The Centre on Wednesday (May 21, 2025) sought to dismantle petitioners’ argument in the Supreme Court that creating ‘waqf’ is an essential religious practice in Islam, saying charity is not an essential part of any religion.

“waqf, by its very nature, is charity, and any charity, either under Islamic law or Hindu law or Christian law, has never been considered to be an essential religious practice. Charity is a part of every religion, but not an essential religious practice of any religion. A Muslim who does not create a waqf would not be less Muslim or cease to be a Muslim,” the Centre submitted before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai.

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