Delhi’s Matka Peer Dargah chief, Sufi Shakeel Ahmed Qadri, has praised the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as “corrective” measures. Similarly, Syed Javed Qutbi believes it will grant Muslims their full rights. Qutbi is the chief of Dargah Hazrat Syed Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.
Qadri told a news agency, “We see the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as a corrective measure. The condition of Waqf properties is pathetic; previous governments did not pay any special attention to it. Waqf properties have always been used by other people.”
He continued, “Our elders had given their property to serve the community, to advance the community and humanity. But the previous government did not use it properly. Therefore, we feel that the step being taken by the (Narendra) Modi government can be the beginning of success.”
Qadri also highlighted internal conflicts within Islam, noting, “The conflict that is seen in Islam today is not only between Shia and Sunni but has also started between Deobandi and Barelvi. All the governments that come to power appoint people as Waqf Board chairman who are against the Dargah and do not believe in the Dargah.”
Also Read:Prime Minister Narendra Modi Pays Tribute To Former External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh
Qutbi shared his views, saying, “These amendments should have been done earlier. They will bring transparency to the system.” He emphasized the importance of women’s rights, stating, “The biggest thing is that some big steps have been taken in it for women, which was very necessary. Their rights will not be ignored.”
Dargahs Chief welcomed inclusion of Non-Muslims in waqfs
Regarding the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board, Qutbi remarked, “There is talk of including non-Muslims in the board through the amendment; this does not bother us and should not bother others either.” He added that the Waqf Board has been a point of contention since 1972, with the board infringing on their rights to run the Dargahs independently.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill in the Lok Sabha on August 8. He said, “This bill has been brought to give rights to those who never got it.”
He also accused the Opposition of misleading Muslims, claiming.
