New Delhi: Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, expressed his support for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s (AIMPLB) protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on March 13. Madani asserted that Muslims are compelled to take to the streets to defend their rights.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Madani remarked that Muslims have exercised patience over the past 12 years. However, he argued that the disregard for Muslim concerns regarding Waqf properties and the imposition of what he described as an unconstitutional law necessitate public protest.

Madani emphasized the right to peaceful protest for religious freedom as a fundamental democratic right. He stated that efforts have been made to convince the government that Waqf properties, being donations for community welfare, should remain free from governmental interference.

He criticized the decision to refer the bill to a joint parliamentary committee, calling it a pretense due to the dismissal of opposition members’ input.

Madani maintained that any law altering the nature of Waqf or the donor’s intent is unacceptable, as Waqf is a religious obligation rooted in Islamic teachings. He stressed that Muslims cannot compromise on Shariah, which he sees as integral to their rights and existence.

He concluded by asserting that the current government seeks to undermine constitutional rights granted to Muslims through the Waqf Amendment Act. In response, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind plans to pursue legal, democratic, and constitutional avenues alongside Muslims, other minorities, and allies committed to justice.