Is Waqf a Religious Matter and Article 341 Non-Religious?
Introduction: The recently proposed Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament has created a clear divide within the Muslim community. On one side, those directly associated with Waqf oppose the amendment, while on the other, a significant section—particularly the Pasmanda Muslims—remains either silent or indifferent, believing that the issue does not directly concern them.
However, if examined from an unbiased perspective, the harm caused to the Pasmanda community by the Waqf Amendment Bill is insignificant compared to the injustice of Article 341, which has legally excluded Pasmanda Muslims from their constitutional rights for over 75 years.
The Unconstitutionality of Article 341 and 75 Years of Injustice- Under Article 341, the Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation benefits were originally extended only to Hindus. A Presidential Order on August 10, 1950 (SC Order, 1950) further excluded Muslims and Christians from these benefits, reinforcing religious discrimination in constitutional provisions.
Due to this discriminatory clause:
Pasmanda Muslims were denied the benefits of SC reservations.
Their educational, social, and economic conditions deteriorated.
They lost equal opportunities in government jobs and political representation.
They were deprived of fair participation in development schemes.
Who are the Real Beneficiaries of Waqf Properties?
Originally, Waqf properties were meant for the welfare of poor and underprivileged Muslims, especially the Pasmanda community. However, in reality, these properties have been controlled and exploited by the elite sections of the Muslim society for generations.
Key Questions: Did Pasmanda Muslims ever benefit directly from Waqf properties?
Were schools, hospitals, or employment opportunities ever created from Waqf funds?
Has there ever been transparency in the management of Waqf properties?
The Harsh Reality of Waqf Boards- Those dominating Waqf Boards for decades are the same groups that have systematically marginalized the Pasmanda community while politically and financially benefiting from these properties.
AIMPLB, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Owaisi, Madani, and Bukhari’s True Colors
The recent protests against the Waqf Amendment Bill at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, have exposed the hypocrisy of religious-political leaders like:
AIMPLB (All India Muslim Personal Law Board)
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind
Asaduddin Owaisi
Maulana Arshad Madani
Shahi Imam Bukhari
Key Observations:
1. These organizations consider the Waqf Amendment Bill a major issue, but Article 341’s religious discrimination is not a concern for them.
2. They have never demanded the removal of religious restrictions on SC reservations.
3. They are willing to protest for Waqf properties, but remain silent about the constitutional exclusion of Pasmanda Dalits.
4. Their real motive is self-serving politics, not social justice for Pasmanda Muslims.
Pasmanda Muslims Must Ask These Questions:
1. Why does a small elite class dominate leadership in a community where 85% of Muslims are Pasmanda?
2. Why have AIMPLB and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind never advocated for Pasmanda rights?
3. How much have Pasmanda Muslims actually benefited from Waqf properties?
4. If Article 341 is not an issue for these so-called leaders, should Pasmanda Muslims continue following them?
Is Waqf a Religious Issue and Article 341 a Non-Religious Issue?
Waqf: Waqf properties were originally meant for Islamic charitable purposes, but they were monopolized by a privileged few. Though seen as a religious issue, Waqf has major economic and social consequences for the community.
Article 341: Article 341’s exclusion of Muslim and Christian Dalits from SC benefits is a clear case of constitutional discrimination. This is not a religious issue but a question of social justice and equality under the Indian Constitution.
Conclusion: It is high time that Pasmanda Muslims hold these religious-political leaders accountable:
✅ Why do they protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill but remain silent on Article 341?
✅ Pasmanda Muslims do not need leaders who ignore their constitutional rights.
✅ The real issue is not Waqf but the discriminatory clause of Article 341, which denies Pasmanda Muslims socio-economic justice.
The Choice is Yours:
Will Pasmanda Muslims continue to follow these self-serving religious leaders, or Will they raise their voice and fight for their constitutional rights?
Muhammad Yunus
Chief Executive Director
All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz
Contact: 9084448524
