Waqf is not just a property, but a trust of Allah Almighty and an important pillar of Islamic civilization: Mahmoud Asad Madani

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani said that Waqf is not just a property, but a trust of Allah and an important pillar of Islamic civilization, so its protection, documentation, and legal struggle when needed is also a form of worship. He said this while delivering the keynote address at the All India Mutawalli Conference organized by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. He said that Waqf should not be considered just a matter of Mutawalli, but the entire nation should consider it a collective responsibility. He said that the nation that abandoned the protection of its trusts, history also abandoned its protection.

Maulana Madani said that the problems faced by Waqf include not only external challenges, but also our own negligence, poor management, and lack of protection of documents. He demanded from the government, in the context of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, that justice and constitutional principles be given priority at all times. He said that I also want to tell the government that justice is not a favor to any one class, justice is the greatest power of the state. The dignity of the law remains only when the law is the same for everyone.

Maulana Madani appealed to the Mutawallis to digitize the complete record of Waqf properties, ensure financial transparency, regular audit, and effective legal action against encroachments. He emphasized the need to avoid hereditary succession, saying it affects the trust and spirit of the institutions.

He also stressed that in the current situation, the protection of Waqf requires not a part-time but a full-time struggle. He said that if we work in this field with sincerity, planning, and continuous hard work, prepare responsible individuals, and connect the nation with this mission, Allah will accept our efforts and fail every conspiracy against Waqf.

Former Chief Justice of Patna High Court, Iqbal Ansari, said in his address that where Mutawallis are present, the most difficulties are being faced in the registration of Waqf properties and legal actions, so Mutawallis should have a sense of responsibility. He further said that in disputes between the government and the public, the court should decide within the constitutional limits. He said that in the present era, it is difficult to say that the court is working according to justice.

Central Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind President Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mahdi Salfi said that instead of putting the entire burden of Waqf problems on Mutawallis or the government, the entire nation and the public should realize their responsibility. Jamat-e-Islami Hind Vice President Malik Motasim Khan said that highlighting the importance of Waqf, it is necessary to make them more effective and useful for public interest. He said that one of the major reasons for encroachments and disputes on Waqf properties is the negligence of some Mutawallis and the tendency to consider Waqf properties as personal property at some places, which has caused significant damage to Waqf.

In his presidential address, Syed Shah Muhammad Ali Al-Hasani (Gulbarga) said that as a result of the Waqf protection movements over the past two years, significant awareness has been created among the public about Waqf, which needs to be further organized. He said that the protection of Waqf properties, timely legal action against encroachments, and complete awareness of Waqf laws are the need of the hour. He appealed to the wealthy to establish new Waqfs and make Waqf an effective means of promoting education, health, and public welfare. He emphasized that the basic responsibility of the Mutawalli is to fully follow the intention of the Waqif.

Shah Syed Yadal Hussaini, Vice Sajjada Nashin of Roza Khurd Gulbarga Sharif, in his address, emphasized the formation of an effective and active committee for the protection of Waqf, saying that this committee should prepare a practical plan for the protection, supervision, and legal defense of Waqf properties. He said that the effective protection of Waqf is possible only when the responsible persons perform this task with personal interest, sense of responsibility, and continuous practical efforts.

South Asian Minorities Lawyers Association (SAMIL) President Advocate Nasser Aziz emphasized that Waqf protection committees and legal cells should be established in every region, immediate legal action should be taken against encroachments, and Mutawallis should adopt a transparent financial and administrative system. He said that the protection of Waqf is a collective responsibility of the entire nation, so awareness should be created among the public, youth should be involved in this process, and Waqf income should be used for its original religious, educational, and social purposes.

In his address, Member of Parliament Harendra Malik expressed concern over the mismanagement and non-transparent dealings in Waqf properties at some places, saying that Waqf income should be used for the welfare of the poor and the needy. He also assured all possible cooperation in the struggle for Waqf protection. Member of Parliament Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, while paying tribute to the services of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, emphasized the need for a collective and organized struggle for Waqf protection. Member of Parliament Imran Masood, in his address, criticized the government's policies regarding Waqf, saying that the issue of Waqf property protection is not limited to Muslims, but other religious places in the country are also facing various types of disputes. He said that in this context, Hindus and Muslims will have to fight together for the protection of all religious institutions and their properties.

Abdul Wahid Hussain Angara, Dargah Ajmer Sharif, said in his address that relying only on laws is not enough, but public awareness, trust, and collective cooperation are the real guarantees of effective Waqf protection. Maulana Siddiqullah Choudhury, President of Jamiat Ulama West Bengal, suggested dividing the country into five zones to make Waqf management more effective.

Others who addressed the conference included IRS Akramul Jaber Khan, Haji Muhammad Haroon, Advocate and President of Jamiat Ulama Madhya Pradesh, Advocate Iqbal Sheikh, former member of Waqf Council, IRS Syed Mahmood Akhtar, Advocate Tahir Muhammad Hakeem, Member of Parliament Abdul Wahab Kerala, and former Member of Parliament Haris Beeran.

The welcome address was presented by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind General Secretary Maulana Muhammad Hakeemuddin Qasmi, and the proceedings were conducted by Maulana Mufti Hassan Qasmi.