The Waqf Weapon: Islam’s Ancient Tool for Islamic Land Grabs and Global Expansion

Islamic groups worldwide have consistently employed a range of tactics to assert control over non-Islamic lands, ranging from outright violence to more insidious legal mechanisms. Among these methods, the concept of Waqf—an Islamic endowment for religious or charitable purposes—is being used to manipulate the West to serve as a legal cover for land claims that disproportionately benefit Islamic interests, often at the expense of non-Muslim populations. What is often claimed to have been a benevolent institution for religious and social welfare has, in modern times, been weaponized as a tool for expanding Islamic dominance—if, indeed, that wasn’t its original purpose all along.

This application of Waqf has been instrumental not only in the Middle East but also in regions like India and Europe, where Islamic organizations have been aggressively claiming land that rightfully belongs to others. This campaign of dominance, masquerading as religious duty, poses a direct threat to the sovereignty and rights of non-Muslim communities, and it is essential that the world wakes up to the gravity of this threat.

Hamas: Using Waqf as a Justification for Terrorism

Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization, provides one of the most blatant examples of how Waqf is used to justify land seizures. Hamas does not merely rely on its military arsenal or its infamous tactic of using human shields; it cloaks its territorial ambitions in Islamic law. According to the 1988 Hamas Charter, all of Israel, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, is considered Waqf land—permanently consecrated for Islam.

This is consistent with axiomatic Islamic law, which asserts that any territory that has ever been under Islamic rule is in perpetuity Islamic lands. All who may operate that land outside of Sharia principles are illegally doing so, according to Islamic doctrine

Muslims believe that the Iberian Peninsula in Spain is every bit as much Islamic as Israel on that Basis, and Osama bin Laden was on record saying so, along with many other Islamic jurists and scholars.

This means that Hamas considers Israel and other lands once held by Islamic conquerors not only an enemy but an illegitimate presence that has wrongfully occupied what is deemed Islamic land. However, Hamas preoccupies itself with Israel overall. This is not a political position open to negotiation; according to Hamas, it is a religious obligation to reclaim all of Israel for Islam.

The Hamas Charter is explicit in its theological justification for violence. Citing Islamic texts, the Charter suggests that the Day of Judgment will not come until Muslims have killed all Jews. This rhetoric is not an extremist fringe but a reflection of deeply ingrained beliefs in parts of the Islamic world that Hamas has exploited to wage a genocidal war against Israel.

When Israel is declared Waqf land, any attempt at negotiation or peace talks becomes a “waste of time,” as the only permissible solution in Hamas’ view is Jihad. The religious language of Waqf grants Hamas’ violent actions a veneer of religious legitimacy, making it nearly impossible to achieve any peaceful resolution while this ideology persists.

The danger extends beyond terrorism. The Hamas Charter—and its strategic use of Waqf—provides insight into the broader Islamic agenda: to present territorial conquest not as an act of aggression but as a religious duty. This is why, despite international condemnation and efforts at peace, Hamas remains unwavering in its mission to destroy Israel and reclaim it as Waqf property.

India: The Battle for Hindu Lands through Waqf

In India, the strategic misuse of the Waqf system is another manifestation of Islam’s broader goal to retain control over non-Muslim lands. Waqf, an Islamic endowment system where property is designated for religious or charitable use, has historically been a tool for ensuring Islamic dominance in territories previously ruled by Muslims. Today, this system is being leveraged by Islamic groups to make spurious land claims in Hindu-majority India, where the Waqf Board controls over 600,000 acres of land, making it one of the country’s largest landowners.”

What began as an institution for managing Muslim charitable properties has morphed into a mechanism for encroaching on non-Muslim lands. Many of these claims are based on historically inaccurate or unverifiable assertions. Yet, they are vigorously pursued in Indian courts, putting enormous strain on the legal system and on non-Muslim property owners.

