Muslim Community in Gujarat Observes 15-Minute Blackout in Protest Against UCC and Waqf Amendment Bill

On Wednesday evening, members of the Muslim community across Gujarat observed a 15-minute blackout from 9:00 pm to 9:15 pm as a peaceful protest against the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Waqf Amendment Bill.

The symbolic act was carried out in response to a call issued by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).

Several Muslim organizations, including the Muslim Hit Rakshak Samithi and the South Gujarat Muslim Samaj, actively supported the initiative and appealed to the community to participate.

In South Gujarat, autorickshaws equipped with loudspeakers moved through predominantly Muslim neighborhoods for three consecutive days, urging people to join the protest.

Religious leaders, including maulvis at various mosques, echoed the appeal during prayer gatherings (namaz).

In a unique expression of solidarity, many mosques adjusted their prayer schedules to align with the blackout. Worshippers who were at the mosques during the protest hour offered their prayers in complete darkness.

Commercial areas in Muslim-majority localities such as Rander, Zampa Bazaar, and Salabatpura also took part. Owners of eateries, restaurants, and shops turned off their lights and politely asked customers to bear with the brief interruption.

Aslam Cyclewala, a prominent leader of the South Gujarat Muslim Samaj, noted the wide participation. “The community came together in full support of the call.

Beyond South Gujarat, Muslims in Central and North Gujarat also observed the blackout to express their dissent,” he said.

The coordinated blackout served as a non-violent demonstration of unity and resistance against legislative measures that many in the community view as discriminatory or detrimental to their religious and cultural practices.