The Central Wakf Council as a Statutory Body was established in December, 1964 by the Government of India under the provision of Section 8A of Wakf Act, 1954 ( now read as sub section 1 of the Section 9 of the Wakf Act, 1995) for the purpose of advising it on matters pertaining to working of the State Wakf Boards and proper administration of the Wakf in the country. The Council consists of the Chairperson, who is the Union Minister Incharge of Wakfs and such other members not exceeding 20 in numbers appointed by Government of India as stiputed in the Act. The Secretary appointed on the orders of the Chairperson is the Chief Executive of the Council. The Council office at present works at Jamnagar House, New Delhi.

In terms of Section 10(1) of the Wakf Act, 1995, the Council derives its income from the contribution received by it from the various State Wakf Boards @ 1% ( one per cent ) of the net income of the Wakfs. All the administrative and other expenses of the Council are met from this income.