Which Indian State has the Most Waqf Land?

Waqf properties in India are lands or buildings, donated by individuals for religious, educational or charitable purposes in the Muslim community. These properties include mosques, schools, graveyards and hospitals. They are managed by special boards under government supervision. Different states in India have various numbers of Waqf properties, but one state has the highest share among all. Let’s explore which state holds this distinction.

What is Waqf?

Waqf is an Islamic way of donating property. A person gives their land, shop or building for religious or public use forever. This land cannot be sold or passed to children. It is used for the good of people like:

• Mosques
• Schools and Madrasas
• Hospitals
• Graveyards
• Orphanages

A person called Mutawalli takes care of the Waqf land. He works like a trustee.

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How much Land Does Waqf Own?

According to latest data, the Waqf Board in India owns around 9.4 lakh acres of land. That is a very big amount. Waqf is the third-largest landowner in India, after Indian Railways and the Defence Department. The value of all Waqf land is more than Rs.1.2 lakh crore.

Which State has the Most Waqf Land?

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Waqf properties in India. It has more than 1.5 lakh Waqf lands and buildings. These include:

• Mosques
• Graveyards
• Madrasas
• Shops and houses

Why Uttar Pradesh has So Much Waqf Land?

There are two main reasons:

• Large Muslim Production: Many Muslims live in Uttar Pradesh, so more land was donated for Waqf.
• Historical Reasons: In the past, Mughals and Nawabs ruled this region. They gave land for mosques, madrasas, and other religious uses. That land became Waqf.

Other States with Most Waqf Properties

Here are some other Indian states with many Waqf properties:

• Uttar Pradesh: 1.5 lakh+
• West Bengal: 77,000+
• Karnataka: 60,000+
• Maharashtra: 45,000+
• Tamil Nadu: 30,000+