A new video of Sarwar Chishti, a prominent member of the Anjuman Committee at the Ajmer Dargah, has once again sparked controversy, going viral across social media on 11th September. Known for his divisive rhetoric in the past, this time Chishti is seen aggressively inciting Muslims to take to the streets, allegedly under the pretext of opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The manner in which he manipulates his followers is troubling, as he paints a grim picture of a community under siege. He states, "It’s a matter of shame that our dignity is at risk. Our houses are being bulldozed, mobs lynching us and mosques, dargahs and mazars are being demolished." His words reflect not just discontent but a clear call for unrest, which is incredibly dangerous.

Chishti did not stop there. He further intensified his provocative remarks by condemning the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling on Muslims to actively reject it. He was heard encouraging the community to take action, saying, "The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has been brought in by the government. We are asking Muslims to scan the QR Code and ensure the rejection of the bill. As of 10th September, only 40 lakh Muslims have scanned the QR code." Here, he clearly expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of participation, implying that Muslims were not doing enough to oppose the government’s actions.

In a particularly concerning part of his speech, Chishti exhorts the community to no longer remain passive. "Why are you sleeping, Miyan? You will have to hit the roads soon. You have already been late in retaliation by unnecessarily tolerating injustice," he declared, directly encouraging people to engage in protests. This open call for confrontation is not just irresponsible but reckless, especially considering the volatile situation.

His incendiary statements continue as he implies that those who tolerate injustice are no better than the perpetrators themselves. "A person who tolerates injustice is worse than a cruel person. You are living in a democratic country at least use those rights. Why are you not doing it?" His plea for Muslims to act and disrupt the law and order is not only a threat to peace but also reveals a deep desire to stir unrest.

Further solidifying his stance, Chishti appeals to his audience to unite under a common leadership. He emphasized, "I have said this before and want to say it again from my heart – Please acknowledge someone as your leader. I see Asaduddin Owaisi bravely raise his voice over issues (concerning Muslims)." In his speech, Chishti not only promotes discord but openly endorses controversial figures such as Maulana Tauqir Raza and Sajjad Nomani, the infamous Islamic preacher known for propagating the Bhagwa Love trap conspiracy theory.

Sarwar Chishti’s repeated actions of inciting violence and advocating for unlawful means are a direct challenge to the stability of the country. His dangerous rhetoric, along with his affiliations, are not only harmful to social harmony but serve as a reminder of how influential figures can manipulate religious sentiments to sow division. It’s imperative that such provocations are met with firm legal action to maintain peace and order.

Criminal antecedents of Sarwar Chishti and his family

The actions of Sarwar Chishti have long been a source of concern due to his inflammatory speeches and public provocations. On 6th July 2022, Chishti once again found himself at the center of controversy, issuing a provocative statement directed at Muslims, encouraging them to rise against those who allegedly made blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad. He was heard in a highly charged speech, stating, "The situation in the country right now, is such that people are committing blasphemy. They are doing mischief in the glory of the Prophet, in the glory of the Khwaja. We will not tolerate this at all. We will launch such a massive agitation that the whole Hindustan will shake." The sheer intensity of his words was not just a call for protests but a direct threat to the peace and harmony of the entire nation, with the potential for widespread chaos.

Chishti’s call for agitation wasn’t a singular occurrence. Just days after his incendiary remarks, an audio clip began circulating on social media, revealing his plans to deepen societal divides through economic tactics. The clip contained Sarwar Chishti advocating for an outright economic boycott of the Hindu community. He was explicitly heard saying, "No one should buy anything from their shops in the Dargah Bazar area and the Nalla Bazar area. They earn only through the lovers of the Khwaja Sahab. And see what courage they are attempting, they are closing the shops in front of us. They are supporting Nupur Sharma. Spread this word everywhere you can, so that no one transacts a single rupee with them." His call for a boycott not only endangered the livelihoods of many but also deepened religious divides in a sensitive and diverse country like India.

Such actions demonstrate a dangerous pattern in Chishti’s behavior, where he consistently incites conflict under the guise of religious protection. His inflammatory rhetoric doesn’t stop at words. Chishti has a history of stirring hatred, and this was further evidenced when he was caught on camera once again, this time inciting a group of Muslims by romanticizing the period of Muslim rule in India. In the viral footage, Chishti boasted, "Muslims were the rulers of India for hundreds of years," and went on to criticize the current government for renaming railway stations, claiming that "by changing the names of railway stations, the current government could erase the fact that Muslims ruled the country."

