A group of leading Indian Muslim leaders and intellectuals has issued a joint letter expressing gratitude to parliamentarians who opposed the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, during legislative debates. The signatories condemned the legislation for eroding the independence of Islamic charitable endowments and violating constitutional principles of equality and religious freedom.
This letter emerges amid widespread protests and legal challenges against the Act, which critics argue institutionalised state overreach and discriminates against India’s Muslim community. This collective action aligns with broader opposition to the Act, including nationwide protests and planned Supreme Court challenges, amid accusations of systemic marginalization of Muslim institutions
The signatories include Jamaat-e-Islami Hind President Syed Sadatullah Husaini, Former Chairman, National Commission for Minorities and Chief Commissioner of India Wajahat Habibullah IAS Retd., Former VC Aligarh Muslim University Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah (Retd), Former Secretary Govt. of India Afzal Amanullah IAS Retd, Former President, All India Muslim Majlis e Mushawarat Navaid Hamid and others
The legislation has been challenged by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Mohammed Javed in the Supreme Court on grounds of violating constitutional principles.
Here is the full text of joint letter issued by Muslim leaders and intellectuals
We, the undersigned members of the Indian Muslim community, extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your unwavering commitment and efforts in defending the structures of Waqf and opposing the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act within the Parliament. Your dedication to preserving the sanctity of these institutions, which hold immense cultural and religious significance, has not gone unnoticed.
We also humbly appreciate the solidarity shown by secular forces during the Waqf Amendment Bill. As we embark on the long journey ahead, we look forward to strengthening our collective efforts and collaboration to protect and promote the rights and interests of the Muslim community.
The current situation has starkly highlighted the diminishing relevance of minority voices, particularly of the Muslims, in the broader socio-political discourse. This reality calls for a strategic pivot in the approach to safeguarding the rights and interests of strangulated muslim community along with other marginalised groups.
The recent passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill has left the Muslim community feeling disillusioned and marginalized, as it seems to disregard their constitutional rights as outlined in constitution of India. This development has created a sense of alienation among Muslim youths, who are now questioning their place within the country’s political landscape. The bill’s passage marks a critical juncture in the struggle for the dignified survival of Muslims in India.
It’s heartbreaking to see that the current circumstances are in stark contrast to the vision of our ancestors and leaders of freedom movement, who had envisioned an inclusive nation where all communities could coexist in harmony. They had rejected the idea of a separate nation-state and instead chose to invest in the future of a united India, where everyone could thrive together. The erosion of this vision is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed.
Your unity and resolve in the face of challenges have been a source of inspiration and hope for the community. We believe that this solidarity must extend beyond the walls of the Parliament. In this regard, we humbly urge you to come together and make a joint representation to the Honorable President of India, requesting the reconsideration of the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. Such a step would not only reinforce your commitment to the cause but also amplify the collective voice of the Muslim community.
If we don’t receive a positive response from the President’s office, we must consider bold measures. This could include daily protests both inside and outside Parliament including boycotting its proceedings in future, and a joint press conference of Muslim parliamentarians from across party lines. Presenting a united front is crucial to defend Muslim rights and voice our concerns which will invite strategic attention of the national and international media.
We trust in your wisdom and leadership to chart a future course that ensures inclusivity, equity, and justice for all and representing voices of the voiceless Muslim community.
Md Irshad Ayub is Founding English editor at millat times and Delhi-based freelance journalist.
