India’s lower house of parliament has passed a controversial bill to amend laws governing Muslim endowments, known as waqf, which are valued at over $14 billion.
Backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, the bill proposes adding non-Muslim members to waqf boards and granting the government more power to verify land ownership. Waqf properties, donated by Muslims for religious and charitable purposes, have historically supported mosques, seminaries, graveyards, and orphanages.
The bill’s approval has sparked concerns among Muslims, who fear it could lead to the confiscation of historic religious properties.