Waqf Board: In India, the Waqf Board stands as a distinctive entity, blending religious tradition with modern governance. But what exactly is it? At its core, a Waqf Board is a legal body tasked with managing “waqf” properties—assets permanently dedicated by Muslims for religious, charitable, or pious purposes under Islamic law. The term “waqf” itself, derived from Arabic, means “confinement” or “prohibition,” symbolizing the idea that once a property is designated as waqf, it is irrevocably committed to God’s service, never to be sold or reclaimed. As of April 4, 2025, this institution continues to spark curiosity and debate, making it a compelling topic for exploration.
Historical Foundations
The concept of waqf dates back to early Islamic history, with roots traced to the time of Prophet Muhammad. Historically, waqf properties—like mosques, schools, and hospitals—served as pillars of community welfare during the Islamic Golden Age. In India, the practice took hold during the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century and evolved under Mughal rule. However, the modern Waqf Board as we know it emerged in the 20th century. The British introduced the Mussalman Waqf Act of 1923 to regulate these endowments, but it was post-independence India that formalized the system. The Waqf Act of 1954, enacted under Jawaharlal Nehru’s government, established the Central Waqf Council in 1964, followed by state-level Waqf Boards, laying the groundwork for centralized management.
Structure and Governance
Today, India has one Central Waqf Council and 30 state Waqf Boards (excluding states like Goa and parts of the Northeast where the Waqf Act doesn’t apply). Each board is a statutory body, typically comprising a chairperson and members appointed by the state government, including Muslim scholars, legal experts, and community representatives. A key figure, the “mutawalli,” acts as the custodian of individual waqf properties, ensuring their upkeep and proper use. The Waqf Act of 1995, which replaced the 1954 legislation, expanded the boards’ powers, mandating property registration, dispute resolution through Waqf Tribunals, and oversight of financial records.
A Vast Landholding Powerhouse
The scale of the Waqf Board’s influence is staggering. It controls an estimated 8.7 lakh properties spanning 9.4 lakh acres, with a book value exceeding ₹1.2 lakh crore (approximately $14.22 billion USD). This makes it the third-largest landowner in India, trailing only the armed forces and Indian Railways. These assets range from mosques, graveyards, and madrasas to agricultural land, urban plots, and commercial buildings. The revenue generated—though often debated for its efficiency—is intended to fund community welfare, including education, healthcare, and poverty relief.
Purpose and Functions
The Waqf Board’s primary mission is to ensure that waqf properties fulfill their intended charitable or religious purposes. This includes maintaining mosques, supporting orphanages, and funding schools for underprivileged Muslims. For instance, in Jammu & Kashmir, Waqf-run institutions offer low-cost education, while in Delhi, boards have distributed rations to thousands of families. The boards also play a regulatory role, recovering encroached properties, sanctioning property transfers (with a two-thirds majority vote), and conducting audits to prevent mismanagement.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its noble intent, the Waqf Board is no stranger to controversy. Critics argue that the Waqf Act of 1995, amended in 2013, grants excessive autonomy, allowing boards to claim properties with minimal evidence, often bypassing civil courts. High-profile disputes—like the Shimla Mosque expansion in 2024 or Tamil Nadu’s Waqf Board claiming six villages—have fueled accusations of overreach. Corruption allegations, such as the 2022 arrest of Delhi Waqf Board chairman Amanatullah Khan for fund misappropriation, further tarnish its reputation. Many question whether the boards truly serve the broader Muslim community or benefit a select elite, given that Muslims remain among India’s most socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
The Push for Reform
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in 2024 by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, aims to address these issues. Proposed changes include mandatory property registration with district collectors, enhanced transparency, and the inclusion of non-Muslim members and CEOs—a move sparking both support and opposition. Proponents say it will curb mismanagement, while critics, including some Muslim leaders, view it as an attack on religious autonomy. As of April 2025, the bill remains under parliamentary review, reflecting the delicate balance between reform and tradition.
A Complex Legacy
The Waqf Board embodies a paradox: a centuries-old tradition adapted to modern governance, wielding immense potential yet grappling with inefficiencies. For India’s 200 million Muslims, it represents both a lifeline and a lightning rod. As debates over its role intensify, one thing is clear—its story is far from over. Whether through education, welfare, or urban development, the Waqf Board’s footprint in India’s social fabric remains indelible, inviting us to ponder its future as much as its past.
