Panchmahal: Posters supporting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 have been placed outside a Ganesh pandal in Godhra, encouraging people to scan a code and send an email in support of the current bill. The posters aim to publicize the appeal for the passing of the Waqf Bill, 2024.

This comes after controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik made a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), urging Muslims to send their rejection of the Waqf Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Reacting to Zakir’s post, Union Minister of Minority Affairs tweeted, “Please do not mislead innocent Muslims from outside our country. India is a democratic nation, and people have the right to their own opinion. False propaganda will lead to incorrect narratives.”

The Union Minister also shared videos in which Muslim groups can be seen making loudspeaker announcements, urging every member of their community to submit suggestions against the bill, which has been sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee for deliberation. In the loudspeaker announcements, they claim, “If the bill is passed, our mosques will be taken away, and properties worth lakhs will be seized.” The community is also holding camps outside mosques to encourage people to send suggestions opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Please do not mislead the innocent Muslims from outside our country. India is a democratic country and people have the right to their own opinion. False propaganda will lead to wrong narratives. https://t.co/3W3YwtyJjI pic.twitter.com/LwV9Jh1YTg

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 10, 2024

Zakir Naik in the X post said,”Save Indian Waqf Properties, Reject The Waqf Amendment Bill! Let’s stand together to defend the sanctity of Waqf and ensure its preservation for future generations. Abu Bakr narrated that he heard the messenger of Allah (pbuh) say, “If people see some evil but do not change it, soon Allah will send His punishment upon them all” – Sunan Ibn Maajah Vol 5, Hadeeth No. 4005 This is an urgent call to the Muslims in India to stop this evil which breaches the sacred status of waqf, and has evil repercussions on the future of Islaamic institutions. We will bear Allah’s wrath and the curse of subsequent generations, if we allow this bill to pass. Stop the evil or bear its liabilities in this life and in the Hereafter! Say no to the Waqf Amendment Bill! At least 5 million Muslims of India should send their rejection of the Waqf Amendment Bill. As Muslims of India, we will be held accountable if we do not prevent the Muslim Waqf properties from being taken away from the Ummah. Send your Rejection by Scanning this QR Code. You can send your rejection to Waqf Bill to Joint Parliamentary Committee. https: http://waqfbill2024.com Due Date: 13th Sept 2024″

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to address shortcomings and improve the management and administration of Waqf properties. It proposes renaming the Waqf Act, 1995 to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. The Bill transfers the Survey Commissioner’s responsibilities to the Collector or an officer nominated by the Collector for surveying Waqf properties.

It also calls for a broader Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, including representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims. A separate Waqf Board for Boharas and Aghakhanis is proposed, with representation from Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Agakhani, and other Muslim communities. The Bill reforms the Tribunal structure by appointing two members and allows appeals to the High Court within ninety days.

The Bill has been referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament after being introduced in Lok Sabha during the Budget Session. DeshGujarat