Waqf
Definition, Legal Framework, and Waqf Act 1995
Waqf is an Islamic legal concept referring to a permanent religious endowment — property dedicated for religious or charitable purposes in perpetuity. Once a property is declared Waqf, it cannot be alienated, sold, transferred, or mortgaged.
- Waqf Act 1995: The principal legislation governing Waqf properties in India. It established the Central Waqf Council (CWC) and State Waqf Boards, defined the powers of the mutawalli (manager), and created Waqf Tribunals for dispute resolution.
- Central Waqf Council: Statutory advisory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs; advises Parliament and state legislatures on Waqf matters.
- State Waqf Boards: Statutory bodies in each state to manage and supervise Waqf properties. The Karnataka State Waqf Board is among the largest.
- Waqf by user: A provision in the original Act allowing property to be declared Waqf through long-standing public religious use, even without a formal endowment deed — a major source of property disputes.
- As per WAMSI portal data: 8.72 lakh Waqf properties cover over 38 lakh acres across India.
● Tracked since March 16, 2026 · last seen July 07, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
See it in today’s brief.
Daily current affairs with every static concept explained in place.
Read the daily brief