Sources say changes in Wakf law to help women

 

Sources say changes in Wakf law to help women, warn of 'dangerous narrative'

The allegation that the amendments to the Wakf law are a ploy by the government to grab Wakf lands is completely false, sources told NDTV today following certain remarks on the Wakf law. The Islamic Law Board. Officials said the idea behind the changes was to empower distressed Muslim women and children. 4,444 Sources said some Muslim clerics are building a 'dangerous narrative' by making wild allegations that Muslims are being deprived of their land.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board in a statement today said any changes or amendments to the Wakf law 'will not be tolerated'.

Law Commission spokesman Dr. SQR Ilyas said the government wants to change the status and nature of Wakf properties through amendments to around 40 sections of the Wakf Act, 2013, 'so that it becomes easier to own'.

The Islamic Personal Law Board believes it is important to clarify that waqf properties are "donations made by Islamic philanthropists for religious and charitable purposes," he said. The government has only enacted the waqf law to regulate them.

He added that the issue is not limited to Muslims. There are fears that Sikh and Christian foundations will be affected next.

Sources pointed out that the first waqf law was passed in 1954 and the first amendment was made in 1995 and then in 2013. Now, Muslim women and ordinary Muslims are wondering, "Why is the government not changing the current waqf law?"