Functionalist Perspective - the functionalist perspective sees secularization as a way to modernize Waqf Boards, making them more efficient and inclusive for societal welfare. It integrates Waqf resources into public development programs, promoting social harmony. However, it may disrupt traditional religious roles and lead to cultural dissonance. This perspective focuses on maintaining societal stability and progress.
Conflict Perspective - views secularization as a struggle for power and control, where the state or elites may exploit Waqf resources, marginalizing religious communities. It highlights how this shift could deepen inequalities and cultural alienation. However, secularization also has the potential to democratize resource distribution, empowering marginalized groups. It underscores the tension between dominant and minority groups.
Feminist Perspective - sees secularization as an opportunity to challenge patriarchal control over Waqf Boards, promoting women’s participation in governance. It supports resource allocation for women’s education and empowerment. However, it cautions against superficial inclusion without meaningful decision-making power. This perspective calls for dismantling both religious and secular patriarchies.
1.representative of India's pluralistic society - interfaith harmony.
2.Increased gender representation - secular framework are more likely to include women in leadership roles, challenging patriarchal norms in waqf administration
3.Social cohesion and integration - secularisation can foster social harmony by positioning waqf properties as public assets rather than exclusively religious
4.Minimizing sectarianism - secular framework can neutralize sectarian disputes within the Muslim community.
5.Cultural and social change - The secularization of waqf boards can promote a shift towards modern, egalitarian values, particularly in areas where traditional religious practices may reinforce inequalities
6.Promoting Civic Nationalism: A secular waqf system can contribute to the development of a civic form of nationalism, where citizens identify with the nation based on shared values such as equality and social justice, rather than religious affiliation.
7.Reduction of Religious Polarization - Secularizing waqf boards can prevent the politicization of religious issues, reducing the likelihood of religious polarization.
Criticism
1.Cultural Lag- Secularization might create a cultural lag where religious communities struggle to adapt to the rapid changes, leading to conflict and social dissonance.
2. Sacred-Profane Dichotomy
- Secularizing Waqf undermines the sacred-profane dichotomy (Durkheim), reducing Waqf properties’ spiritual and cultural significance.
3.Identity Politics - Secularization may trigger identity politics, as religious groups resist perceived encroachments on their cultural and spiritual autonomy.
4.Crisis of Legitimacy- Drawing from Habermas, secularization might lead to a legitimacy crisis, as communities might question the state’s authority to manage sacred resources.
5.Cultural Relativism - Critics argue that secularization imposes a universalist framework, neglecting the cultural relativism of religious endowments, which vary significantly across societies.
6.Religious Identity crisis - resistance from religious groups who view secularisation as undermining the spiritual purpose of waqf.
7.Alienation of religious communities - religious leaders and communities may perceive secularisation as an intrusion into their autonomy.
