On Waqf Amendment Bill and Beyond

 

In these trying times, as the Waqf Amendment sends shockwaves through the conscience of the Indian Muslim community, it’s important to remember who we are and what we stand for. The land, the institutions, the prayers built brick by brick by generations before us these are not just properties. They are sacred trusts. Yet today, they’re being targeted through calculated legislation and subtle manipulation, wrapped in legality but driven by greed.

The community is rightfully anxious, but I say this with certainty that we are not weak. The Indian Muslim is a farmer in the fields, an artisan in the lanes, a student in the classroom, and a worker under the sun. We believe in hard work, in our Creator, and in ourselves. That’s why I remain deeply hopeful. Not just because of what we've done in the past, but because of what I see in our youth today: courage, purpose, and sacrifice.

For every inch of Waqf land eyed with greed, there stands a line of faithful sons—Ashad, Saquib, Rehan etc.—who wake each day and work with the intention of giving back to their community. These are not just names; they are the embodiment of a silent revolution. They are the believers who still put service before self, working not for wealth, but for WAQF. They don’t earn for themselves, they earn for the community. They are the future. And the future is not for sale.

But let me be very clear to my Muslim brothers and sisters—do not allow yourselves to be divided. This is the very trap that has been laid for you. The politics of division, of communal polarization, is not just an accident; it is a strategy. They want to separate us, place Muslims on one side and Hindus on the other, paint us as the “other,” as the isolated minority. Why? Because that division powers the first-past-the-post system—the very machinery that lets a minority of votes become a majority in Parliament.

Let us not walk into that trap. This fight is not Hindu vs. Muslim. It is the people vs. opportunists. This is not a religious war, it is a political awakening. We must rise.

To the Muslim leaders within the ruling parties—JDU, LJP, HAM, RLD etc.—I offer a humble request. Do not resign. Do not walk out in anger. Stay where you are. Be present. Be vigilant. Learn the language of politics and understand its rhythm. Don’t be emotional—be strategic. Don't shout—think. Be precognizant. Your presence inside is more powerful than your protest outside. We need builders now, not just critics. We need you to be smart, calm, and focused.

The British ruled us not just with guns, but by mastering our divisions. Let’s not let history repeat itself.

And so, to those who dream of robbing this community of its soul, remember this: Waqf is not just land or property, it is sacrifice. It is devotion. There are thousands who are ready to build again, give again, and rise again. Insha'Allah.

The spirit of Waqf lives on, not in the stone or soil, but in the hearts of those who still believe in justice, in faith, and in a better future. And they will never let it die.

My dear young brothers, I know your heart burns when you hear of WAQF properties being targeted, misused, or taken away. I feel the same, but the time has come for you to rise—not with emotion, but with awareness. The issue of WAQF will not be resolved through slogans or outrage alone. It demands understanding, responsibility, and real work on the ground.

The system is complicated, the laws are dense, and our documents, our proof are scattered. That’s where your role becomes crucial. Start by understanding the basics of Waqf. Know what it is, how it works, and what rights come with it. And more importantly, begin by securing the records around you. Whether it's Zamindari, Hukumnama, Khatiyan, Receipts, Waqfnama, or old maps—these are not just papers. These are shields. These are your weapons in this legal and social battle.

Seek out the elders, the legal minds, those who understand land records, those who have studied Waqf history. Sit with them. Learn. Ask questions. This is your responsibility now. No solution will come out of mere allegations and counter-allegations. Debating about which MP did what, who boycotted or didn’t, has become meaningless now. That chapter has closed. It’s time to write a new one.

Focus on preserving and protecting. Document. Organize. Educate others. Mobilize legally. This is how we fight back. Not with anger alone—but with action.

So pick up that file. Find that record. Ask that elder. Use your youth properly, my brother. The community is counting on you—not to react, but to LEAD.

Remember: Waqf is not just land. It is amanat. A trust. A legacy. And you are the trustee now.

From the wall of Umar Ahsan