The state leadership of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Thursday appealed to Muslims across the state to switch off the lights in their homes and shops on Friday, from 9:00 to 9:30 pm.
The decision was taken after a meeting of the Tahaffuz-e-Auqaf Committee, chaired by Arif Masood, the state coordinator of the organisation, and attended by ulemas, representatives of religious organisations, and members of the Muslim Personal Law Board from across the state. The primary agenda of the meeting was to devise a strategy to oppose the Waqf Amendment Act.
As an initial step in the protest, a call was made for Muslims throughout the state to observe a symbolic blackout.
Speaking during the meeting, Arif Masood stated that the new Waqf Act constitutes a direct assault on the religious and social heritage of the Muslim community and would not be agreeable under any circumstances. He further added that, under the directives of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, phased protests would be organised throughout Madhya Pradesh.
The meeting was attended by several prominent religious leaders, including Maulana Mohammad Ahmed, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (Madhya Pradesh); Dr Shahid, Deputy Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; Shia cleric Maulana Syed Azhar Hussain Rizvi; and Maulana Syed Azhar Hussain, among others.