One of the most egregious examples is the Sunni Waqf Board’s claim over the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most iconic landmarks. Built during the Mughal era, the Taj Mahal has no historical documentation supporting the Waqf Board’s claim, yet they continue to assert ownership. This is emblematic of a broader trend where Islamic organizations pursue control over properties with economic and symbolic value, regardless of their connection to Islam.”

The misuse of Waqf in India does not stop at the Taj Mahal. Controversies surrounding the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura—two major Hindu religious sites—further highlight the aggressive nature of these land claims. The Waqf Board’s actions exacerbate communal tensions as they attempt to claim lands deeply connected to Hindu identity and heritage.

Another notable example is the 2022 Bengaluru Eidgah Maidan dispute, where the Waqf Board sought to prevent Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi from being celebrated in public spaces by claiming that the land in question was Waqf property. Similar disputes have erupted over public spaces and government properties, such as the Bet Dwarka islands in Gujarat and the Surat Municipal Corporation building, leading to protracted legal battles based on dubious historical claims.

The implications of these aggressive land grabs are severe, especially in Hindu-majority areas. Such claims not only fuel communal tensions but also contribute to the slow erosion of Hindu land ownership. These actions, undertaken under the guise of religious endowment, align with the broader Islamic principle that once a land falls under Islamic rule, it remains perpetually Islamic. Recognizing this threat, the Modi government has sought to amend the Waqf Act, introducing more oversight and accountability to the Waqf Boards. However, Islamic organizations fiercely oppose these efforts, framing any attempt to regulate Waqf as an infringement on their religious rights, making it clear that this issue extends beyond radicals—it is rooted in the very framework of Islamic law.

The Historical Precedent of Waqf as a Tool of Conquest

The manipulation of Waqf is not a modern invention; it has been used throughout history to consolidate Islamic control over conquered territories. During the expansion of Islamic empires, large portions of land were turned into Waqf property to ensure perpetual Islamic dominance. These lands were then deemed unavailable for sale or use by non-Muslims, cementing the idea that once a land fell under Islamic rule, it could never revert to non-Islamic control.

For example:

• The Ottoman Empire (1299–1922): After conquering Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II turned Hagia Sophia, the Christian cathedral, into a mosque under the Waqf system. This act established Islamic dominance in the former Byzantine capital and ensured that this Christian landmark would remain under Islamic control indefinitely.
• The Mughal Empire in India (1526–1857): Mughal rulers used Waqf to retain control over vast lands and religious sites. One prominent example is the Jama Masjid in Delhi, a mosque constructed on Waqf land under Mughal rule, which continues to operate as a religious and political center of influence in India.
• Islamic Spain (Al-Andalus, 711–1492): Throughout Islamic rule in Spain, vast territories were designated as Waqf property, especially for the construction of mosques and religious schools. Even after the Christian Reconquista, these properties symbolized centuries of Islamic dominance over the region.
• Jerusalem under Islamic Rule: After Saladin’s conquest of Jerusalem in 1187, key religious sites such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock were declared Waqf properties, entrenching Islamic control over the city. The concept that these lands belong perpetually to Islam continues to fuel tensions today.

These historical examples illustrate that the abuse of Waqf today is merely a continuation of an age-old strategy to exert territorial dominance under the guise of religious endowment.

Global Expansion: Waqf as a Stealth Tool for Islamization

The use of Waqf as a tool for Islamic control is not confined to the Middle East or India. Across Europe, Islamic organizations have employed similar strategies to carve out Islamic enclaves within non-Muslim societies. By leveraging Waqf land, these groups have established mosques and cultural centers, many funded by foreign states such as Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. These institutions nearly always promote an agenda of Sharia, and the very land they occupy is considered sacred and irrevocably Islamic, perpetuating the idea that once claimed by Islam, it can never be returned to non-Muslim control.

France: The Rise of Foreign-Funded Mosques and Sharia Influence

In France, one of Europe’s most secular countries, the proliferation of Waqf-funded mosques has raised alarm. French officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about foreign money—particularly from Qatar and Saudi Arabia—fueling the construction of mosques that become centers of radicalization. These mosques are often associated with conservative strains of Islam, such as Wahhabism, that openly challenge France’s principles of secularism (laïcité).

