❖ The Importance of an Islamic Democratic State in Pakistan and a Critical Review of Secularism ❖
Liberalism is a political ideology based primarily on two major principles:
① Liberty
② Equality
Other essential components of liberalism include:
Secularism is a political system or arrangement based on the idea that religion should be kept separate from state affairs and collective matters.
Those advocating for Pakistan to become a secular state argue that:
According to Islamic thought:
Secular advocates often present Western societies as ideal examples, pointing to:
However, these benefits are a result of good governance, not the absence of religion. Examples of good governance also exist in Islamic states like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and others.
➊ Welfare of Muslim Citizens:
➋ Implementation of Islamic Ideals:
Pakistan was founded on the slogan that it would be a practical model of an Islamic system.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah repeatedly stated that our goal is to implement Qur'anic principles that are 1400 years old.
Hence, demanding a secular state contradicts the very foundational principles upon which Pakistan was established.
It is true that Pakistan faces various challenges, such as:
But the solution does not lie in abandoning our foundational principles. Rather, these issues should be addressed by implementing true Islamic teachings.
Pakistan's real objective should be to become an ideal Islamic, welfare-oriented, democratic, and modern state.
The dream of a secular state is itself a utopian ideal that does not exist in reality. Therefore, our efforts should focus on establishing an Islamic democratic state that can pave the way for a moral, peaceful, and progressive society.
◈ Liberalism and Secularism: An Analytical Perspective in the Context of an Islamic State
✔ What is Liberalism?
Liberalism is a political ideology based primarily on two major principles:
① Liberty
② Equality
Other essential components of liberalism include:
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Freedom to believe or disbelieve in religion
- Democracy
- Secular governance
- Free-market economy
- Civil and human rights
- Gender equality
- Globalism
✔ What is Secularism?
Secularism is a political system or arrangement based on the idea that religion should be kept separate from state affairs and collective matters.
- A secular government does not base its decisions on any specific religion.
- Its laws and constitution are formulated on human reasoning and experience, rather than religious teachings.
❖ Demand for Secularism in Pakistan
Those advocating for Pakistan to become a secular state argue that:
- The state should be labeled a Republic, not an Islamic Republic.
- The Qur'an and Sunnah should not be the source of state law.
- The Objectives Resolution, which declares the Qur’an and Sunnah as the supreme authority, should be abolished.
✿ The Islamic Perspective
According to Islamic thought:
- The world is a place of trial where man is commanded to perform righteous deeds and avoid sins.
- A human being has not only a physical existence but also a moral existence that requires proper nurturing.
- The concept of the Islamic State differs fundamentally from the Western secular system, as the Islamic State is responsible not only for citizens' physical welfare but also for their moral conduct.
⚖ Islamic State vs. Secular State
◈ Characteristics of a Secular State:
- Does not interfere in citizens' religious or moral affairs.
- Deals only with legal matters such as coercion, violence, or corruption.
- Does not restrict acts like obscenity, alcohol, or gambling, provided they are done with consent.
◈ Characteristics of an Islamic State:
- Focuses not only on physical welfare but also on moral upbringing of its citizens.
- Takes active measures to prevent immoral and indecent acts, such as:
- Banning pornographic websites
- Curbing indecent advertisements
- Enforces laws based on Islamic principles to steer society toward goodness and righteousness.
✖ Criticisms of Secularism
Secular advocates often present Western societies as ideal examples, pointing to:
- Lower instances of adulterated goods or counterfeit medicines
- Reduced levels of corruption and looting
However, these benefits are a result of good governance, not the absence of religion. Examples of good governance also exist in Islamic states like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and others.
❀ Two Key Objectives of the Islamic State
➊ Welfare of Muslim Citizens:
- Establishing justice
- Providing moral education
- Preventing immoral acts and societal evils
➋ Implementation of Islamic Ideals:
- Enforcing Islamic principles in education, economy, society, and citizenship
- Protecting the rights of minorities
✔ Pakistan's Role
Pakistan was founded on the slogan that it would be a practical model of an Islamic system.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah repeatedly stated that our goal is to implement Qur'anic principles that are 1400 years old.
Hence, demanding a secular state contradicts the very foundational principles upon which Pakistan was established.
⚠ Challenges and Their Solutions
It is true that Pakistan faces various challenges, such as:
- Terrorism in the name of religion
- Corruption and irregularities within the system
But the solution does not lie in abandoning our foundational principles. Rather, these issues should be addressed by implementing true Islamic teachings.
Conclusion: The Need for an Islamic Democratic State
Pakistan's real objective should be to become an ideal Islamic, welfare-oriented, democratic, and modern state.
The dream of a secular state is itself a utopian ideal that does not exist in reality. Therefore, our efforts should focus on establishing an Islamic democratic state that can pave the way for a moral, peaceful, and progressive society.
