The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to enhance the benefits of Waqf for women, who have traditionally had limited access to its resources. It introduces regulations to ensure Muslim women receive their rightful inheritance and play a significant role in managing Waqf properties. A notable provision of the bill protects women’s inheritance rights in family Waqf, stating that properties cannot be dedicated until female heirs receive their share, thus preventing families from denying women their entitlements.
Moreover, the bill extends the objectives of Waqf-alal-aulad to support widows, divorced women, and orphans, ensuring Waqf funds can be utilized for their welfare. This initiative aims to provide economic security aligned with Islamic welfare principles. The governance aspect is also fortified with mandates that require the inclusion of two Muslim women on State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council, enabling women to influence resource management for needs such as scholarships, healthcare, skill training, and legal aid.
Furthermore, the bill promotes vocational training centers and self-help groups for women’s economic independence. A key reform is the digitization of Waqf records to bolster transparency and limit corruption, ensuring funds for women are not misused. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a significant move towards using Waqf for social welfare and justice, aiming to foster long-term gender equality in Waqf administration and enhancing opportunities for Muslim women to progress and empower themselves.
