Budgam, Apr 21, KNT: In a strong assertion of religious rights and community autonomy, Kashmir’s chief cleric and Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) patron Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday warned against what he called “growing state intrusion” into Muslim religious affairs, voicing firm opposition to the controversial Waqf Bill that proposes greater administrative control over Islamic endowments in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Budgam after a condolence meet at the residence of late Syed Baqir, Mirwaiz said the MMU had passed a resolution rejecting the Waqf Bill in its current form, citing “deep concerns” over its implications for the independence and sanctity of Muslim institutions.
“This is not just a legal or administrative matter, it is a religious issue. Waqf properties are sacred endowments made by individuals for specific Islamic purposes. They are meant to be managed by the community in accordance with Islamic values, not state directives,” the Mirwaiz asserted.
He questioned the selective focus on Muslim institutions, stating, “We do not seek interference in any religion. Then why are only Muslims being made part of a state-managed Waqf board? Why this exception?”
The MMU’s resolution, he said, reflects the unease across religious circles over attempts to centralize control of religious assets under government-run boards. Such steps, according to him, undermine the spiritual independence of institutions that have functioned autonomously for centuries.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also urged judicial scrutiny of the matter, saying, “We place our hope in the Supreme Court of India. We expect it to take cognizance of these concerns and ensure justice for all communities, irrespective of religion.”
Aligning MMU with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s stance on the issue, the Mirwaiz stressed that religious legislation without community consultation was unacceptable. “Matters of faith require the voice of the faithful. There can be no legitimacy without consultation,” he said.
He concluded by calling on all communities to stand united in defending their cultural and religious rights, warning that silence now could lead to greater erosion of institutional autonomy in the future. [KNT]
