Waqf Bill will benefit Muslims, Oppn misleading public, Says Shahabuddin Razvi

The leader of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, has declared that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is no threat to Muslims and, indeed, will deliver huge dividends for them. He alleged that certain political factions mislead people by raising unnecessary apprehension regarding the bill.

Hoping that the bill will be passed in Parliament smoothly, Razvi said, "I hope the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is passed in Parliament smoothly. The opposition will make chaos, as they tend to save their vote bank with such moves."

Denying fears that the bill could damage Muslim interests, he said, "There is absolutely no danger to Muslims from this bill. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and a few politically motivated groups are instilling fear, misleading the community with unfounded rumors." He went on to reassure, "Mosques, Eidgahs, dargahs, and graveyards are not in any danger. The idea that they would be snatched away is nothing but a lie."

Razvi has also spoken in the past about certain Muslim groups and political parties misinterpreting the implications of the bill. He has further critiqued the AIMPLB for straying from its fundamental goals and being swayed by political factors over its ideals.

Explaining the advantages of the bill, he said, "Once adopted, the revenues earned will go towards the welfare of the poor, vulnerable, and widowed Muslim community members. It will help develop them, aid in education, and finance the setting up and maintenance of schools, colleges, madrasas, and mosques."

Expounding further, Razvi said, "Our elders had thought of Waqf properties as a means of public benefit. Corruption ensured otherwise. This bill will check such corruption, and Waqf money will be properly utilized for the benefit of the community."

He also highlighted the importance of the bill in stopping the illegal sale of Waqf properties, saying, "For years, crores worth of Waqf board lands have been sold illegally for personal use. The new law will end this malpractice and see that the revenue is spent on rightful causes."

Embracing hope that the bill would see the light of day in the future, he summed up, "I sincerely hope both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha approve this bill, for it has the potential to be a milestone in the well-being of the Muslim community."