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Shaista Ambar, chairperson of the All-India Muslim Women’s Personal Law Board has welcomed the proposed changes in the Waqf Act which gives rights to women but cautioned against amendments that give non-Muslims a role in it.
Ambar said, “We have been advocating that women be given equal participation in Waqf. When Pratibha Patil was the President of India we had given a representation that drew on the Holy Quran, the Hadith, and the life of our Prophet to establish women’s ability and equality in all matters religious, political, and social”.
She is, however, opposed to a change in the Act that gives a role to non-Muslims.
The proposed amendment puts forward representation for all Muslim sects and for non-Muslims to make it ‘more inclusive’.
Ambar said that this would be in direct conflict with the spirit of the Constitution which grants rights to the minorities.
“The important thing is that there be strict action against those who have occupied Waqf property. The government should focus on the weak and the downtrodden getting benefits of its schemes,” she said.
“Waqf property cannot belong to anyone. It cannot be registered in anyone’s name. This has been constantly violated. Only strict enforcement of protections to Waqf land can ensure that such malpractices stop,” said Ambar.
Strict action, Ambar said, should include both imprisonment and fine.
“The spirit of the Waqf Act should not be tampered with. This will be in direct conflict with the tenets of Islam. The government should use Waqf land to run beneficiary schemes so that no one in the community remains poor, dependent, or oppressed”, said Ambar.
Ambar said that the forced occupation of Waqf land was the greatest problem faced by the community.
“Rich, well-connected people have turned waqf properties into business. Those who have been opposing changes to the manner in which Waqfs are run are only trying to protect their personal interests”, she said.
