Guwahati, April 8: The Muslim Students’ Union of Assam (MSUA) has strongly condemned the newly passed WAQF Act 2025, calling it a serious threat to the constitutional and religious rights of India’s Muslim minority.
Addressing a press conference held at the MSUA headquarters in Guwahati, MSUA president Jalal Uddin voiced the union’s staunch opposition to the law, warning that the legislation could erode the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions and violate key constitutional protections under Articles 25B, 26, 27, and 28.
The WAQF Act 2025, which was granted presidential assent on April 5, is intended to “streamline” the management of waqf properties — charitable assets endowed for religious or philanthropic purposes. The central government argues that the Act introduces transparency, reduces mismanagement, and strengthens oversight. However, critics say it centralizes control and weakens the role of the Muslim community in managing its own endowments.
“This Act strikes at the very heart of our religious freedom and our right to manage our own affairs,” Jalal Uddin stated. He pointed to provisions in the Act that increase government oversight and revise the structure of waqf boards as “deeply problematic” and “dangerously intrusive,” he said.
A major point of contention is the inclusion of non-Muslim members on waqf boards — a move the government says is meant to foster inclusivity and improve governance. The MSUA, however, argues this provision compromises the religious integrity of waqf institutions.
“How can individuals unfamiliar with Islamic tenets and practices effectively manage properties dedicated to Islamic purposes?” Uddin asked. “This move appears to be a deliberate attempt to weaken the influence of the Muslim community over its own religious affairs,” he also said.
The MSUA has called for an immediate review of the Act and urged civil society, minority rights groups, and legal experts to challenge the legislation on constitutional grounds. The organization also hinted at potential legal action and public mobilization if the government fails to address their concerns.
“This is not just about property — it’s about the principle of self-governance and respect for religious identity,” Uddin added.
The WAQF Act 2025 has triggered strong reactions from several quarters, and with the MSUA now joining the opposition, the law is set to face growing resistance in the days ahead.
