Expressnews
Chennai, April 15, 2025 — Tamil Manila Muslim League Founder President, ‘Ameer-ul-Millat’ S. Sheikh Dawood,has welcomed the recent assent of President of India to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, marking a historic move towards transparency and reform in the management of Waqf properties across India. The party urges the Union Government and the Stage Government to implement the Waqf Board (Amendment) act, immediately where Waqf properties face mismanagement, encroachment, and legal disputes.
The TMML launches “Waqf for the Ummah,” a state-wide movement in Tamil Nadu to educate communities, track digitization and ensure Waqf revenues transform lives and will closely monitor the enforcement of this law.
State of Waqf properties in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu state, several high-value Waqf properties have been entrapped in legal disputes, allegedly sold illegally to private builders despite being a registered Waqf property, encroachments, or unauthorized occupation by private entities. Such Waqf properties are still controversial due to lack of proper surveys, political & individual nexus, delayed legal actions and weak enforcement.
State Government cannot refuse
Though States ruled by opposition parties express their opposition to Central laws, they might serve as a form of political expression and only “opinions” of the majority members of the assembly alone. They cannot stop the implementation of laws passed by the parliament. The purpose of the opposition parties is to blindly oppose Central government’s policies and mislead voters to maintain electoral advantages.
Urge to Central & State Government
Tamil Manila Muslim League urge the State and Central governments to conduct a comprehensive digital survey of all Waqf lands in Tamil Nadu, while safeguarding the heritage sites and individual property rights from unlawful claims and ensuring Waqf assets are utilized effectively for religious, charitable, and social welfare causes.
Immediate Demand
Tamil Manila Muslim League demands the Central and State governments to immediately implement the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 with strict enforcement mechanisms to safeguard Waqf properties from encroachment and ensure transparent management. A time-bound digital survey of all Waqf lands must be conducted, particularly in Tamil Nadu, to reclaim illegally occupied properties and utilize them for educational, social, and economic empowerment of marginalized Muslim communities. The government must also establish fast-track courts to resolve long-pending Waqf disputes and hold corrupt officials accountable under the new law.
“Waqf for the Ummah,” a state-wide movement
The TMML launches “Waqf for the Ummah,” a state-wide movement to educate communities, track digitization, and ensure Waqf revenues transform lives. It will envision a future where every Muslim child learns, every family thrives, and every endowment honours Allah’s trust. Join us in this sacred mission.
This law is a step in the right direction towards empowering backward classes and other sects of the Muslim community, ensuring Waqf assets fulfil their true purpose, reaffirming Tamil Manila Muslim League’s full support for reforms that bring transparency, accountability, and equitable development.
The Tamil Manila Muslim League will closely monitor the enforcement of this law and collaborate with authorities to prevent corruption and ensure community benefits.
Why the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 deserves Support
1. Transparency Through Public Disclosure
The Act’s mandate for digitizing Waqf records and creating a public portal to disclose all properties fosters trust in governance. By laying bare the extent of Waqf holdings, valued at over 9 lakh crore, the government can ensure revenues serve the community, not a select 200-300 profiteers. As the Prophet (PBUH) taught, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness” (Sahih Muslim, 2607).
2.Stringent Accountability
We urge the inclusion of a 20-year jail term in the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 for those convicted of misusing Waqf properties for personal gain. Such a deterrent will send a clear message: exploiting sacred endowments is a crime against faith and humanity.
3.Justice Through Fast-Track Courts
By shifting disputes to district courts with appeals to High Courts within 90 days, the Act promises fair resolution. We call for fast-track courts to expedite cases, ensuring swift justice against encroachments and fraudulent claims that have robbed the Ummah of its rightful inheritance.
4.Empowering the Vulnerable
Provisions for widows, orphans, and divorced women align with Islam’s command to protect the weak (Quran, Surah An-Nisa, 4:127). By channelling Waqf funds to those in need, the Act breathes life into the prophetic ideal of charity as a shield for the marginalized.
5.Safeguarding Waqf’s Sanctity
Requiring lawful ownership for Waqf creation and verifying endowments prevents fraudulent declarations, protecting mosques, graveyards, and heritage sites. This ensures the 9 lakh crore legacy remains a beacon for future generations.
A Call for Execution, Not Just Legislation
The TMML applauds the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 ’s vision but insists that the government honour its execution with unwavering commitment. Passing a bill is not enough; the state must act decisively to reclaim misused properties and punish wrongdoers. We propose a community-led oversight committee, including Muslim scholars and organizations like the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, to guide implementation and ensure alignment with Shariat and constitutional rights.
To our Muslim brothers and sisters, we say: Your faith is your strength, and your unity is your shield. Let us rally as one, inspired by Surah Al-Asr (103:3), to demand accountability and reclaim Waqf for education, empowerment, and dignity. To our allies in the DMK, Congress, and secular parties across India, we extend a hand of solidarity to monitor reforms and safeguard our rights.
