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36 Instances Of Support From Muslim Leaders For Modi Govt’s Waqf Amendment Bill

April 3, 2025
The Commune

The ‘Waqf Board Amendment Bill’ was passed by the Government of India in the Lok Sabha on 2 April 2025.

While some political and religious groups oppose the legislation, 36 times we saw prominent Muslim leaders, scholars, and politicians have come forward in support of the reforms, arguing that the bill will bring transparency, curb corruption, and ensure Waqf properties benefit the poor.

From Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan criticizing the Waqf Board’s inefficiency to Sufi leaders like Syed Nasruddin Chishti demanding a separate Dargah Board, the voices backing the amendment highlight a growing consensus for systemic change. BJP’s minority leaders, Islamic scholars, and even Ulema have dismissed fears of government overreach, instead emphasizing that the bill will end land mafia dominance and redirect Waqf resources toward education, healthcare, and community welfare.

This report compiles statements from influential figures—ranging from state ministers and Waqf Board chairpersons to imams and social activists—who argue that the amendment is a necessary step toward justice and accountability in the management of India’s vast Waqf properties.

#1 Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor Of Bihar

On 2 April 2025, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan commented on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, recalling his tenure as a minister in Uttar Pradesh when the Waqf department was under his purview. He stated, “There is nothing but 90% litigation there… Is any work being done for the society in all the Waqfs in Mathura? There are many litigations on one piece of land which should be resolved. The poor are not getting any benefit from this… Today the Waqf is occupied by big people.”

#2 Syed Fareed Ahmed Nizami (Member, Sajjadanashin Council)

Syed Fareed Ahmed Nizami, a member of the Sajjadanashin Council, also spoke on the issue, emphasizing that the Waqf Board has complicated land matters. He noted, “Once land goes to the Waqf, it cannot be taken back. The government wants to remove such complexities through the amendment so that poor Muslims can get justice.” His remarks were broadcast on All India Radio.

#3 Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi (National President of All India Muslim Jamaat)

Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi, National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, addressed concerns about the bill, criticizing the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) for instilling fear among Muslims. He asserted, “AIMPLB is scaring Muslims. There is no threat to Muslims from the bill.”

#4 Dr Darakhshan Andrabi (BJP leader& Chairperson of J&K Waqf Board)

On 2 April 2025, BJP leader and Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, spoke about the Waqf Amendment Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha. She stated, “It does not seem that the bill introduced in Parliament is against Muslims… If the Waqf has so much land, then why are so many Muslims poor?… It seems that this bill is being introduced for the welfare of Muslims.”

#5 Farooqh Waani (Editor, Brighter Kashmir, Srinagar)

Farooq Wani, editor of Brighter Kashmir in Srinagar, also supported the amendments, arguing that granting rights to the Waqf Board would benefit common Muslims. He said, “The amendments that are going to be made are correct. The amendments will bring accountability and transparency.”

#6 Danish Azad Ansari (Minister in UP Government)

Danish Azad Ansari, a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government, dismissed opposition to the bill, asserting, “No common Muslim is opposing this.”

#7 Haji Syed Salman Chishti (Head of Chishti Foundation – Ajmer Sharif)

On 2 April 2025, Haji Syed Salman Chishti, Head of the Chishti Foundation-Ajmer Sharif, expressed his views on the Waqf Amendment Bill. He stated, “If the Waqf boards are reformed so that the Muslim community can benefit in terms of skills, education, and employment, it will be a much-needed change.”

#8 Syed Nasruddin Chishti (Successor to the spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah)

On 2 April 2025, Syed Nasruddin Chishti, successor to the spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah, reassured the public about the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating, “No one needs to be afraid of the Waqf Bill. Efforts are being made to provoke, and this is wrong.”

#9 Wasim R Khan (President of Mumbai BJP Minority Morcha)

Wasim R Khan, President of Mumbai BJP Minority Morcha, expressed his support for the bill and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing it. He remarked, “I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill as it will help poor Muslims. Those who considered Waqf properties as their ‘baap ki jaagir’ would get under control. This bill should have been brought much before.”

#10 Shadab Shams (Chairman of Uttarakhand Waqf Board)

Shadab Shams, Chairman of the Uttarakhand Waqf Board, also backed the legislation, stating simply, “We support the Waqf Bill.”

#11 Gulam Ali Khatana (Rajya Sabha MP)

Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana emphasized that the bill would empower poor Muslims in India. He criticized opposition parties, accusing them of spreading false narratives and fear for political gain.

