Lecture on Waqf Properties: History, Management, and Recent Developments

Introduction to Waqf

• Waqf properties are considered to be permanently owned by Allah.
• India Today’s sting operation raised awareness about Waqf properties' management.
• Misconceptions about Waqf Tribunal consisting only of Muslims.

Historical Context

• In 1995, BJP and Congress introduced the Waqf Bill.
• Various historical lands, notably in Meerut and Singapore, are Waqf properties.
• Kamal Ahmad is the owner of Waqf property no. 3068 in Meerut.
• Revenue discrepancies: 200 Waqf properties in Singapore generate 42.7 crores while India's 5 lakh properties generate only 163 crores.

Islamic Charity Concepts

• Zakat and Sadaqah: Forms of charity in Islam.
• Sadaqah-e-Jaariyah: Continuous charity benefiting generations.
• Historical example: Kaaba Sharif is linked to the first Waqf example.

Development of Waqf System

• Caliph Umar consulted Prophet Muhammad about utilizing land in Khaybar.
• Waqf properties cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited.
• Waqf concept spread during the Umayyad dynasty (661 AD).
• Organized structures were developed based on Persian and Egyptian models.

Evolution in India

• Muhammad Ghori introduced the Waqf concept in India.
• Waqf properties were used to support mosques and religious institutions.
• British regulations impacted Waqf properties, e.g., Land Resumption Act, Kazid Act.

British Influence and Legal Framework

• Land Acquisition Act (1894): Allowed acquisition of Waqf property by the British.
• Mussulamn Waqf Act (1923) was the first legal recognition of Waqf in India.
• Waqf boards were established in all states.

Post-Independence Developments

• Waqf properties are classified as government property post-1947.
• Waqf Act (1954): Established rules for Waqf management.
• Waqf by user: A property assumed Waqf if used for Islamic purposes historically.

Corruption and Mismanagement

• Cases of corruption and mismanagement in Waqf boards.
• The Sachar Committee (2006) highlighted discrepancies in Waqf revenue.
• Stark contrast with efficient systems in Singapore and Malaysia.

Recent Controversies and Reforms

• Sting operations exposed corrupt practices among Mutawallis and politicians.
• Government loans and subsidies aimed to support Waqf properties.
• Central Waqf Council formed for better management.

The New Waqf Bill (2024)

• Introduced major changes to Waqf management, including:
  • District collectors to handle surveys.
  • Mixed religious composition in Waqf boards.
  • Audit by government CAG.
  • Removal of oral Waqf.

Conclusion

• The new Waqf bill has faced opposition from the Muslim community.
• Waqf boards are crucial for managing Islamic charitable properties in India.

Note: The lecture also promoted a financial app, Pop UPI, offering transaction rewards.