Waqf Bill: Muslim Personal Law Board Announces Nationwide Movement
New Delhi, 5 April 2025: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has declared an organised nationwide campaign in protest against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, calling it a grave threat to Islamic values, religious freedom, and the constitutional rights of Indian Muslims.
In a statement released after an emergency meeting of its officials and special invitees, the AIMPLB described the amendments as a “severe assault” on Shariah, communal harmony, and the secular fabric of the Constitution. The Board vowed to pursue both legal and democratic means to have the law repealed.
General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi laid out the structure of the upcoming protests. The Board will challenge the law in the Supreme Court and organise symbolic protests, mass gatherings, and awareness campaigns. Actions will include peaceful demonstrations, black armband protests, and the submission of memorandums to the President and the Home Minister through district magistrates.
A key part of the first phase includes a week-long programme titled *“Save Waqf, Save the Constitution”*. This will involve roundtable discussions with citizens to counter what the Board calls “misinformation” spread by sectarian elements. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Patna, and Malappuram will witness large-scale gatherings, starting with a public meeting at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi.
The campaign is expected to run until Eid al-Adha, with the next phase to be announced thereafter. Mujaddidi appealed to the Muslim community, especially the youth, to remain calm and disciplined. “Do not act emotionally or independently,” he urged, emphasising the movement must be peaceful and coordinated under the Board’s leadership.
Quoting the Quran (Surah Al-Ankabut, 69), he said, “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
Shortly after the AIMPLB’s announcement, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bill, finalising its passage into law.
The ruling NDA government argues that the new law aims to improve transparency, end mismanagement, and prevent encroachments on Waqf properties. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill in Parliament, stating it promotes inclusivity and good governance, and questioned why only Muslims should be included in the Waqf Boards.
However, the law has drawn fierce opposition. Congress, AAP, and AIMIM have filed petitions in the Supreme Court calling the bill discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Rajya Sabha passed the bill with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, following the Lok Sabha’s approval by 288 to 232 votes. Opposition leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Asaduddin Owaisi, and Kapil Sibal condemned the bill as politically motivated and detrimental to communal harmony.
While Sonia Gandhi labelled it a “brazen assault” on the Constitution, the government insists the law is not anti-Muslim and will especially benefit Muslim women by bringing accountability to Waqf management.
