Has the Waqf Board Come To The Point Of Seeking Zakat To Fight Legal Cases?
Hyderabad, Mar 1 (Maxim news): Has the Waqf Board come to the point of seeking Zakat to fight legal cases? This pointed question was raised by Maulana Abul Fatah Syed Bandagi Badshah after developments in the Telangana High Court exposed alleged financial lapses within the Telangana State Wakf Board.
The issue surfaced during a hearing on the construction of a boundary wall at Suleman Tekri graveyard in Bhainsa. During the proceedings, the Board’s counsel informed the court that he could not take and submit photographs of the site.
Bandagi Badshah stated that the Board had not released the required expenses on time. Consequently, the court criticized the Waqf Board and directed its Chief Executive Officer to examine the matter.
Reacting strongly, Bandagi Badshah termed the episode humiliating. He said the Board’s own lawyer had exposed its financial and administrative weaknesses in open court. Moreover, he questioned whether the Board would now seek Zakat to strengthen its financial position. He asked if religious scholars would have to declare the Board eligible to receive Zakat to sustain legal battles.
Bandagi Badshah expressed concern over what he described as weak follow up in cases related to Waqf properties. He said such lapses have become routine. Furthermore, he alleged that some cases appear deliberately weakened during court proceedings.
Bandagi claimed that certain submissions by lawyers effectively turned into indirect No Objection Certificates in favour of opposing parties.
As a result, he said, the Board has lost several valuable lands. He added that these properties could have served community welfare and religious purposes.
Therefore, he demanded urgent reforms in legal coordination and financial planning.
Waqf Boards administer properties dedicated for religious and charitable use under Islamic law.
These include mosques, graveyards, and endowments meant for public benefit. Hence, safeguarding such properties through strong legal representation remains essential.
In view of the recent developments, Bandagi Badshah questioned why he should continue as an elected representative of Waqf institutions. He warned that he may resign if accountability does not follow.
The remarks have intensified scrutiny over the Waqf Board’s financial management and legal preparedness. (Maxim News)
