Waqf Amendment Act a step towards protecting assets of Muslim bodies, says TMML

TMML president S. Sheikh Dawood addressing the media in Madurai.
| Photo Credit: G. MOORTHY

“The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, is a step towards protecting the Waqf properties from rich and powerful Muslims who have benefited from the properties for years,” Tamil Maanila Muslim League (TMML) president S. Sheikh Dawood said on Monday.

Speaking to the media here, he said the survey of the Waqf properties should be expedited and the report should be uploaded on the website to ensure transparency.

Accusing All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader and MP Asaduddin Owaisi of “enjoying Waqf properties” worth ₹6,000 crore, Mr. Sheikh Dawood said several leaders and wealthy Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, and Karnataka were enjoying the benefits of Waqf properties without accountability.

“According to the Waqf properties data mentioned in the Sachar Committee’s report, the board had properties worth ₹1.2 lakh crore. This means the revenue should have been at least ₹12,000 crore,” he said.

And, going by the current value of these properties, the revenue should have been at least ₹90,000 crore, he said. “Where does the money go? The properties that should benefit the poor Muslims are falling into the hands of rich and powerful Muslims,” he alleged.

Asked why the TMML did not oppose the BJP government’s decision to stop the scholarship scheme for Muslim students, Mr. Sheikh Dawood replied that if all the Waqf properties, enjoyed by a few people, were recovered, the educational expenses of all Muslim students could be met. The TMML had launched a movement named ‘Waqf for the Ummah’ to take the benefits of the amendment to all people of the State, he said.