The 22 Consensus Points of Pakistan’s Islamic ConstitutionBased on the 1951 Declaration by Leading Islamic Scholars
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Historical Background
In 1951, 31 of the most renowned scholars from all major Islamic schools of thought in Pakistan came together to formulate 22 foundational points for an Islamic constitution. These principles serve as a comprehensive framework for establishing Pakistan as an Islamic welfare state.
✔ These points reflect a unified vision across sectarian lines.
✔ They demonstrate that Islamic constitutional governance is possible while addressing modern challenges.
Purpose of the Declaration
- To provide an Islamic constitutional structure based on the Qur’an and Sunnah.
- To remove the misconception that modern statecraft and Islamic principles are incompatible.
- To ensure unity and minimize sectarian disputes in the formation of an Islamic government.
Summary of the 22 Points
➊ Sovereignty Belongs to Allah Alone
All laws and governance in the state must be conducted under the sovereignty of Allah.
➋ Supremacy of Qur’an and Sunnah
No law shall contradict the Qur’an and Sunnah. Existing laws must be aligned with Islamic teachings within a defined timeframe.
➌ Islamic Basis of the State
The foundation of the state shall rest on Islamic ideology, not on ethnic, linguistic, or territorial grounds.
➍ Promotion of Good and Prevention of Evil
The state will enforce Islamic values, prohibit vice, and uphold the symbols and practices of Islam.
➎ Unity of the Ummah
Efforts shall be made to strengthen unity among Muslims globally and eliminate internal ethnic and linguistic divisions.
➏ Provision of Basic Needs
The state will provide food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education for those unable to fulfill these needs themselves.
➐ Protection of Civil Rights
Every citizen shall enjoy rights such as security of life and property, religious freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom of movement, as guaranteed by the Sharī‘ah.
➑ Due Process of Law
No one shall be deprived of rights without due process in accordance with Islamic law, and the right to defend oneself in court shall be ensured.
➒ Religious Freedom for Muslim Sects
All recognized Islamic sects will have full freedom to practice and propagate their beliefs.
➓ Rights of Non-Muslims
Non-Muslim citizens will have religious, educational, and cultural freedom, and their personal matters will be governed by their own religious laws.
⓫ Respect for Agreements with Non-Muslims
All treaties and commitments with non-Muslim citizens shall be binding within the limits of Sharī‘ah.
Muslims and non-Muslims shall be equal in civil rights.
⓬ Qualifications for the Head of State
The head of state must be a Muslim male, trustworthy, and someone in whom the public has confidence.
⓭ Delegation and Responsibility
Though responsible for the state, the head of state may delegate authority, but remains accountable.
⓮ Consultative Government (Shūrā)
The government shall operate through consultation, and the head of state shall make decisions with the advice of others.
⓯ No Power to Suspend the Constitution
The head of state cannot suspend the constitution.
⓰ Right to Remove the Head of State
The body that elects the head of state shall also have the right to remove him when necessary.
⓱ Equality Before the Law
The head of state is also subject to the same laws as any ordinary citizen.
⓲ Equal Legal Application
All citizens and government officials shall be equally bound by the law.
⓳ Judicial Independence
The judiciary must be independent and free from executive pressure, ensuring fair and impartial justice.
⓴ Ideological Safeguarding
Publication or promotion of ideas that threaten the foundational Islamic ideology of the state shall be prohibited.
⓵ Territorial Unity
All regions of the country shall remain an administrative unity under central authority.
No region has the right to secede from the state.
⓶ Interpretation of the Constitution
All constitutional interpretations must align with the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Significance of the 22 Points
✔ Present a complete blueprint for an Islamic welfare state
✔ Represent national consensus among scholars from all major sects
✔ Demonstrate that Islam is compatible with modern constitutional needs
Notable Scholars Involved
Among the 31 distinguished signatories were:
- Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadwi
- Maulana Syed Abul A‘la Maududi
- Mufti Muhammad Shafi‘
- Pir Sahib of Manki Sharif
These names alone affirm the intellectual and spiritual depth of this historical declaration.
