'Urgent Call To Muslims...': Zakir Naik's 'Save Indian Waqf Properties' Post Draws Rijiju's Condemnation

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday asked controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to not mislead the Muslims in India.

The minister also said the people of the country have a right to have an opinion.

Rijiju’s remark came after an X post by Naik, wherein the preacher asked the Muslims in India to “stand together to defend the sanctity of Waqf” and “reject the Waqf Amendment Bill”.

Naik also said at least five million Muslims in India should send their rejection for the bill.

“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,” Naik tweeted.

“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!” (sic), his post read.

“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,” Zakir Naik posted.

Resharing his post, Rijiju, on his official X handle, wrote, “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,” he added.

THE WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL

The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to reform the registration process for Waqf properties through a centralised portal. It has been referred to a joint parliamentary panel.

According to the presentation by the ministry, the Waqf Board made claims between 1970 and 1977 on 138 properties that were acquired for building New Delhi by the British government.

A total of 341 sq km of land was acquired to build the national capital region and due compensation was paid to the affected persons, a claim that was contested by the members.

The members also wanted the government to ascertain whether the claims by the Waqf Board on properties in Delhi were made after following the due process laid down in the Waqf Act of 1954.