The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, after a gruelling 13-hour session. The bill was cleared by a majority of votes, despite mass opposition uproar. The bill has now been sent to the Rajya Sabha for further consideration.
During a 13-hour-long debate, the NDA ruling defended the legislation, whereas the opposition has termed the bill as "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional".
With the bill now before Rajya Sabha for consideration, here's a look at the history of Waqf and what it means.
History Of Waqf | Explained
Waqf has been taken from the Arabic word "waqufa", which means to detain, hold or tie up.
When it comes to Islamic Law, Waqf refers to the dedication of property for religious or charitable purposes. Once a property is dedicated at waqf, it cannot be transferred through inheritance, sold or given away.
In Indian law, the Waqf Act of 1954 stated that waqf refers to a permanent dedication by a person who practices Islam, of any movable or immovable property recognised as pious, religious or charitable.
The origins of the waqf law in India date back to the pre-colonial era, when Islamic rulers would present and assign properties for religious and charitable purposes.
The first waqf documented in the Indian subcontinent was in the 12th century under the Muslim invader Muhammad Ghori, specifically after his victory against Prithviraj Chauhan
Following India's independence, the Waqf Act was established in 1954 to provide a comprehensive framework for the registration, supervision and management of waqf properties across the nation.
In 1955, the act was replaced and outlined key provisions regarding waqf properties, the creation of state waqf boards and the creation of a central waqf council.
Under the 1955 act, every state was required to appoint a survey commissioner to identify and outline waqf properties, which are then recorded in official gazettes.
This act also further categorises waqf as -
waqf by users such as graveyards, Musafir Khanas (Sarai) and Chowltries.
waqf under Mashrutul-khidmat (Service Inam) such as Khazi service, Nirkhi service, Pesh Imam service and Khateeb service.
Wakf Alal-aulad is dedicated by the Donor (Wakif) for the benefit of their kith and kin, and, any other purpose recognised by Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable.
As of 2005, around 500,000 waqf properties were registered in India. However, as per The Economist, this number increased to 872,000 properties in 2025.
