A Waqf Board is a legal entity established to manage and oversee waqf properties, which are assets dedicated permanently for religious, pious, or charitable purposes under Islamic law. These properties include mosques, graveyards, schools, orphanages, and other community-serving institutions. The term "waqf" means the permanent dedication of movable or immovable property for purposes recognized by Muslim law
. In India, Waqf Boards are constituted by state governments and consist of members including Muslim community representatives, religious scholars, legal experts, and government officials. The boards have the authority to acquire, hold, and transfer waqf properties, recover lost properties, and ensure that the waqf assets are used according to their intended purposes. The management includes appointing custodians (mutawallis) who supervise the properties
. The Central Waqf Council, established in 1964 under the Waqf Act, 1954 (later revised by the Waqf Act, 1995), functions as the apex body overseeing the state Waqf Boards. It provides policy guidance, monitoring, and advisory support to ensure uniform and efficient management of waqf properties across India. The Council operates under the Ministry of Minority Affairs
. Waqf Boards collectively manage a vast portfolio of properties; in India, they control around 9.4 lakh acres of land across approximately 8.7 lakh properties, making them one of the largest landowners in the country. The boards play a crucial role in preserving religious and cultural heritage and supporting social welfare activities within the Muslim community
. In summary, a Waqf Board is a statutory body responsible for the administration, protection, and proper utilization of waqf properties dedicated to religious and charitable causes, operating under the legal framework provided by the Waqf Act and supervised by the Central Waqf Council
