Waqf Amendment Bill controversy

Rijiju Criticizes Zakir Naik’s Remarks on Waqf Amendment Bill

The ongoing debate surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill has ignited a political storm,  with Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, stepping forward to criticize Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for his recent statements. Naik, in a provocative social media post, urged Indian Muslims to reject the bill, which has led to Rijiju issuing a strong response.

Zakir Naik’s Call to Reject the Waqf Amendment Bill

In his social media post, Zakir Naik made a fervent appeal to the Muslim community in India, urging them to stand against the Waqf Amendment Bill. According to Naik, the bill breaches the “sacred status of Waqf” and could have serious repercussions for the future of Islamic institutions in the country. He stressed the need for collective action, asking Indian Muslims to register their objections with the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which is currently reviewing the bill.

Naik’s message also included a QR code link, encouraging Muslims to scan it and support the movement. He appealed for at least five million Indian Muslims to voice their rejection of the bill, warning that failure to act would result in accountability for the community as a whole. “We will be held accountable if we do not prevent the Waqf properties from being taken away from the Ummah,” Naik wrote.

Kiren Rijiju’s Strong Rebuttal to Zakir Naik

In response to Naik’s statements, Kiren Rijiju issued a scathing rebuttal, condemning the Islamic preacher for attempting to influence Indian Muslims from abroad. Rijiju warned Naik against spreading false propaganda and urged him not to mislead innocent people. The Union Minister emphasized that India is a democratic country where people are entitled to their opinions, but external interference and misleading narratives should not be tolerated.

“Please do not mislead the innocent Muslims from outside our country,” Rijiju wrote in his response, adding that false narratives would only create confusion and harm the unity of the community. He stressed the need for factual discussions rather than divisive propaganda surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill controversy.

The Waqf Amendment Bill: A Source of Political Division

The Waqf Amendment Bill has become a hot topic of debate within India, sparking political division across various parties and communities. The bill, which aims to reform the management of Waqf properties, is currently under discussion by the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The proposed changes to the Waqf Act have drawn both support and opposition, with Zakir Naik’s comments adding fuel to the already heated discussion.

However, Jagdambika Pal, the Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, has assured the public that the proposed amendments are intended to benefit marginalized groups, including the poor, women, children, and the minority community as a whole. He emphasized that the bill is being carefully deliberated upon and is aimed at promoting fairness in the management of Waqf properties, which have historically been an important resource for Muslim communities in India.

Rijiju’s Call for Democratic Discourse

In his response, Kiren Rijiju reiterated that India’s democratic framework allows for open discourse and debate. He acknowledged the right of citizens to express their views on important legislative matters, such as the Waqf Amendment Bill controversy, but cautioned against allowing foreign figures like Zakir Naik to influence public opinion in misleading ways.

Rijiju also noted that the Waqf Amendment Bill is being discussed in the spirit of inclusivity and fairness, with an emphasis on improving the transparency and management of Waqf properties. The bill, he suggested, is not an attack on Islamic institutions or the rights of Muslims, as Naik had implied, but rather a legislative effort to enhance the efficiency and equity of Waqf administration.

Zakir Naik’s Continued Controversy

Zakir Naik, a controversial figure in Indian politics, has long been a polarizing personality. His sermons and social media posts have often drawn criticism from political figures and sections of the Indian public. His latest statements regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill have only added to his controversial legacy.

While Naik continues to appeal to Muslims to resist the proposed changes, his critics, like Kiren Rijiju, argue that such interventions from abroad only serve to destabilize the democratic processes within India. They claim that foreign influence in sensitive legislative matters can mislead citizens and disrupt the country’s progress.

Conclusion: Political Tensions Over the Waqf Amendment Bill

The back-and-forth between Kiren Rijiju and Zakir Naik over the Waqf Amendment Bill controversy highlights the deep political tensions surrounding this issue. While Naik calls for resistance to the bill, Rijiju’s rebuttal emphasizes the importance of democratic discourse and the dangers of misleading propaganda.

As the Joint Parliamentary Committee continues its deliberations, it remains to be seen how the bill will be received by the broader Muslim community and whether it will indeed bring the reforms it promises. For now, the debate over the Waqf properties and the future of Islamic institutions in India continues to generate intense discussion and political division.

BJP Criticizes Rahul Gandhis US Remarks