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New Indian Express
07-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board caps Nikah Khutba charges at Rs 1100; Muslim scholars question move
RAIPUR: A circular issued by the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board fixing a maximum fee amount of Rs 1100 for performing Nikah (marriage) sermons has evoked strong reactions, with many Muslim religious scholars and intellectuals questioning the need for such a directive. 'The order will put unnecessary pressure on poor Muslim families to pay,' they asserted. As per the Waqf Board's directive, the Imam or Maulvi (religious leaders/scholar in Islam) officiating Nikah can take a maximum of Rs 1100 as their charges. The Waqf Board chairman, Salim Raj, told TNIE that action will be taken on a complaint against those who take more than Rs 1100 for reading out the Khutba (sermon) of Nikah and performing Dua (supplication)—the usual schedule of Muslim marriage contract. 'The Islamic shariat advocates that the Nikah ceremony must be simple, easy, affordable and full of blessings. Then why should the poor families suffer? When all Imams and Muttavallis (caretaker of mosques) come within the domain of the state Waqf Board, this order has been issued to adopt as standard practice,' said Raj, adding that he issued the directive after a Imam refused to perform Nikah of a poor family who couldn't afford to pay Rs 5100.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
CG Waqf Board caps ‘Nikah' fee at 1,100 with directive
Raipur: The State Waqf Board has issued a directive capping the fee Imams and Maulanas can charge for conducting nikah (marriage) ceremonies at Rs 1,100. This order, issued by Dr Salim Raj, chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board, applies to all Waqf institutions, including mosques, madrasas, and dargahs. T he decision followed complaints received by Dr Raj, including one instance where an imam reportedly refused to solemnise a nikah and left after being denied a payment of Rs 5,100. Taking such grievances seriously, Dr Raj issued the order to ensure Imams and Maulanas do not charge more than Rs 1,100 as a 'nazrana' (offering or gift) for officiating nikahs. The state has over 800 Imams and Maulanas who perform nikahs. The board warned that any violation of this order or receipt of complaints for non-compliance will result in action. Dr Raj said that the primary objective of this directive is to provide relief to economically disadvantaged and poor sections of society. He added that this move aligns with PM Modi's vision of ensuring the rights of the poor are protected.
India Today
30-04-2025
- Business
- India Today
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board launches India's first online rent system, ends middlemen
The Chhattisgarh Waqf Board has become the first in India to launch an online rent collection system for Waqf properties, marking a significant step towards transparency and modernising the management of mosques and Muslim this new initiative, all mosques across Chhattisgarh's districts are now integrated into an online accounting platform. Rent for Waqf properties, which was previously collected through manual and often opaque methods, will now be paid digitally by shift, introduced amid intense debate over Waqf management following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Act, is expected to enhance accountability, enable better tracking of funds, and ensure their optimal use in community development programs. According to board Chairman Salim Raj, it aims to eliminate intermediaries and ensure that every rupee reaches its rightful exclusively with India Today, Salim Raj said, 'Until now, the Waqf Board was not even receiving Rs 5 lakh annually in rent. With this new online system, we are confident that rental income could grow into hundreds of crores. This revenue will directly contribute to the upliftment of underprivileged Muslims across the state"."The initiative includes clear guidelines for tenants on how to make payments and where their contributions will be utilised. The board plans to reinvest the increased income into education, healthcare, and welfare programs for the needy. Our goal is to make sure Waqf properties truly serve the community. With no middlemen involved, we can ensure that every contribution benefits those it's meant for,' he added. advertisementThis pioneering move by the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board is being lauded as a potential model for other states grappling with issues of transparency and alleged exploitation by intermediaries in Waqf property hold that the anticipated increase in transparency and revenue holds the promise of not only strengthening the institution but also significantly improving the lives of numerous marginalised families who rely on Waqf welfare. IN THIS STORY#Chhattisgarh
