The Waqf Board in India is a statutory body that manages and oversees waqf properties, which are properties dedicated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. These properties can include mosques, dargahs (shrines), graveyards, madrasas (Islamic schools), and other charitable establishments.
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What is the Meaning of Waqf?
Waqf is an Arabic term that means endowment or dedication. In Islamic law (Shariah), waqf refers to the permanent dedication of a property or asset for religious, charitable, or social welfare purposes. Once a property is declared as waqf, it cannot be sold, inherited, or transferred, and its benefits must be used for the specified cause indefinitely.
What is Waqf Board in India?
A Waqf Board is a statutory body established by the government to manage and regulate waqf properties in India. It ensures that the income from waqf properties is used for religious, educational, and charitable purposes, as intended by the donors.
The Board operates under the Waqf Act, 1995, which provides for the establishment of:
- State Waqf Boards – Present in each state with significant Muslim populations.
- Central Waqf Council (CWC) – A national-level advisory body that oversees State Waqf Boards.
History and Legal Framework
Pre-Colonial Era:
- The concept of waqf dates back to Islamic traditions, where individuals dedicated property for religious or social welfare.
- During the Mughal period, many rulers and nobles created waqfs to support mosques, educational institutions, and community welfare.
British Era:
- The British administration recognized waqf properties but introduced legal interventions to regulate them.
- The Waqf Validating Act, 1913 was passed to provide legal backing to these endowments.
Post-Independence (Formation of Waqf Boards):
- After independence, the Government of India sought to regulate waqf properties through legal mechanisms.
- The Waqf Act, 1954 was enacted, which led to the establishment of State Waqf Boards in various states to manage and protect waqf properties.
- It was later replaced by the Waqf Act, 1995, which created a Central Waqf Council (CWC) to oversee waqf boards at the national level.
Acts Managing Waqf Properties in India
The management and regulation of waqf properties in India are governed by the following laws and acts:
1. The Waqf Act, 1954
- The first comprehensive law for waqf regulation in independent India.
- Established State Waqf Boards to manage waqf properties.
- Had limited provisions and was later replaced.
2. The Waqf Act, 1995 (Current Law)
- Enacted to strengthen waqf administration in India. Provisions include:
- Creation of the Central Waqf Council (CWC) to oversee state waqf boards.
- Mandatory survey and registration of waqf properties.
- Protection from encroachment and legal remedies for waqf land disputes.
- Appointment of a Mutawalli (manager) for each waqf property.
- Establishment of Waqf Tribunals to resolve disputes related to waqf assets.
3. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013
- Strengthened provisions against encroachment and misuse of waqf properties.
- Made it mandatory for states to conduct waqf property surveys every 10 years.
- Increased penalties for unauthorized occupation of waqf land.
Functions of the Board
- Identification, management, and protection of waqf properties.
- Preventing encroachments on waqf lands.
- Utilizing waqf income for religious, educational, and social welfare purposes.
- Ensuring compliance with legal and financial regulations.
Current Status
Each Indian state has its own State Waqf Board, which functions under the supervision of the Central Waqf Council (CWC). As per government reports, India has over 6 lakh waqf properties, making it one of the largest land-holding entities after the Indian Railways. However, issues like encroachment, mismanagement, and corruption have affected the effective utilization of waqf properties.
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 or more formally written as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025, proposes significant changes to the management and administration of waqf properties in India.
Also read: Central Waqf Council
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