By Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an interaction with members of the Dawoodi Bohra community, opened up about the community’s significant involvement in the drafting of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Speaking about the extensive process, he highlighted that the spiritual leader of the community, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, played a pivotal role in guiding the reform effort, right down to the smallest grammatical details.
Revealing behind-the-scenes moments of how the Act came to be, PM Modi said, “Very few people are aware that when the idea of working on the Waqf Amendment Act came to me, the first person I approached was Syedna Sahib. He smiled, and later sent community representatives to support the drafting process.” He emphasized how Syedna Saheb provided continuous support over a three-year period, including legal insights and valuable feedback.
“I cannot express how much help I received from the Bohra community — they not only provided legal advice but went through the draft thoroughly, correcting even the commas and full stops,” he noted, as reported by ANI.
Longstanding Relationship With Bohra Leadership
Reflecting on his long association with the Bohra leadership, PM Modi mentioned earlier discussions he had with Syedna Saheb’s grandfather, who lived to be nearly a century old. “Even back then, we had started talking about Waqf-related matters. If there’s anyone who can set a true example of how Waqf should be managed and for whom it should serve, it’s Syedna Saheb,” the Prime Minister remarked.
He commended the community for upholding the true spirit of Waqf, which is traditionally a charitable trust or endowment for religious or social purposes. Modi stressed the importance of ensuring Waqf properties are looked after by honest and sincere custodians. He said this vision can only be realized when communities play an active role in how these sacred assets are maintained.
Listening to the Voices of Women
PM Modi also shared that a significant number of grievances — over 1,700 — poured in after the 2019 general elections, prompting deeper examination of the Waqf system. “Most of these complaints came from women and daughters in the Muslim community,” he revealed. “That’s when I realized the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for reform.”
He reiterated that the primary goal behind amending the Waqf Act was to ensure fairness, especially for the most marginalized. “Our mission is to empower those who are genuine, who serve society with integrity. It’s not just about laws, but about restoring justice and ensuring equal rights for all,” he said.
A Five-Year Review Before Reform
Before moving ahead with changes to the Act, the government spent five years examining the existing system. During this period, the Prime Minister said, extensive consultations were held with various religious scholars and leaders, including those from the Shia Muslim community. “Everyone — from different Muslim sects — highlighted the same set of issues with the Waqf boards and the lack of transparency in property management,” he noted.
He stressed that these discussions were inclusive and broad-based, covering both major and minority voices within the Muslim population. “This wasn’t a decision made in haste. It involved dialogue, debate, and a commitment to improve things from the grassroots level,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Supreme Court Still Hearing Petitions against Waqf (Amendment) Act
It’s worth noting that the Waqf (Amendment) Act is currently under judicial scrutiny. Several petitions challenging its constitutionality are being heard by the Supreme Court. In a recent development, the top court directed that status quo must be maintained on all existing Waqf properties — including those categorized as “Waqf by user” — until further hearings are completed.
A Step Towards Empowering the Honest
Wrapping up his remarks, PM Modi reaffirmed that the Waqf reform is not merely a legal change but a step toward restoring dignity and authority to honest individuals who wish to manage these properties with accountability. “When the poorest people pray for justice, their blessings are powerful. Our responsibility is to ensure that people like them get the control they deserve,” he concluded.
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