Mumbai News: Muslim Group Forms 'Waqf Task Force' To Oppose Tribunal Order Declaring Bhendi Bazar Musafirkhana As Non-Waqf

Raising concerns over the recent order by the Maharashtra State Waqf Tribunal that declared the Haji Ismail Haji Habib Musafirkhana, Pakmodia Street, as non-Waqf, a group of Muslims have formed a 'Waqf Task Force' to oppose the plans.

The group said that despite the musafirkhana's long-standing role serving poor widows, orphans, and travellers, the property was declared as non-Waqf. Waqf refers to Muslim religious endowment by donors. These properties are administered by the Waqf Boards and cannot be sold or used for non-religious purpose.

The dispute is over the transfer of the musafirkhana building and its attached mosque to India's largest urban renewal scheme in Bhendi Bazar. However, there has been objections from a section of the local Muslim community and  to the demolition of the prayer hall for the project. Their contention is that place is a mosque and a religious endowment under Waqf laws and cannot be demolished for non-religious use.

The developers have said that it is not a mosque but a prayer hall and not a Waqf property. Their contention is that the transfer of the property to the redevelopment project has been approved by the office of the Charity Commissioner which has jurisdiction over non-Waqf trusts.

The group said it plans to expose the 'systemic neglect and exploitation ' of Waqf assets, share updates on the ongoing case, an empower the community to reclaim their rights.