Kerala Muslim body challenges Waqf Board reconstitution, cites exclusion of groups

The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (SKJ), a prominent Islamic organisation in Kerala, has raised objections to the recent reconstitution of the State Waqf Board, contending that the process was unfair to its constituent groups.

District president K.V. Siddique Faizy stated that two SKJ-affiliated organisations were excluded from the reconstituted board despite their substantial involvement in protecting and managing Waqf properties throughout Kerala. He emphasised that these organisations have played a crucial role in overseeing the administration of Waqf assets and operating numerous religious and educational institutions across the state.

The SKJ's concerns centre on questions of representation and the recognition of grassroots Islamic organisations' contributions to Kerala's Waqf ecosystem. Waqf boards in India are responsible for managing properties held in trust under Islamic law, typically used for religious, charitable, and educational purposes.

The reconstitution of Waqf Boards has historically been a sensitive matter in Kerala, where multiple Islamic organisations compete for representation and influence in the management of community properties. The SKJ's objection highlights ongoing tensions regarding inclusion and representation in the governance structures of Waqf institutions in the state.