India Waqf Bill Sparks Muslim Minority Rights Outcry \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ India’s parliament passed a bill amending laws on Muslim religious endowments, allowing non-Muslims on waqf boards and expanding government oversight. Critics say the move threatens Muslim property rights and could enable historic mosque seizures. The legislation, pushed by PM Modi’s BJP, now awaits Upper House approval and the president’s assent.
India’s Waqf Bill – Quick Looks
- Bill Passed in Lower House: 288 lawmakers voted in favor, 232 opposed.
- Targeting Waqf Properties: Law changes how Islamic endowments are managed and validated.
- Opposition Pushback: Congress and Muslim leaders say it’s unconstitutional and discriminatory.
- Non-Muslims on Waqf Boards: Law mandates inclusion for administrative oversight roles.
- Threat to Historic Mosques: Properties without formal documentation may face seizure.
- Rahul Gandhi Condemns Bill: Calls it an attack on Muslim rights and the Constitution.
- Government Says It Fights Corruption: Claims it will improve transparency and diversity.
- Waqfs in India: Over 872,000 properties spanning 1 million acres, valued at $14.2B.
- Religious Freedom Concerns: U.S. commission reports rising anti-Muslim rhetoric under Modi.
- Muslim Minority Vulnerable: 14% of population, but among India’s poorest communities.
Deep Look
India’s parliament approved a highly contentious bill early Thursday that would overhaul how Muslim charitable land endowments, or waqfs, are governed, marking a significant shift in religious property management and fueling accusations of discrimination against the country’s Muslim minority.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, proposes adding non-Muslims to state waqf boards and expanding government authority over land ownership and validation processes. While the government insists the move will increase transparency, reduce corruption, and encourage diversity, critics fear it could be used to confiscate religious sites, including centuries-old mosques and graveyards, particularly those lacking formal land records.
“The Waqf Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalizing Muslims,” wrote opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on X (formerly Twitter). He warned the law sets a dangerous precedent that could affect other minority groups in the future.
The vote in the Lower House passed 288 to 232, with support from BJP allies. Heated debate preceded the vote, with opposition lawmakers from the Congress Party labeling the bill as “unconstitutional” and “targeted.” The bill now moves to the Upper House, and if passed, will be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for final approval.
Understanding Waqfs
Waqfs are a form of Islamic charitable endowment where individuals permanently dedicate property—often land—for religious or humanitarian purposes. In India, these endowments manage properties for mosques, madrasas, graveyards, orphanages, and other institutions.
There are currently over 872,000 waqf properties in India, encompassing more than 405,000 hectares (approximately 1 million acres) of land, collectively valued at more than $14.2 billion. Some of these properties are centuries old and lack formal documentation, making them vulnerable under the proposed legal changes.
What the Bill Changes
Currently, waqf boards are composed exclusively of Muslims, reflecting the religious nature of the properties. The new bill requires inclusion of non-Muslims for administrative oversight. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the move, stating that non-Muslim members will not interfere in religious practices but will help ensure proper governance and lawful use of funds.
“They will only ensure that administration is running legally and that donations are being used as intended,” Shah said.
However, another provision allows district-level officers to challenge waqf land claims, potentially undermining board authority. This is especially concerning for properties donated decades—or centuries—ago without written legal documentation. Critics argue it could open the door to land seizures, particularly in cases involving disputed religious sites.
Rising Tensions Over Religious Properties
Tensions around Muslim heritage sites have escalated in recent years, with radical Hindu groups claiming that several mosques sit on the ruins of ancient Hindu temples. Multiple court cases are currently pending over such claims. With the new bill potentially requiring waqf boards to prove ownership through district officials, opposition leaders argue that the law will favor claimants seeking to undermine Muslim sites.
“This law is designed to strip Muslims of their land under the guise of legality,” said a Congress lawmaker during Wednesday’s debate.
Broader Concerns About Muslim Rights in India
Muslims make up 14% of India’s 1.4 billion population, making them the country’s largest religious minority. Despite their numbers, a 2013 government report found they are among the poorest and most marginalized communities in India.
The bill arrives at a time of growing concern about religious freedom in India. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently stated that conditions for Muslims and other minorities have “deteriorated” under Modi’s leadership, citing a rise in hate speech, disinformation, and social and political exclusion.
Muslim citizens are increasingly targeted over issues ranging from dietary choices and religious clothing to interfaith relationships and places of worship. Incidents of mob violence and property demolitions tied to Hindu nationalist rhetoric have drawn international criticism.
Despite this, Modi’s government maintains that India is a secular democracy committed to equality and denies that the new waqf legislation is discriminatory.
“This bill is about reform, not religion,” said Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the amendment. “We want to prevent corruption and misuse of public endowment lands, and this will help all Indians.”
Opposition Fears Marginalization
Opposition parties argue that waqfs—already burdened by encroachments and mismanagement—will now fall under political influence. They claim the bill reflects a broader strategy by the BJP to weaken Muslim institutions, diminish autonomy over religious property, and alter India’s secular legal framework.
“The government refused to consider our suggestions or address legitimate concerns,” one Congress MP said. “They’re forcing through a law that fundamentally alters how minority rights are protected.”
Though the bill has cleared a major hurdle, its passage in the Upper House is not guaranteed, where the BJP does not hold a majority. Political analysts suggest the final vote could hinge on swing-party support and public pressure.
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