An example is the construction of the Grand Mosque of Strasbourg, funded in part by Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet). Critics have noted that foreign-funded mosques often preach a more fundamentalist interpretation of Islam, undermining efforts to promote integration and secular values. These mosques serve as hubs for conservative Muslim communities, fostering separatism rather than integration, and they often benefit from the legal protections provided by Waqf status, shielding them from government oversight. This situation leads to tension between French authorities and Muslim communities, where the influence of foreign actors becomes a national security issue.

United Kingdom: Foreign Influence and the Expansion of Islamic Institutions

In the UK, foreign funding, particularly from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, has played a crucial role in the establishment of mosques that serve not only as places of worship but also as centers of political and ideological influence. The East London Mosque, for example, has been under scrutiny for hosting speakers that promote core Islamic doctrines, including Sharia law. Additionally, the Finsbury Park Mosque, once associated with the preacher Abu Hamza, exemplifies how Waqf property is used to foster Islamic dominance and resistance to non-Islamic legal systems.

The construction of mosques in the UK is often funded through Waqf systems controlled by foreign states, making it difficult for local authorities to regulate their operations or content. This has led to debates over whether the British government should take a firmer stance on foreign donations to religious institutions. Such mosques are often seen as breeding grounds for radical ideology, with funding from Waqf properties being funneled to promote stricter, more conservative interpretations of Islam.

Germany: Turkey’s Use of Waqf and Diyanet to Control Mosques

Germany faces a similar situation, where Turkish-backed mosques, funded by Diyanet—the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs—serve as instruments of political influence. Diyanet has funded hundreds of mosques across Germany, and the German government has become increasingly concerned about the influence of Ankara over its Turkish Muslim population. The Cologne Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Europe, is a prime example of how Turkey uses Waqf to spread its influence through religious institutions abroad.

These mosques serve as platforms for promoting Turkish influence and the core Islamic values that create a parallel society, conflicting with the non-Islamic laws and values of Germany. Critics within Europe argue that the Waqf system is being weaponized by foreign Islamic governments to extend their political and ideological influence beyond their borders and into Europe, thereby creating divides between the Muslim communities and non-Muslim Europeans while fueling further tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Belgium and Sweden: Radicalization Concerns

In Belgium and Sweden, mosques funded by foreign Islamic states have raised similar concerns. The Belgian government has been particularly wary of mosques funded by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, noting that these institutions promote Islamic values that are inherently incompatible with Belgian society. The Great Mosque of Brussels, which was once under the control of Saudi Arabia, is one such example. It became a focal point for radical Islamic teachings before the Belgian government took steps to sever ties with Saudi authorities and reclaim oversight of the mosque.

Similarly, Sweden has witnessed a rise in foreign-funded mosques that promote more Islamic fundamentalism. These mosques often receive Waqf land, which allows them to operate with much less scrutiny. This situation creates concerns about the growth of parallel societies in Sweden, where Sharia law is subtly introduced in local Muslim communities, countering Swedish secular laws.

Financial and Foreign Influence Behind Waqf

Behind many of these Waqf land claims lies a vast and intricate network of foreign funding, which plays a crucial role in furthering the political and religious agendas of Islamic nations. Countries like Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are significant players in this financial network, pouring billions of dollars into the establishment of mosques and Islamic centers worldwide. These projects, while outwardly framed as charitable and religious, are primarily tools for expanding Islamic dominance and undermining non-Muslim societies.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia: Funding Mosques and Schools

Qatar and Saudi Arabia, in particular, are known for funneling vast sums into Wahhabi and Salafi Islamic institutions that promote the core, uncompromising doctrines of Islam. These donations are not limited to the Middle East but are strategically distributed to countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia to expand Islamic influence. For example, Qatar Charity, one of the largest NGOs in the world, has been implicated in funding numerous Islamic institutions throughout Europe. These mosques, operating on Waqf land, often embody Islam’s radical agenda, making them untouchable by host nations.

