Dawoodi Bohra Delegation Meets PM Modi, Welcomes Waqf Amendment Act
A delegation from the Dawoodi Bohra community met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 17, 2025, to express their gratitude for the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which they described as a long-pending demand of their community. They praised the Act for addressing their concerns and allowing them exemption from certain Waqf regulations, which had been a demand since 1923. The community members expressed strong faith in PM Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” and appreciated the government’s focus on minority rights, particularly for minorities within minorities like themselves.
The Dawoodi Bohras are a Muslim community primarily from Western India, with a global presence in over 40 countries. They trace their heritage to the Fatimid Imams, direct descendants of Prophet Muhammad, and are led by the al-dai al-mutlaq, who has been based in India for the last 450 years after initially operating from Yemen.
During the meeting, the delegation shared stories of challenges faced due to wrongful claims on their properties by Waqf authorities. They expressed optimism that the amendments would help prevent such issues and improve conditions for their community. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that one of the key motivations behind the amendment was to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and widows, from the previous system’s shortcomings. He also acknowledged the significant role played by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the Dawoodi Bohra leader, in shaping the legislation.
The meeting included prominent community members such as business leaders, professionals, and educators, and was attended by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. The Dawoodi Bohra community’s support for the Waqf Amendment Act stands in contrast to opposition from some other Muslim organizations and clerics who have challenged the Act’s constitutional validity in the Supreme Court.
The Dawoodi Bohra delegation welcomed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, as a fulfillment of their long-standing demand, praised PM Modi’s inclusive leadership, and expressed hope that the new law would protect their community’s rights and properties effectively.