#12 Kausar Jahan (Chairperson, Delhi Haj Committee)

On 2 April 2025, Kausar Jahan welcomed the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it an essential step toward transparency, accountability, and fairness. She stated, “It is the need of the hour. There are people who do not want the betterment of the community. The current status of the Waqf Board or Waqf properties needs to be changed. The real beneficiaries and deprived Muslims are not getting any benefit.”

#13 Pyare Khan (Chairman, Maharashtra Minority Commission)

Pyare Khan expressed his strong support for the bill, emphasizing that it would uplift poor and deprived Muslims. He remarked, “This is a very good thing for poor, deprived Muslims. Till now, previous governments used to think only about millionaire Muslims. No one used to talk about deprived Muslims.”

#14 Muslim Women (Delhi)

Muslim women in Delhi voiced their support for the Waqf Amendment Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha, signaling approval for the proposed reforms.

#15 Muslims (Mumbai)

Muslims in Mumbai also welcomed the introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament on 2 April 2025. To celebrate their support for the bill, they distributed sweets.

#16 People of the Muslim Community (Bhopal)

On 2 April 2025, people from the Muslim community in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, organized rallies in support of the Waqf Amendment Bill. A large number of Muslim women participated, holding posters that read “Thank you Modi ji” and carrying flowers as a gesture of appreciation for the bill.

#17 Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi (Islamic Scholar)

On 9 August 2024, Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi emphasized the need for transparency in the management of Waqf properties. He stated, “The central government will stop the arbitrary use of Waqf Board property and will curb the business of selling or leasing Waqf property in connivance with land mafias. Transparency should be adopted in the formation of the Waqf Board, and its members should be honest and have a clean image. Currently, chairpersons, officers, and members of Waqf Boards across the country are ruining Waqf property through their ties with land mafias.”

#18 Anjum Ara (JDU Spokesperson)

On 8 August 2024, JDU spokesperson Anjum Ara expressed disappointment over the opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill. She remarked, “Opposing this bill is unfortunate. Our ancestors donated their property to the Waqf Board so that the poor and deprived people in society could be developed and uplifted. This amendment bill serves that purpose.”

#19 Shahnawaz Hussain (BJP Leader)

On 8 August 2024, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain spoke about the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating, “Many amendments have been made in the Waqf Act earlier as well. The rights of Waqf were outside the purview of the law. It is now being brought under legal oversight, and the intention of the Modi government is to put an end to the looting happening in the name of Waqf.”

#20 Kashish Warsi (President of the Indian Sufi Foundation)

On 8 August 2024, Kashish Warsi, President of the Indian Sufi Foundation, emphasized that the bill is not against Muslims. He said, “This will benefit poor and needy Muslims, and the amendment bill will stop those who have occupied Waqf Board lands from exploiting them for personal gain.”

#21 Danish Iqbal (Board Member of Culture Ministry)

On 8 August 2024, Danish Iqbal, Board Member of the Ministry of Culture, criticized the previous amendments made by the UPA government, calling them a product of appeasement policies. He stated, “Corruption in the Waqf Board should be curbed. The amendment made today aligns with the recommendations of the Sachar Committee. The Waqf Board was established to serve the poor, widows, and orphans, and this amendment ensures that purpose is upheld.”

#22 Sanwar Patel (Member, Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board)

On 8 August 2024, Sanwar Patel, a member of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, welcomed the Waqf Board amendment, stating, “The Waqf Board Bill is in the interest of the nation, the people, and the institution of Waqf. In Madhya Pradesh, 99% of Waqf Board land is occupied by goons, miscreants, and anti-social elements. This amendment is necessary to restore its rightful purpose.”

#23 Atif Rasheed, Former Vice-Chairman, National Commission for Minorities

On 6 August 2024, Atif Rasheed, former vice-chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, stated that the Waqf Act was originally enacted in 1954 and underwent significant changes in 1995. He emphasized that any amendments being made now should not be viewed negatively. He urged people to trust the government, which he described as committed to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” He also questioned why anyone should have a problem with judicial investigations, noting that the Act had already been amended in 2013.

#24 Syed Farid Ahmed Nizami, Sajjadanashin of Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia

On 6 August 2024, Syed Farid Ahmed Nizami, Sajjadanashin of Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, stated that he and others have long been demanding amendments to the Waqf Act. He said that once the draft is presented, they will provide their comments. He also raised concerns that the current Waqf Act does not protect Sufi culture and suggested the creation of a separate Dargah Board or the exclusion of Dargahs from the Act. He stressed that the Waqf Act is meant for the benefit of the community and criticized those opposing it without first reading its provisions.

