India is home to all major religious groups, including a sizable number of Muslims who make about one sixth of its population. The Muslims have suffered innumerable discriminations which have led to their marginalisation in almost every sphere of life. In their heyday the Muslims had set thousands and thousands of endowments and awqaf for religious, social, educational and economic objectives. Most of these awqaf are not in good hands and good shape. Most precious and honourable of these awqaf are mosques, the houses of Allah which are meant for five daily prayers and other religious and social purposes.
Recently Jamaat-e-Islami Hind under RTI sought information from Delhi Waqf Board about illegal occupation of waqf lands in Delhi Pradesh. It has received very disturbing information from Delhi Waqf Board, according to which 22 waqf properties are under illegal occupation of different government departments, 114 under DDA, 172 under ASI and 373 under illegal possession of individuals.
This brings to mind the Government’s reply to a question asked by veteran Muslim leader Syed Shahabuddin, MP, in Parliament long back in 1983. The Central Government shamefully presented a list of 92 mosques which were under illegal possession of different individuals or groups or institutions in capital Delhi alone.
An Urdu daily from Capital has published a series of articles enlisting and highlighting illegally occupied mosques of Delhi and their present pitiable condition and misuse. Some are being misused even for criminal activities. Muslim leaders and religious figures have reacted with grave concern and asked the Government to take immediate steps to do the needful. Some have criticised the apathy of the Government, some have lamented the lack of courage in the community and some have expressed their resolve to form a committee and start sustained efforts to take back the occupied mosques.
It is not that our lamentation and condemnation will not move the stones. It is high time the Muslim community comes forward, joins hands with broad-minded citizens and starts a peaceful social and legal campaign to restore the sanctity of these houses of God. The central and state governments, National Human Rights Commission and Minorities Commission also should extend a helping hand in undoing the injustice.