Prophet Mohammad honored him by saying, “He was the best of the Jews”, recognizing his noble spirit and contribution to the broader cause.

On April 2, 2025, during a intense parliamentary debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill, India’s ruling party’s lawmaker Nishikant Dubey made a striking reference that caught the attention of both historians and common citizens alike. While defending the bill, which proposes to bring structural reforms and inclusivity to the administration of waqf properties, Dubey cited the example of a 7th-century Jewish scholar and leader—Rabbi Mukhayriq.

His words triggered a wave of curiosity about a figure not often mentioned in popular discourse—especially within Indian political conversations. Who was this Rabbi, and why is he relevant in today’s debate on religious property and national interest?

Who Was Rabbi Mukhayriq?

Rabbi Mukhayriq was a prominent Jewish scholar and wealthy landowner from the Banu Tha’labah tribe of Medina. He lived during the time of Prophet Mohammad and is remembered in Islamic and Jewish historical traditions for his courageous and selfless actions during the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE.

On the day of the battle, the city of Medina faced an imminent threat from the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. As fate would have it, the day fell on the Sabbath—a holy day for Jews, on which work and combat are generally forbidden. Despite this religious restriction, Rabbi Mukhayriq gathered his people and urged them to fight alongside the Muslims to defend their shared homeland. When his fellow tribesmen hesitated due to Sabbath laws, he rebuked them and reportedly said, “You have no Sabbath”, stressing that the defense Medina was a higher moral responsibility.

Rabbi Mukhayriq went to the battlefield and fought alongside the Muslim army. He died in the battle, becoming one of the few Jewish martyrs in the defense of Medina. He was buried in the ‘Shoda-e-Uhud’ graveyard alongside Prophet’s uncle Hamza Bin Abdul-Mutallib.

Before leaving, he had instructed that all his wealth—including several orchards—be handed over to Prophet Mohammad. The Prophet accepted this and used the wealth to establish one of Islam’s first waqf (charitable endowments), which was used to serve the poor and support the growing Muslim community.

Prophet Mohammad honored him by saying, “He was the best of the Jews”, recognizing his noble spirit and contribution to the broader cause.

A Lesson in Interfaith Unity

What makes Rabbi Mukhayriq’s story timeless is not just his bravery, but the message it carries about interfaith cooperation. At a time when divisions between communities often lead to conflict, Mukhayriq’s sacrifice reminds us that people of different faiths can—and have—worked together for the common good—to defend the national cause.

The Battle of Uhud wasn’t just a military confrontation—it was a moment that tested the moral fabric of Medina’s diverse society. The actions of Rabbi Mukhayriq exemplify that protecting a shared homeland and values sometimes means putting community above personal interests—even above religious norms.

It also highlights how early Muslims and Jews, despite theological differences, stood together when it mattered most.

Relevance in Modern India

MP Nishikant Dubey’s invocation of Mukhayriq during the Waqf Amendment Bill debate wasn’t accidental. The bill proposes to broaden waqf board membership to include non-Muslim experts and aims to improve transparency and governance in the management of waqf properties—assets donated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law.

Supporters of the bill argue that involving non-Muslims, especially legal and financial professionals, can improve efficiency and reduce corruption. Critics, however, view it as state interference in religious affairs. India’s Home Minister Amit Shah stated that, non-Muslims shall not interfere into religious affairs come what may.

Dubey’s reference to Mukhayriq was used to draw a powerful parallel—that the spirit of community service and unity across faith lines is not alien to Islamic tradition. He framed the reforms not as interference, but as an invitation to all Indians, regardless of religion, to participate in nation-building and the transparent management of shared resources.

A Legacy Worth Remembering

Rabbi Mukhayriq’s legacy is more than a footnote in Islamic history—it is a shining example of moral courage, selflessness, and the power of interfaith unity. In times where communal tensions are often stoked for political gain, his story serves as a reminder that the higher cause of justice, harmony, and national interest can—and should—transcend religious boundaries.

Whether the bill is truly an infringement on religious freedoms or a necessary step toward greater transparency and accountability in Waqf administration

India’s Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, has ignited widespread debate and strong reactions, particularly within the Muslim community. Many critics argue that the proposed changes pose a serious threat to the sanctity of religious endowments, raising concerns about potential government overreach and the erosion of long-held community rights.

The controversy has fueled protests, social media discussions, and legal debates, with different factions interpreting the bill’s provisions in varying ways.

Amid the uproar, a detailed analysis by senior journalist Harsh Ranjan, published in The Statesman newspaper, sheds light on the actual intent and implications of the amendment. His article aims to cut through misinformation and present a fact-based breakdown of the bill, explaining how it seeks to address longstanding issues of mismanagement, corruption, and land encroachments within Waqf properties.

By offering a balanced perspective, the analysis clarifies whether the bill is truly an infringement on religious freedoms or a necessary step toward greater transparency and accountability in Waqf administration.

