Shia Personal Law Board Voices Concern Over Mosque and Dargah Surveys in India

The All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB), a significant organisation for Shia Muslims in India, voiced concerns on Thursday about the recent trend of surveying mosques and dargahs, declaring them as temples. They urged the Supreme Court and the government to enforce the Places of Worship Special Provisions Act, 1991, strictly. This act mandates that all religious sites, except Babri Masjid, remain as they were on August 15, 1947.

Concerns Over Mosque Surveys

During a national executive meeting in Lucknow, AISPLB members discussed various issues. These included the surveying of Muslim religious sites, disrespect towards mosques, protection of waqf properties, and geopolitical issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict and political shifts in Syria. Maulana Yasoob Abbas, the general secretary, highlighted members' worries about surveys aiming to find temples beneath mosques and dargahs.

Abbas stated that if these surveys continue, it could worsen the country's atmosphere. He emphasised the need for the Supreme Court and government intervention to halt such practices. The board welcomed a recent Supreme Court decision regarding mosque surveys, viewing it as crucial for safeguarding religious freedom and enhancing communal harmony.

Protection of Waqf Properties

The meeting also addressed illegal occupation of waqf properties. The board advocated for a special monitoring mechanism to protect these assets. Maulana Saim Mehdi stressed that safeguarding waqf properties is a collective duty, essential for future generations. The board expressed dissatisfaction with the joint committee's proceedings on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024.

Abbas criticised the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for not consulting organisations directly linked to waqf matters. Instead, they engaged with unrelated institutions. This oversight was seen as a significant flaw in addressing waqf-related issues effectively.

International Concerns

Regarding international matters, board members condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and called for an immediate halt to what they described as genocide. They also expressed concern over Syria's political changes, particularly the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani. This development poses a threat to minorities in Syria, especially the Shia community.

The board appealed to the United Nations and human rights organisations to ensure the safety of holy sites and Shia communities in Syria. They stressed that protecting these areas is vital amidst ongoing regional instability.

Maulana Saim Mehdi noted an increase in anti-social activities targeting mosques over the past decade. These include stone-pelting, provocative slogans, derogatory remarks, and misuse of loudspeakers near mosques. He called for identifying those responsible and taking strict action against them.

Abbas highlighted that recent attacks on mosques threaten India's Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (composite culture). He urged governments to ensure mosque safety by enforcing existing laws effectively. The board believes that such measures are crucial for maintaining peace and communal harmony across the nation.