Wali Rahmani

The Waqf protest was more than a Muslim issue—it was a constitutional assertion of religious and community rights. Yet, its critics revealed a deeper discomfort with faith in public life. The backlash exposes India’s growing secular blind spot, where pluralism is praised in theory but punished when practiced by minorities.

Despite being legally eligible as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) to lead Islamic organizations, Rahmani faced unwarranted criticism questioning his commitment to the Indian Muslim community. His tenure as Ameer-e-Shariat has been marked by visionary leadership, bridging religious values with modern needs in education, technology, and healthcare. This episode highlights the urgent need for accountable, progressive leaders to uplift Indian Muslims amidst challenges of poverty and misrepresentation.