New Delhi, May 21 -- The central government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that Waqf is an Islamic concept, it is not an essential part of Islam and Waqf boards discharge secular functions.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, told a bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih Waqf Board does not touch upon any religious functions.

"Waqf is an Islamic concept. But it is not an essential part of Islam. Waqf is nothing but just charity in Islam," said Mehta, adding that charity is recognised in every religion, and it cannot be regarded as an essential tenet of any religion.

Defending the Inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf board, he said that it was for diversity and to take care ...