Mufti Manzoor Ziyai’s ‘Waqf: Sharia, Politics and Reform – Indian Perspective’ reveals deep-rooted corruption, illegal occupation, and government failure in managing Waqf properties meant for Muslim welfare.
MUMBAI — Waqf properties in India, meant to serve the Muslim community in the name of Allah, are being looted openly, and the government remains silent. In his book, Waqf: Sharia, Politics and Reform – Indian Perspective, renowned Islamic scholar and social reformer Mufti Manzoor Ziyai has brought to light serious issues of corruption, land grabbing, and misuse of Waqf assets, many of which are worth billions.
The book launch event at the Mumbai Press Club on Tuesday was attended by several journalists, activists, and intellectuals. It has sparked national discussion at a time when Muslims across the country are protesting the controversial amendments made to the Waqf Act in April 2025 by the Central Government.
“This is not just a book to read. This is a document of awareness. This is a weapon to claim our rights,” declared Mufti Ziyai during the book launch, his voice filled with concern and fire.
Addressing the media, Mufti Ziyai questioned the condition of Muslim Waqf assets and why they have failed to serve the community. He asked, “When the Waqf property is in the way of Allah, then where are our hospitals? Where are our schools? Where are the medical centres and scholarships?”
He continued with a painful example: “An Imam’s 12-year-old son is in hospital, struggling for life. They cannot afford treatment. But the truth is that Waqf properties worth billions are lying across the country. Still, the real beneficiaries — ordinary Muslims — are empty-handed.”
Ziyai’s statement echoed with the people present, many nodding in agreement. For years, the misuse of Waqf land has been reported, but no concrete steps have been taken.
The new Waqf Amendment Act has raised fears that more Waqf lands will now be handed over to private builders and corporate interests. According to Mufti Ziyai, “This is not reform; it’s legalised robbery. These are Allah’s properties. You cannot sell them. You cannot occupy them. You cannot turn them into commercial malls.”
He said, “Look across the country — how many Waqf lands are under illegal occupation? How many are being used for political or personal gain? Even Waqf Boards, which are supposed to protect them, are silent or involved in the loot.”
Ziyai further added, “There’s a clear link between government silence and the grabbing of Waqf land. Why is there no transparency? Why are Waqf Boards not held accountable?”
The 200-page book covers legal, religious, and social aspects of Waqf in India. It also exposes the history of political interference in Waqf boards and includes shocking examples of misused land, some reportedly sold or leased for cheap rates to Hindu organisations and private companies.
“This book is an alarm bell. If we don’t wake up now, our children will never forgive us,” said Ziyai.
He said the community must come forward to protect Waqf properties. “We are not beggars. These lands were donated by our ancestors for the uplift of the Muslim society. These are not for sale. These are trusts in the name of Allah.”
In a bold move, Mufti Ziyai announced that he would distribute 3,000 copies of the book free of cost across India. “My goal is simple,” he said, “to make Muslims understand what Waqf is, what their rights are, and how they have been cheated.”
He added, “We need awareness more than anything. Our people don’t know how much land belongs to them. They don’t know how badly they have been robbed.”
When asked whether the new Waqf Amendment Act will help or harm Muslims, Mufti Ziyai replied cautiously, “This matter is still in the Supreme Court. It would not be right to comment in detail. But we must study the law ourselves. We must raise our voice.”
He warned that if the community stays silent, the government will continue to change laws and rules to take over Waqf properties.
The book also questions the role of Muslim politicians and the silence of many Waqf Boards. “Why are our leaders quiet? Why are our Boards full of people with no fear of Allah?” Ziyai asked.
He said, “The government has made rules, but our own people are not protecting our land. This is the biggest betrayal.”
Sanaullah Khan, a young social activist present at the launch, said, “This book should be read by every Muslim. We always talk about injustice, but here is a chance to see it with facts and documents.”
Another attendee, journalist Zubair Shaikh, commented, “It’s shocking to see how much Waqf property is being looted, and yet very few people are speaking up.”
Mufti Ziyai ended his speech with an emotional call to action. “We have to fight peacefully, legally, and with knowledge. But we must not stay silent. If Waqf is for Allah, then it should benefit Allah’s people.”