Saudi Arabia, through its Muslim World League and various Waqf foundations, has similarly directed significant funding towards Islamic centers, schools, and mosques, particularly in Europe. These mosques, built with this funding, promote Islam’s core doctrines, fostering parallel societies that directly oppose integration and pose a clear threat to non-Islamic cultures and values

Turkey’s Use of Waqf Through Diyanet

Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has also used Waqf to assert influence, particularly through the Diyanet, Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs. Diyanet manages over 900 mosques in Germany alone, many of which are constructed on Waqf land. These mosques are not merely religious spaces; they serve as platforms for the Turkish government to exert influence over its diaspora, particularly in Europe. Erdoğan’s government has been accused of using these mosques to promote Turkish nationalism and to push Ankara’s political agenda.

Iran’s Influence Through Shia Waqf Properties

Iran, as the leading Shia power, takes a more focused approach, supporting Shia Waqf properties, mosques, and religious institutions globally. Iranian-backed organizations such as Hezbollah have established mosques and religious centers in various countries, notably in Lebanon and parts of Africa. These Waqf properties serve as hubs for promoting Iran’s political and religious ideology, particularly in Shia-majority or Shia-influenced regions.

Waqf as a Soft-Power Strategy

For these countries, the acquisition of Waqf land in non-Islamic countries is not merely a matter of religious expansion. It is a soft-power strategy, allowing them to subtly influence the political, social, and cultural landscapes of the countries where these Waqf properties are located. Through Waqf funding, Islamic states can build enclaves of influence that adhere to more conservative or fundamentalist interpretations of Islam, which often clash with the democratic and secular values of their host countries.

This financial backing has been critical to the global expansion of Waqf, enabling Islamic organizations to continue acquiring land and spreading their influence far beyond their borders. It also limits the ability of host countries to reclaim or regulate these properties, as Waqf status makes the land sacred and difficult to challenge legally.

The West’s Complicity in Strengthening the Waqf Agenda

What is even more concerning is the extent to which Western governments and institutions have unwittingly strengthened the Waqf agenda. Sympathetic narratives created and disseminated around the issue of Palestine, fueled by left-leaning governments and organizations, have allowed groups like Hamas to gain international support under the guise of a “freedom movement.”

For instance, countries like Ireland, Spain, and Norway have officially recognized a Palestinian state, a move that Hamas has interpreted as a victory for its use of violent tactics. Far from isolating Hamas and its Islamic allies, these symbolic gestures have emboldened them to pursue their ultimate goal: the destruction of Israel and the establishment of Islamic dominance over Waqf land

Moreover, countries like Qatar and Iran continue to provide funding and resources for the global Waqf agenda, whether through support for Hamas in Gaza or the establishment of radical Islamic centers in Europe. These efforts are part of a broader Islamic strategy to weaken non-Muslim societies from within, using Waqf as a tool for both religious and territorial conquest.

Conclusion: A Global Threat Demanding Immediate Action

The world is witnessing a well-coordinated campaign by Islamic organizations to expand Islamic control over land and society through the strategic misuse of Waqf. Whether it is Hamas’ claim over Israel or the Waqf Board’s aggressive land grabs in India, the underlying strategy is the same: to use religious endowments as a weapon for territorial conquest and societal domination.

Governments must take immediate steps to curtail the unchecked power of Waqf boards and Islamic organizations that exploit religious laws for political gain. The international community must stop legitimizing groups like Hamas while ignoring the religious doctrinal motivations for their genocidal intentions. Failure to confront this growing threat will only result in further erosion of non-Muslim influence or control over their lands, communities, and countries.

The world must recognize that Waqf, and Islam itself, is being used not for charity but as a calculated tool to advance Islamic supremacy and erode non-Muslim control. The time to act is now before it is too late.