All India Muslim Personal Law Board's Key Resolutions On Waqf Bill, UCC & Palestine Crisis | in 29th Annual Convention

 

All India Muslim Personal Law Board Concludes 29th Convention: Key Resolutions and Concerns On Waqf Bill, UCC & Palestine Crisis

 

Bangalore, 25 November 2024: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) concluded its 29th convention at Jamia Sabeelur Rashad in Bangalore. The two-day event brought together 251 board members, who discussed pressing issues impacting the Muslim community and took key decisions.

Leadership Renewal

Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani was re-elected as President for the 2024–2026 term. Shortly after his re-election, Maulana Rahmani appointed office bearers for the new term and filled vacant seats in various membership categories.

 

Key Resolutions Adopted

1. Opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024

The convention strongly criticized the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, alleging it was designed to weaken and manipulate the legal protections of waqf properties across India.

• Board’s Action:
  AIMPLB submitted a detailed objection to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), highlighting the bill’s adverse impact. Mobilizing Muslim citizens, the board facilitated the rejection of the bill through QR code submissions, with approximately 3.66 crore Muslims participating. Along with inputs from other groups, nearly 5 crore objections were lodged.
• Political Engagement:
  AIMPLB approached opposition parties, including allies of the ruling NDA, urging them to oppose the bill. It warned that if passed, the board would pursue all legal, constitutional, and democratic avenues to resist the law.

2. Uniform Civil Code (UCC): A Threat to Religious Freedom

The AIMPLB reiterated its opposition to the UCC, arguing that it threatens India's cultural diversity and undermines constitutional freedoms.

• Key Arguments:
  The board emphasized that personal laws of all communities, not just Muslims, are integral to their cultural and religious identities. It noted that the Shariat Application Act, 1937, remains a fundamental right under Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.
• UCC could jeopardize the distinct identities of India’s religious groups and disturb the federal structure of the nation.
• Directive Principles cited for UCC are non-enforceable and cannot override fundamental rights.

To counter efforts promoting UCC, the board plans to challenge the implementation of such laws in states like Uttarakhand, beginning with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Nainital High Court.

3. Humanitarian Crisis in Palestine

The board condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, Lebanon, and other Palestinian territories, calling Israel’s actions genocide.

• Statistics Shared:
  More than 45,000 lives, including women and children, have been lost, with millions displaced. Infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and homes lies in ruins, while humanitarian aid remains blocked.
• Demands:
• Immediate cessation of violence and troop withdrawal by Israel.
• Exchange of hostages and release of Palestinian detainees.
• UN-led reconstruction efforts, funded by Israel, the U.S., and Western countries.
• Renewed focus on implementing the two-state solution as per UN resolutions.

4. Places of Worship Act, 1991

The board expressed concern over legal challenges to the Act, which mandates maintaining the religious character of places of worship as of Independence Day.

• Current Issues:
  Ongoing disputes like those involving Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi and Shahi Idgah in Mathura have led to violence, including the recent death of protesters in Sambhal, UP.
• In 2022, the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Act opened the door for further litigation, causing unrest.
  AIMPLB urged the government to restore the Act’s intended protections to prevent communal conflicts.

5. Insult to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The board highlighted the recurring issue of derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide and tarnish India’s image.

• Demands:
• Strict legal action against offenders.
• Introduction of a blasphemy law to protect all religious figures and prevent inflammatory statements.

 

Leadership’s Address

General Secretary Maulana Fazlur Raheem Mujaddidi and National Spokesperson Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas emphasized the board’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Muslims while promoting harmony. They called upon the government to engage constructively with minority communities and uphold constitutional values.

 

Conclusion

The AIMPLB’s resolutions reflect its determination to address challenges faced by the Muslim community in India. From opposing controversial legislation to advocating for humanitarian causes, the board underscored its role as a guardian of Islamic principles and constitutional rights.