Sambit Patra cites countries without Waqf, slams opposition over Waqf Bill

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been passed in the Lok Sabha. During the debate, BJP MP Sambit Patra criticised the opposition over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, listing multiple Islamic countries—Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq—where he claimed Waqf does not exist.

Speaking in Parliament, he said: "Is waqf property present in Islamic countries? I will read the names of Islamic countries where waqf does not exist. Turkey - Doesn't exist Libya - Doesn't exist Egypt - Doesn't exist Sudan - Doesn't exist Lebanon - Doesn't exist Syria - Doesn't exist Jordan - Doesn't exist Tunisia - Doesn't exist Iraq - Doesn't exist

In Bharatvarsh, there is a waqf board. Waqf property has been given legal protection. Even after that, why is there an uproar? Why is there an uproar?"

What is Waqf?

A waqf is an inalienable charitable endowment under Islamic law. It typically involves donating a building, plot of land or other assets for Muslim religious or charitable purposes with no intention of reclaiming the assets. In India, the concept of Waqf has a long history, dating back to the early days of the Delhi Sultanate.

First Law Regarding Waqf in India

The Waqf law has evolved over time, but its foundation was laid in 1913. The first Waqf law in India was enacted during the British colonial period—the Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1913. It provided a legal framework to manage waqf properties and prevent their misuse, validating private waqf, which earlier operated under Sharia law. The British introduced this law due to rising tax evasion and property disputes. Before this, waqf relied on Sharia-based customary practices.

Evolution of Waqf Law in India

Later, in 1954, independent India introduced the Waqf Act, 1954, followed by the Waqf Act, 1995, which remains operational today. Amendments in 2013 granted waqf boards more powers. Now, the Modi government has introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill, which it claims will bring much needed reforms and enhance transparency. However, the opposition has claimed that its against the sentiments of a large section of Muslims.