“Post-Colonial erosion of Hindu Rights: The Waqf Board Act of 1995”, HinduDvesha, February 8, 2024:
“Conceptually, Waqf (pl. auqaf) is an Islamic trust held perpetually in Allah’s name and protected from any other use. Unlike a trust, Waqf is irrevocable and perpetual, inherently faith-based, requiring Sharia-sanctioned activities, and lacks the requirement of charitable intentions.
Historically, Waqf in India and globally has been linked to Islamic expansion, conversion efforts, and takeover of other religious sites. During the Sultanate and Mughal periods, waqfs were managed centrally, with mutawallis (trustees) and overseers like Qazis. The judicial system, mainly consisting of Islamic clergy, tended to favor Shariah, leading to biased decisions against non-Muslims.
In pre-British India, Sufis played a significant role in the spread of Islam. Sufi networks were involved in converting populations, often by blending local customs with Islamic practices. Waqf played a crucial role in the conversion process by providing subsistence allowances to the Sufi network. In some cases, entire villages with uncultivated land were granted to Sufis, encouraging them to bring it under cultivation. This brought charismatic Muslim religious leaders into close contact with the indigenous population, gradually bringing them into the Islamic fold…..”
Read the full article at Hindudvesha.org
