Waqf Properties and Their Management

What waqf endowments are, how much land waqf boards hold in India, why management has been criticised, and the 2025 changes to the law.

A waqf is a permanent endowment of property in Islam for religious or charitable purposes.

How it works

A person dedicates property, like land or buildings, to God.
Income supports mosques, schools, graveyards, orphanages or the poor.
Waqf property generally can’t be sold.

Scale in India

State Waqf Boards manage waqf properties.
India’s waqf properties cover a very large area of land, often cited as among the largest land holdings in the country after the railways and armed forces.

Problems

Low income: many properties earn far less than their potential.
Encroachment and disputes.
Poor records.
Allegations of mismanagement.

Potential

If well managed, waqf properties could fund large amounts of education and welfare.

2025 law changes

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 changed rules on how properties are declared waqf, board composition (including non-Muslim members) and government oversight. Supporters said it would improve transparency; critics said it undermined community autonomy. Challenges went to the Supreme Court.

The underused plot

A waqf plot in a city centre is rented at an old, very low rate. Properly leased, it could fund a school's running costs for years.

Thinking waqf property can be freely sold

Waqf property is a permanent endowment that generally can't be sold.

Key takeaways

A waqf is a permanent religious or charitable endowment.
Waqf boards manage large land holdings in India.
Low income, encroachment and poor records are problems.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 changed management rules.