Islamic scholar Maulana Arshad Madani, president of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks concerning the Waqf law, calling them “frivolous” and “ill-informed.” This controversy comes amidst the ongoing debate over the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, listed for consideration during the Parliament Winter Session.
Madani’s Response to PM Modi
Madani expressed his dismay over the Prime Minister’s alleged statement that Waqf has no place in the Constitution, viewing it as an attack on the rights of Muslims in India. Addressing a gathering in Patna, he underscored that:
- Waqf’s Islamic Roots: Waqf is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and is mentioned in the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad). Muslims consider it a sacred duty to protect Waqf properties, which are dedicated to charitable and religious purposes.
- Religious Rights: He argued that the Indian Constitution guarantees religious minorities the right to practice their faith, and the government’s stance on Waqf undermines this principle. He warned that restricting Waqf could pave the way for broader curtailment of Muslim religious practices like Namaz, Haj, and Zakat.
Criticism of the Waqf Amendment Bill
The proposed Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to limit the powers of Waqf boards in managing properties, subjecting them to greater government regulation. Madani and several other Muslim organizations view the bill as a direct assault on their community’s autonomy and religious heritage.
He appealed to NDA allies such as Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu to oppose the bill, warning that their support would be perceived as betrayal by the Muslim community.
Accusations of Polarization
Madani accused the BJP of engaging in “politics of hate,” citing examples like Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s actions labeling Muslims as infiltrators during the Jharkhand elections. He praised the unity displayed by Hindus and Muslims in opposing communalism, attributing the BJP’s electoral defeat in Jharkhand to this collective resistance.
Implications and Appeals
Madani urged political leaders to demonstrate their commitment to protecting minority rights by opposing the bill. He warned the Muslim community to reassess its trust in political parties that fail to act against measures perceived as discriminatory.
The unfolding debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill is likely to deepen political and social divides, as it touches on sensitive issues of minority rights, religious freedoms, and governance.
