New Delhi

The Sachar Committee report had estimated the annual revenue from Waqf assets could reach Rs 1.25 lakh crore; Waqf properties, worth an estimated Rs 2 lakh crore, were underutilized, with annual income falling drastically short of their potential. These assertions are made in the book ‘Waqf Bill 2024: Respect to Islam and Gift for Muslims’ publiushed and circulated by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an organ of the RSS.

MRM, which hailed the passage of the Waqf Amendment bill 2025 in Parliament said that money could be invested in education, healthcare, and social welfare programmes for the Muslim community. “However, much of this potential was squandered due to inaction and mismanagement by the Waqf Board,” says the MRM while hailing the recent passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 by Parliament.

The MRM hailed the Bill as a historic move that will pave the way for transparency, justice, and development within the Muslim community.

In a statement, MRM saluted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal, and the tireless efforts of thousands of MRM workers for the successful passage of the Bill.

Shahid Sayeed, National Convener of MRM, expressed pride and excitement in the passage of the bill through parliament.

Urging the Muslim community to celebrate this significant change, he said, “This law is not against any religion or sect; it is a symbol of transparency, justice, and development. It ensures rightful entitlements for orphans, widows, the poor, and the needy.”

He said that the Bill was not just a legal reform but also a victory for marginalised sections of society, particularly within the Muslim community.

The MRM also cautioned the public to remain wary of divisive political forces, noting the importance of unity and brotherhood in the wake of this new law. The organisation described the Bill as a major step towards ending the exploitation and corruption within Waqf properties, a situation that, according to MRM, has been held hostage by mafias and land jihadists for decades.

"The Waqf is now free," stated the MRM. "Though India gained independence in 1947, it is only today that Waqf properties have been freed from political manipulation and corruption." The Manch underscored the historical significance of this moment, calling for PM Modi's name to be etched in golden letters for his role in the reform.

In a bid to raise awareness and garner public support for the bill, MRM workers organised over 5,000 public meetings, seminars, debates, and article campaigns across the country.

These efforts helped expose widespread corruption within the Waqf system and highlighted the misuse of properties meant for the welfare of the community. MRM officials worked tirelessly to counter misleading narratives and rumours, stressing that the Bill does not harm anyone’s faith but rather sets the stage for necessary social reform, says the Manch.

The book quoted by the MRM outlines the history and potential of Waqf reform, was widely distributed by MRM volunteers and reached influential leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot.

At the launch event of the book, Union minister Kiren Rijiju praised it as an "encyclopaedia of Waqf," recommending it for all who wished to understand the nuances of the issue.

Social activist and analyst Dr Shalini Ali pointed out the fear some so-called community leaders had of the Bill’s passage. "Those who falsely posed as community leaders were afraid of digitisation, CAG audits, and transparency because it would expose their illegal assets," she remarked. She further stated that the Bill would unmask the true faces of those who exploited Waqf properties for personal gain.

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Advocate Shiraz Qureshi, an expert on Muslim affairs, echoed similar sentiments, clarifying that the bill would not interfere with Muslim properties but instead ensure that the assets of Waqf were transparently used for the community’s upliftment. "The Bill aims to ensure that poor Muslims receive their rightful share and that corrupt elements no longer have control over these assets."