The All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board has extended its support for the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and has called on the government to ensure transparency in the functioning of Waqf boards while safeguarding the rights of women, particularly those from marginalized sections of the Muslim community.
Waqf Management
Shaista Amber, President of the All India Muslim Women’s Personal Law Board, praised the government’s move, stating that earlier administrations and religious leaders should have taken similar steps. She emphasized the need for honest management of Waqf properties, highlighting that donations made to Waqf are meant to benefit the poor.
“Positive action should be taken. The people who donate to Waqf do so with the intention of helping the poor. But that purpose was not being fulfilled. Not all Waqf lands were misused, but the Waqf Board failed to operate with integrity,” she told media.
Free Encroached Land
Amber also called for the government to take action against illegal encroachments on Waqf land. She urged the BJP-led government to ensure women receive their rights and that investigations be carried out to identify those responsible for misusing Waqf resources.
“We request the government to free the Waqf lands that have been illegally occupied. Investigations must be conducted, and strict action should be taken against those responsible. None of the previous governments truly worked for the Muslims; they only played vote-bank politics,” she said.
She further suggested that housing should be constructed on Waqf lands for divorced Muslim women, providing them with safe shelter and support. “This would be a constructive step towards women’s empowerment within the community,” she added.
Previous Appeal To Prime Minister
Shaista Amber also recalled her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017, during which she had raised concerns about illegal occupation of Waqf properties and had urged action to free the lands.
Parliament Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha earlier this week after intense debate. The bill was opposed by members of the INDIA bloc, but ultimately received parliamentary approval.
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