PIB's claim on absence of waqf properties in Islamic countries debunked
New Delhi: The Union Minority Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju, introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on 8th August. These proposed changes have sparked controversy, with several community leaders, activists, opposition figures, and legal experts raising concerns about potential misuse and threats to minority rights. A joint parliamentary committee has been established to review the proposed amendments, consisting of 31 members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The committee has invited written suggestions from the public, NGOs, and experts.
In light of this, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) released an explainer addressing the Waqf Amendment Bill. Among its claims, the PIB stated that several Islamic countries, including Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq, do not have Waqf properties. This claim was widely circulated on social media.
However, upon investigation, the claim was found to be inaccurate. Research on these countries revealed that Waqf properties are present in Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Tunisia. Government websites and official documents confirm the existence and management of Waqf properties in these nations.
For instance, in Turkey, the Directorate General of Foundations under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism oversees Waqf properties. Similarly, in Libya and Egypt, respective government bodies manage Waqf matters. In Jordan, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs handles these affairs, while Lebanon’s Dar Al-Fatwa supervises Waqf-related matters. Iraq has separate offices for Sunni and Shia Waqfs, overseeing their respective endowments.
Source: Alt News
Fact check:
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) October 16, 2024
The claim by the Union government's Press Information Bureau (PIB) that countries like Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia etc have no Waqf system is FALSE. Read https://t.co/6YotfftkLX https://t.co/sn71luCt3L pic.twitter.com/PZo1KWZibk
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