The Purpose of Waqf and the Need for Reform

Waqf properties are meant to serve the welfare of the Muslim community, supporting initiatives such as education, healthcare, and religious activities. However, over the years, numerous instances of land grabbing, fraudulent claims, and misuse by politically connected individuals have come to light.

Instead of benefiting underprivileged Muslims—particularly women—Waqf properties have often been exploited for personal gains.

Despite multiple amendments in the past, previous laws failed to address these concerns effectively. The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, is a legislative attempt to correct these issues by ensuring that Waqf properties are protected and utilized as originally intended.

Key Features of the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024

The Bill introduces several crucial measures aimed at transparency, accountability, and legal ownership verification. Below are the major aspects of the amendment:

1. Protection of Waqf Properties Through Digital Record-Keeping

One of the primary concerns with Waqf property management has been the lack of proper identification and record-keeping.

The amendment mandates:

• Digitization of all Waqf properties.
• Prevention of encroachments through better documentation and transparency.
• Swift resolution of disputes related to Waqf properties.

By introducing a digital registry, the bill aims to curb unauthorized claims and fraudulent transactions, ensuring that endowments remain dedicated to their intended charitable and religious purposes.

2. Restriction on Fraudulent Waqf Declarations

A key change is the restoration of the pre-2013 definition of Waqf property dedication. The 2013 amendment allowed any person to dedicate property as Waqf, which led to numerous fraudulent claims. The new amendment:

• Limits Waqf dedication to legal owners of the property who are of the Islamic faith.
• Requires the person dedicating a property to have been practicing Islam for at least five years.
• Mandates verification of ownership before Waqf status is granted.

This measure ensures that only genuine religious endowments are recognized and prevents fraudulent conversions of property into Waqf status.

3. Removal of the “Waqf by User” Clause

Previously, properties could be classified as Waqf based on long-term usage rather than legal documentation. This led to disputes where even government-owned properties were wrongly classified as Waqf.

The amendment:

• Requires formal Waqf deeds for any new Waqf declaration.
• Protects existing registered Waqf properties unless they are in dispute or government-owned.
• Prevents unauthorized claims over public and private properties.

4. Clarification of Muslim Charitable Trusts’ Status

To prevent the wrongful takeover of independent Muslim charitable trusts by Waqf Boards, the bill clarifies that trusts established under separate statutory provisions will not be treated as Waqf properties. This prevents undue interference and ensures that Muslim charitable organizations operate freely.

5. Mandatory Registration of Waqf Properties on the WAMSI Portal

A major administrative issue has been the failure to upload Waqf records on the Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI) portal. The bill makes it compulsory for all Waqf properties to be registered online within six months, ensuring greater transparency and accessibility.

6. Prevention of Wrongful Declaration of Government Properties as Waqf

Several cases, such as the disputed 123 Waqf properties in Delhi and conflicts involving the Surat Municipal Corporation, highlighted the issue of government properties being wrongly classified as Waqf. The amendment:

• Introduces Section 3C, requiring verification by a designated state-appointed officer before government property can be declared as Waqf.
• Ensures that public assets are protected from wrongful appropriation.

7. Transfer of Waqf Surveys to the Collector’s Jurisdiction

To improve efficiency, the amendment shifts the responsibility of pending Waqf property surveys from Waqf Boards to the jurisdiction of the Collector, who will follow state revenue laws for surveys and verification.

8. Strengthening Governance and Accountability of Waqf Boards

State Waqf Boards have long been criticized for corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability.

The amendment includes:

• Mandatory monthly meetings for Waqf Boards to ensure regular oversight.
• Requirement for all new Waqf registrations to be verified by the Collector before approval.
• Omission of Section 40, which previously allowed Waqf Boards to declare any property as Waqf without scrutiny.

9. Stricter Disqualification Criteria for Mutawallis (Custodians of Waqf Properties)

To prevent misuse of Waqf assets, individuals involved in malpractices will be disqualified from serving as Mutawallis. This measure ensures that only responsible custodians oversee Waqf properties.

10. Strengthening Legal Mechanisms for Waqf Disputes

The amendment introduces a structured legal framework:

• Appellate Mechanism: Section 83(9) allows for tribunal decisions to be challenged, strengthening judicial remedies.
• Applicability of the Limitation Act: This prevents indefinite litigation, ensuring timely resolution of disputes.
• Removal of Section 108A: This section previously granted Waqf laws overriding authority over other legal provisions. The amendment removes this, ensuring consistency in legal applications.

A Step Towards Transparency and Reform

India’s Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, brings much-needed reforms aimed at curbing corruption, preventing unauthorized claims, and ensuring better management of Waqf properties. By emphasizing transparency, legal ownership verification, and administrative accountability, the bill seeks to restore the credibility of Waqf Boards while protecting the interests of both the Muslim community and the larger public.

While concerns exist about the bill’s impact, its focus on proper governance and fair property management signals a move towards a more just and transparent system. However, it remains to be seen how effectively the new provisions will be implemented to safeguard Waqf assets for their intended purposes.