Selected Papers on the Law and Administration of Auqaf in India”, is the title of a recently released book authored by Dr. Rizwanul Haque, better known as Mr. Qaisar Shamim, former Secretary of Central Waqf Board and a former Administrator of Punjab Waqf Board before its bifurcation in three – Haryana, Punjab, and HP. Light in weight but heavy in useful material, the booklet is divided in seven chapters: Introduction, Sitting on the Gold Mine, Waqf Act in India: A Law without Administrative Mechanism, Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013, Central Waqf Council, Appendixes and Note on the 123 Waqf Properties of Delhi.
In the ‘Introduction’ and ‘Sitting on Gold Mine- some reflections on Auqaf in India’ the author has traced tradition and management of Auqaf from pre-British era to the present day, and an assessment of the value of Waqf Assets. He has also traced the history, background of Waqf laws in Independent India and the lacunas. “Sitting on the Gold Mine” is based on his inaugural lecture, delivered on 26th October 2015, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi under “India Talks” series organised by India Harmony Foundation, New Delhi.
“Waqf Act in India: A Law without Administrative Mechanism” is based on Key-Note address he delivered at ‘National Consultative Meeting on Auqaf’ organised by AIMMM in New Delhi on 3rd April 2016. “Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013 – in the light of Sachar Committee Report” is his paper presented at a consultative meeting organised by Institute of Objective Studies, at IICC, in 2013. “Central Waqf Council: reassessing its limitations and Achievements” is his presentation in the seminar on Auqaf, organised by Islamic Fiqh Academy in March 2016.
Extracted from his long experience in the field, the booklet is parallel to research work by a proactive officer with the understanding of legal as well as practical aspects of Waqf Management. As Justice (Retired) Suhail Ahmad Siddiqui admired the approach of the author and the contents of the book, I understand it is a must-read book for Waqf officials, legal practitioners, and activists who deal in related matters.
Released by Justice Siddiqui, on 27th January 2018 at a function addressed and attended by intellectuals, activists, authors and journalist at AIMMM head office, this booklet is published by All India Muslim-e-Mushawarat, 230-D, Abul Fazl Enclave, New Delhi-110025 and is priced at Rs 120/ (pages 88).