The long-standing history of incitement and dangerous rhetoric by Sarwar Chishti has continually escalated over the years, as evidenced by his provocative warnings to the administration. In one of his most alarming threats, Chishti boldly stated that the ongoing activities of the government would only "force the Muslims to aim to rule India again." His words openly hint at a desire to revive historical tensions, further fanning the flames of religious division. Chishti has demonstrated no hesitation in glorifying controversial and extremist organizations. In 2020, he praised the People’s Front of India (PTI)—an organization with a notorious reputation for radical activities—claiming that it was merely "trying to save the Indian Constitution." This endorsement of a group that many consider an extremist threat is another stark example of Chishti's dangerous affiliations and willingness to support radicalism.

The inflammatory statements are not just limited to Sarwar Chishti himself. The Chishtis of Ajmer Dargah, a family known for its influence, have repeatedly made hateful and derogatory statements. Sarwar's own son, Aadil Chishti, also made headlines with his offensive remarks about Hindu deities, displaying the same level of disdain and disrespect seen in his father’s provocations. Aadil ridiculed the beliefs of Hindus, specifically targeting Nupur Sharma and questioning the existence of Hindu gods. "If Nupur Sharma is a Hindu, I have a few questions for her. How can one believe in the existence of 333 crore gods? How is this logical?" he mocked. Aadil attempted to cloak his remarks in philosophical rhetoric, further stating, "We can understand if there is one god. We all are equal as humans irrespective of our religions... But, 333 crore gods, a wholesale of gods, how can that be believable?" His comments not only belittled Hindu beliefs but also further alienated communities, deepening religious divides.

The disturbing pattern of behavior extends even further within the Chishti family, as Gauhar Chishti, Sarwar Chishti’s nephew, made a particularly violent and shocking call to action. Gauhar was heard issuing the infamous "Sar Tan Se Juda" slogan, demanding the beheading of Nupur Sharma and anyone who allegedly insulted Prophet Muhammad. His open call for violence did not end with mere words. Gauhar went so far as to meet with the killers of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur who was brutally murdered for supporting Nupur Sharma on social media. Gauhar's actions are a chilling reminder of how deeply entrenched extremist ideologies can become within certain circles, leading to deadly consequences.

The Chishti family continues to be a source of hatred and incitement, using their influence to sow discord and violence. From Sarwar Chishti’s glorification of extremist organizations to his family's direct calls for violence and derogatory remarks, it is evident that their actions pose a significant threat to social harmony.

Controversy surrounding Waqf Amendment Bill

The Waqf Act 1995 has long empowered the Waqf Board with extensive authority, allowing it to declare any property or building as Waqf property under the guise of charity. This wide-ranging power has often led to complications, particularly in the preservation of historically significant landmarks. In recent times, controversy has arisen as the Waqf Board attempted to claim protected monuments as Waqf properties, sparking a direct conflict with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958, which safeguards these sites. This conflict of jurisdiction has led to heated disputes, and the need for reform became increasingly apparent.

In an effort to address these issues, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 8th August 2024. The Bill proposed several significant changes to the existing Waqf Act, each aimed at refining and restricting the powers of the Waqf Board. One of the most pivotal amendments was the removal of contributions by non-Muslims, a move seen as narrowing the scope of what constitutes Waqf property. The Bill also redefined Waqf, specifying that it refers to the dedication of movable or immovable property by a person who has been practicing Islam for at least five years. This revised definition clearly aims to curtail any potential misuse of the system by restricting Waqf to the Muslim community, emphasizing a more controlled and regulated approach.

Another critical amendment dealt with waqf-alal-aulad, or endowments made for the family of the donor. The new provisions specifically ensured that such endowments could not infringe upon the inheritance rights of the donor’s heirs, including women heirs. This marks a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of women in inheritance matters, which had previously been a point of contention in Waqf law. By incorporating protections for women’s inheritance, the amendment addresses a long-standing criticism of inequality in inheritance practices within the Waqf system.

Additionally, the Waqf Amendment Bill also brought in a provision that ensured the maintenance of widows, divorced women, and orphans from the proceeds of such Waqf-dedicated properties. This provision is a significant move toward providing social security and support to marginalized and vulnerable groups within the community, aligning the Waqf system more closely with charitable and humanitarian objectives.

Another key reform introduced by the Bill was the establishment of the role of the Collector, a new position intended to take over some of the powers that were previously concentrated within the Waqf Board. This new role decentralizes control, placing more oversight in the hands of governmental authorities to ensure fair and lawful management of Waqf properties. The amendment also made it mandatory for all registered Waqfs to file details of the Waqf and properties that have been dedicated to it, bringing much-needed transparency and accountability to the system.

One of the major highlights of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 is its attempt to put a stop to the misappropriation of government land by wrongfully claiming it as waqf property. This particular provision aims to prevent the misuse of public lands, ensuring that government-owned properties cannot be falsely declared as Waqf for personal or organizational gains. The new amendment specifically states that any government property 'identified' or 'declared' as waqf, before or after the Amendment, should not be deemed to be waqf property. This change represents a significant shift in how Waqf claims over public land will be treated, reinforcing the need for clear distinctions between government and Waqf properties.