#25 Fareed Ahmed Nizami, Delhi State President, AISSC

On 6 August 2024, Fareed Ahmed Nizami, Delhi state president of AISSC, stated that there is a lack of transparency in the existing Waqf Act. While speaking on the new Waqf Bill, he mentioned that there is little coordination between the Waqf Board and other stakeholders. He also pointed out that the Waqf Board imposes a 7% tax on every demand without providing any cooperation, making its functioning increasingly arbitrary.

#26 Ghulam Najmi Farooqi, National Secretary, AISSC

On 6 August 2024, Ghulam Najmi Farooqi, National Secretary of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC), stated during a program at the India Islamic Cultural Center that the biggest issue dargahs face due to the Waqf Act is the interference of the Waqf Board. He explained that when a dargah is classified under waqf, the board often creates obstacles in its repair and maintenance, making it difficult to preserve these religious sites.

 

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#27 Syed Nasruddin Chishti, President, AISSC

On 6 August 2024, Syed Nasruddin Chishti, President of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC), expressed support for the Central Government’s decision to amend the Waqf Act and called for the establishment of a separate Dargah Board. Speaking at a function at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, he criticized the current functioning of Waqf Boards, alleging that they operate in a dictatorial manner with a complete lack of transparency.

#28 Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, BJP Leader

On 5 August 2024, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi emphasized the need for the Waqf system to move beyond a “don’t touch me” mindset. He argued that imposing a communal approach on inclusive reforms is not beneficial for either the country or the community. He stressed that finding a logical solution to this long-standing issue would be beneficial for both the Waqf system and the present time. While he acknowledged that he was unaware of the exact details of the government’s proposal, he maintained that reforms in the Waqf system were necessary.

#29 Danish Azad Ansari, UP Minister

On 5 August 2024, Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari emphasized that Waqf Board properties should be used for the upliftment of the Muslim community. He noted that complaints of encroachment and land misuse were common, which is why the Modi and Yogi governments were committed to protecting the interests of Muslims. He suggested that Waqf properties should be utilized for building hospitals, schools, and colleges to benefit the community.

#30 Wajahat Qasmi, Islamic Scholar

On 5 August 2024, Islamic scholar Wajahat Qasmi called for Waqf Board properties to be declared national property, indicating concerns over their management and potential misuse.

#31 Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary, All India Shia Personal Law Board

On 4 August 2024, Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, criticized the Waqf Board for widespread corruption. He alleged that mafias had taken over Waqf Board lands, erasing Waqf numbers and creating fake documents to sell the properties illegally, leading to significant financial losses for the board.

#32 Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam, All India Imam Organization

On 4 August 2024, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, stated that amendments to the Waqf Act are a natural process that has occurred in the past. However, he urged that any changes should not compromise the dignity of Waqf. He called for open discussions rather than politicization of the issue, questioning why opposition leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi did not object to past amendments but were resisting this one.

#33 Rahman Khan, Former Union Minister of Minority Affairs (UPA Government)

On 4 August 2024, Rahman Khan, former Union Minister of Minority Affairs under the UPA government, expressed concerns over the proposed Waqf amendments. He argued that the government was creating an impression that Waqf properties would be seized without investigation. He dismissed claims that the Waqf Board had unchecked authority to declare any property as Waqf land, calling such claims exaggerated. He urged the government to ensure proper discussion before making any amendments.

#34 Mohsin Raza, BJP Leader

On 4 August 2024, BJP leader Mohsin Raza welcomed the proposed Waqf Bill, emphasizing that many Waqf properties across the country had been misused. He accused Waqf Boards of exceeding their authority and harassing people. He stated that properties that had been illegally registered with the board should be reclaimed and that this was a matter of public interest that needed to be addressed.

#35 Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi, National President, All India Muslim Jamaat

On 4 August 2024, Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, supported the government’s plan to introduce a bill to regulate Waqf properties. He stated that the Barelvi Ulema welcomed this move, as it aimed to curb the arbitrary use of Waqf Board properties.

#36 Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP Leader

On 4 August 2024, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla highlighted the long-standing demand within the Muslim community for greater transparency and accountability in the Waqf Board system. He pointed out that Waqf is the third-largest landowner in the country, with properties worth lakhs of crores, yet it generates less than ₹200 crore in revenue. He accused a handful of influential families of using Waqf as a tool to create a new feudal system and monopolize its lands.

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