment governed by Islamic law and, therefore, its administration must remain under the control of those who adhere to Islamic principles. Allowing non-Muslims to oversee Islamic endowments is seen as a violation of religious autonomy and a direct infringement upon the rights of the Muslim community.
“The management of Waqf properties is not just an administrative duty but a religious obligation,” said Imran Reza Ansari, President of the All Jammu & Kashmir Shia Association. “Granting non-Muslims authority over Islamic endowments is an unacceptable intrusion into our religious matters. The sanctity of Waqf must be preserved, and any attempt to undermine it will be strongly resisted.”
Another major concern is the provision that disallows Muslims who have practiced Islam for less than five years from donating their properties to Waqf. The Association has termed this an arbitrary and unjust restriction that has no basis in Islamic law and directly contradicts the constitutional right of individuals to religious expression and charitable giving. It has called for the immediate removal of this provision, arguing that it imposes unnecessary limitations on personal religious freedom.
The Association is also alarmed by the increasing governmental interference in Waqf management. It emphasized that Waqf institutions have historically been managed by the Muslim community in accordance with Islamic law, and any excessive state control is both unwarranted and unconstitutional.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe proposed amendments threaten the autonomy of Waqf and set a dangerous precedent for state intervention in religious affairs.
“The government must respect the religious and constitutional rights of the Muslim community,” Ansari stated. “Interfering in Waqf management contradicts our fundamental religious principles and undermines the essence of Waqf as a sacred trust. We urge the authorities to reconsider these provisions and ensure that Waqf affairs remain in the hands of the Muslim community, as they have always been.”
In response to these concerns, the All Jammu & Kashmir Shia Association has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and prevent the enactment of provisions that threaten religious autonomy. The Association has also addressed its grievances to Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Minister of Minority Affairs and Chairperson of the Central Waqf Council, as well as SP Singh Teotia, Secretary of the Central Waqf Council, seeking their immediate attention and reconsideration of the proposed legislation.
The Association remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue to ensure that any amendments to the Waqf law respect both constitutional principles and Islamic jurisprudence. It has called upon the government to engage with religious scholars and community leaders to develop legislation that is in line with Islamic law and free from political or bureaucratic interference.
“The Waqf Amendment Bill, in its current form, is unacceptable and must be reconsidered,” Ansari concluded. “We stand firm in our opposition and will continue to advocate for the protection of our religious and constitutional rights. We hope the government will address our concerns with the seriousness they deserve.”(KNS)