Muslim Personal Law Board calls for ‘lights off’ protest tonight against Waqf Amendment Bill

HYDERABAD: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has called on Muslims across the country to participate in a symbolic protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 by switching off lights in their homes and shops for 10 minutes on Tuesday, 30 April, from 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM.

Announcing the protest at a press conference held at the office of MAFAR Constructions in Shantinagar, Mansaheb Tank, the board’s convener Maulana Mufti Umar Abideen said the initiative is part of the nationwide Waqf Bachao, Dastoor Bachao (Save Waqf, Save Constitution) campaign. He appealed to Muslims in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, who oppose the proposed amendments, to join the Batti Gul (lights off) protest to send a clear message to the central government that the Muslim community strongly rejects the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Mufti Umar clarified that the protest is to be conducted peacefully and without causing inconvenience to others. He specifically excluded hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities from the protest, emphasising that there is no directive to switch off lights in such establishments where patient care is ongoing.

He further urged mosque committees and imams to raise awareness about the protest within their localities and to encourage participation by reminding worshippers after the Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers. However, he cautioned against advising anyone to turn off lights in situations of emergency or vulnerability.

Maulana Umar Abideen also condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in which 27 people were killed. Expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims’ families, he described the incident as a grave blot on humanity.