A heated debate has erupted across India, from the streets to the parliament, over the Waqf Amendment Bill. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill on Wednesday, following which the opposition accused the government of defaming minorities and encroaching upon their rights. The bill aims to bring administrative and structural changes to the functioning of Waqf boards. Given that Waqf refers to the permanent endowment of Islamic properties and donations, managed under different frameworks across various countries, it is interesting to explore how Waqf is administered worldwide.
What is Waqf?
Waqf is an essential part of Islamic law, where land, buildings, cash, or other assets are donated for religious and social welfare purposes. The roots of the Waqf system can be traced back to the Arab, Mughal, and Ottoman empires. The management of Waqf varies from country to country, depending on historical, cultural, and political factors. While some countries regulate Waqf properties through government institutions, in others, religious organizations oversee their administration.
Waqf Management in India
In India, Waqf properties are regulated under the Waqf Act of 1995, which was amended in 2013. The system is managed through State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council. India has an extensive network of Waqf properties, with over 872,000 properties registered under Waqf, making it one of the largest Waqf networks in the world.
Waqf Management in Indonesia and Malaysia
Indonesia, the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, manages Waqf properties through the Badan Wakaf Indonesia (Indonesian Waqf Board). In Malaysia, Waqf administration is handled by Islamic Religious Councils, ensuring systematic governance of endowments.
Waqf System in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, which oversees the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina, has managed Waqf properties at the governmental level since 1966. In 2016, the country established the General Authority for Awqaf (GAA), which supervises and regulates Waqf properties.
Waqf Administration in Egypt and Türkiye
In Egypt, the Ministry of Awqaf administers Waqf properties for charitable and social welfare purposes. Türkiye, on the other hand, manages Waqf assets through the General Directorate of Foundations, a modern adaptation of the Ottoman-era Waqf tradition.
The ongoing debate in India over the Waqf Amendment Bill raises significant questions about the governance and administration of Waqf properties. As different countries have adopted varied approaches to managing Waqf, India’s proposed changes will likely shape the future trajectory of Waqf governance within the nation.