Arise Bharat

During the debate on Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey made a reference to a Jewish Rabbi named Mukhayriq who lived in 7th century Arabia and was a close friend of Prophet Muhammad.

As per Islamic religious texts, Mukhayriq fought alongside Prophet Muhammad in the battle of Uhud and was killed. But before dying, he gifted his orchards to the Prophet as Waqf. This is how the practice of Waqf was started.

Dubey’s invocation of Mukhayriq was used to draw a powerful parallel – that reforms in the form of the Amendment bill are not religious interference in practices of Muslims; but rather an invitation to all Indians to contribute to nation-building and the transparent management of resources.

Even majority of Muslim scholars have never heard about this Jewish person Mukhayriq nor that his body is buried in Madina along with the Prophet’s companions; despite the fact that his name is found in Islamic texts.

Credits: Matthew Dcosta

Also Red: All you wanted to know about Waqf – FAQ