In the case of disputes over such claims, the responsibility will now fall upon the Collector, who will be tasked with conducting an enquiry. This new layer of scrutiny introduces much-needed oversight, ensuring that such matters are handled with fairness and transparency. In contrast to previous laws that gave considerable authority to the Waqf Board, this amendment places greater power in the hands of the government to prevent any wrongful acquisition of public lands under the guise of Waqf.

Under current law, the decision of the Waqf Tribunal in any dispute over Waqf property is final and cannot be challenged, which has often led to a lack of accountability and transparency. The amendment brings about a vital change to this system. Now, under the new law, a suit can be filed within two years of the publication of the list of Waqf properties. This change is significant as it opens the door for legal challenges and corrections, where previously the decisions of the Tribunal were beyond question.

Another major change is the abolition of Section 40 of the Waqf Act, which allowed the Waqf Board to collect information about any property it believed could be classified as Waqf. This section had been criticized for allowing too much unchecked power to the Waqf Board. By removing this section, the amendment significantly reduces the Waqf Board’s authority to arbitrarily investigate and claim properties, thereby protecting individuals and entities from potentially unjust scrutiny.

In addition to these changes, the amendment also ensures a more diverse and inclusive composition of the Waqf Board. It mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim members, apart from two women members, marking a progressive step towards more representation and balance in the functioning of the Waqf Board. This move will not only bring a broader perspective to the Board’s decisions but will also ensure that its actions are more inclusive and less biased.

Another key reform introduced is the stoppage of the creation of waqf without the execution of a waqf deed. This means that from now on, the creation of a waqf can no longer happen without a formal and legally recognized deed. Furthermore, the Collector will now conduct an enquiry into the genuineness of any application for the creation of a waqf. If the enquiry finds that the property in question is disputed or is government property, the registration of the waqf will not be permitted. This is a critical step in preventing fraudulent waqf claims and ensuring that the waqf system remains transparent and free from exploitation.

The amendments brought forth in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 address key issues of transparency, accountability, and fair governance. While some individuals like Sarwar Chishti have tried to frame these reforms as an attack on the Muslim community, the actual intent behind these changes is to ensure that the Waqf system operates fairly, protecting not only public land and property but also the rights of individuals who may have been unfairly targeted by the previous regulations.

An alarming moment

The growing threat posed by radical Islamic preachers across the country cannot be ignored, as they continue to deliver inflammatory speeches and manipulate Muslim youth regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill of 2024. These individuals, like Sarwar Chishti, are not just spreading misinformation; they are actively working to build a dangerous consensus at the ground level, mobilizing communities and stoking tensions with the aim of causing widespread unrest. Their campaign is nothing short of nefarious, as it seeks to lay the groundwork for large-scale riots under the banner of defending Islam, drawing a dark parallel to the events of the past.

This playbook is eerily similar to the one used during the anti-CAA agitation of 2019, particularly in areas like Shaheen Bagh and Jamia Nagar. What began as protests in those regions escalated into a much larger movement, ultimately leading to the anti-Hindu Delhi riots of 2020. The lessons from those events should not be forgotten, as they demonstrate how easily protests can spiral out of control when fueled by religious extremism and misinformation. The involvement of radical preachers like Sarwar Chishti raises the specter of history repeating itself, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the nation.

If individuals like Sarwar Chishti are allowed to continue their incitement and provocation, India may soon face another dangerous law and order situation that could engulf the entire country. Chishti’s venomous rhetoric is not just a call to action but a calculated effort to disrupt peace and harmony across the nation. His repeated attempts to incite Muslims to take to the streets and create chaos over the Waqf Amendment Bill are clear indications of his intent to sow discord, leveraging religious sentiments to achieve his destructive goals.

It is vital that the governments, both at the State and Centre, act swiftly and decisively to curb the growing influence of these radical elements. The actions of individuals like Chishti must not be allowed to go unchecked, as they pose a serious threat to the stability and unity of the country. The government must use all its powers to quash any movement designed to hold the administration to ransom, ensuring that law and order are maintained, and that those who seek to spread hatred are held accountable.

The challenge is clear: if these radical voices continue to be amplified without intervention, the consequences could be dire. It is not just a matter of religious tension but one of national security and peace. The efforts to mislead and manipulate must be stopped before they cause irreversible damage to the social fabric of the country. Sarwar Chishti and his ilk represent a clear and present danger, and it is imperative that their actions are met with firm resistance, ensuring that India's future remains peaceful and united.