The delegation met Riijiju and PPP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, led by Syed Naseruddin Chishty, chairman and successor of the current spiritual leader of the Ajmer Dargah. Picture/X
A delegation of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC), made up of the most prominent sajjadanashins (spiritual leaders) from across India, met Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and expressed support for the proposed reforms that would limit the activities of the Waqf Board. that power
Just before Thursday, the Modi government seemed to have received some much-needed support from the right quarters, as it was speculated that it would introduce a bill aimed at regulating religious endowments boards. On Monday, while many Indian politicians were intently watching what was happening in neighboring Bangladesh, a delegation from the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Committee (AISSC), composed of the most prominent sajjadanashins from across India, met the union minister. spiritual leaders).
The delegation met Riijiju and PPP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, led by Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Ajme The current chairman and successor of the spiritual leadership of the Dargah discussed a range of major issues concerning the Muslim community.
Rijiju themselves posted a video on social media site What the minister seemed to avoid saying was that there was unanimous support for the changes proposed by the government's plan.
They spoke about the proposed amendments to the waqf law, sources said, adding that they were in favor of it in the interest of transparency and accountability. Sources said Naseeruddin Chishti recounted how the dargahs were left to fend for themselves while the cash-rich Waqf Board failed to lend a helping hand while others jumped on board.
The delegation highlighted how the current waqf system “hurts dargahs and Muslims”, making them question the income of waqfs of less than Rs 200 crore despite owning vast properties. “At the meeting, it was agreed that waqfs are using their influence to serve the rich and are essentially anti-Muslim to the poor of the society,” a source said.
Apart from Naseruddin Chishty, those present at this important meeting included Ghulam Najmi Farooqi from Nayeb Sajjadanashin Dargah, Abdul Qadir Qadri, Syed Ali Zaki Hussaini from Dargah Gulbarga Shareef, Uttar Pradesh Sajjadanashin Rudauli Share Ahefans, Ammharli Share Ahefans, Farxid Dargah Ahmed Nizami of Nizamuddin Auliya, Arshad Faridi of Fathepur Sikri Nayab Sajjadanshin Dargah, AISSC Secretary Javed Khan and Umar Razzaqui Sajjada Nasheen of Uttar Pradesh Barabanki Dargah Bansa Shareef. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla was also present.
Sources said the clergy particularly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership during challenging times when India's immediate neighbors, including Bangladesh, have been going through political turmoil.
Waqf Boards owns approximately 8.7 lakh properties in the country covering a total area of approximately 9.40 lakh acres. In 2013, the UPA government gave more powers to the Waqf Board by amending the original bill. The Waqf Law, 1995, was enacted to regulate the “auqaf” (assets donated and known as wakf) of “wakif” – the consecration of property to any piety, religion or charity recognized by Muslim law purpose person.
The proposed amendments would increase the representation of women in waqf boards by making it mandatory for verification of property claims by waqf boards, and involve district magistrates in monitoring waqf properties to prevent misuse of assets.
Stay up to date on the latest unrest in Bangladesh with our live blog.
