By Saeed Qureshi
Unlike Saudi Arabia and Iran Pakistan is not a religious but a nation state. It should be liberated from socio-religious taboos that hinder its progress and development like other developed nations around the world. It was Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (ZAB), who switched Pakistan then relatively a secular state towards a theocratic state. It was the unbelievable mind boggling somersault that came from a highly modernized, secular leader and proponent of democracy, human rights, equality and liberty.
The submission of ZAB under pressure from the religious right and theocratic forces to Islamize Pakistan was the most grievous debacle that plunged Pakistani into a morass of religious fanaticism that has ever been swelling and, of late, has assumed monstrous proportions. Thereafter, the society, the state and the institutions in Pakistan have remained subservient to the burgeoning religious militancy. The predominant role of Muslim crusaders in anti-Russian war in Afghanistan gave a kind of cart-blanche and brazen leeway to further push Pakistan into the lap of theocracy and unhindered mushrooming of religious dogmatism.
Mr Bhutto spoke in favor of downtrodden sections of society and by taking shelter under Islamic socialism nationalized banks and industries. But these steps were taken at a time when socialism was on the decline for being a failed economic system. For the time being there was a bubble of economic boom and the people believed here was a liberator and redeemer who will take the country to new dazzling heights of glory and dignity.
But alas by two disastrous decisions, he watered down his achievements of liberalizing society, endearing Pakistan to the whole world particularly the Islamic bloc. One was to block Awami League from forming the government and also to spur Pakistan army and the morally bankrupt president for triggering civil war in East Pakistan culminating into dismemberment of Pakistan.
The second devastating decision was the amendment in the constitution that became a stepping stone for the clergy and religio-political parties with Jamaat-i-Islami in lead to hold and spread their obscurantist agenda in Pakistan. He declared Ahmadis as non- non-Muslims. He banned liquor first in 1974 in the army mess halls. After the PNA movements for Nizam-i-Mustafa and against rigging of election in 1977, he again budged and as a political ploy, declared prohibition on the sale of alcohol and closure of liquor bars in Pakistan in April the same year. Ironically while the opposition forced ZAB to go back on his previous agenda of opening up society, they supported the advent of military rule under General Ziaul Haq in whose tenure Bhutto was hanged.
Ever-since those blighted, indiscreet and self-serving decision just to placate the religious parties and to stay in power became a lasting millstone in the neck of Pakistan as well as the society. Pakistan has been paying a heavy price for Mr Bhutto’s egregious blunders for the sake of personal aggrandizement. Had it been done for the sake of Islam one could take it as justified. But sacrificing his lofty agenda of building a new Pakistan on the altar of expediency and as a bargaining chip for hanging on to power was outright rank and loathsome opportunism.
His successor Gen. Ziaul Haq was hundreds times more focused on Islamizing Pakistan and one shudders to see in the hindsight how he forced his religious idealism by using naked and brute force and state power by crushing the opponents and those who spoke for fundamental rights and democracy. The Afghan anti-communism war gave an enormous fillip to his myopic agenda and what was missing in the Islamic impulse of Bhutto was irretrievably furthered and hammered by Ziaul Haq. The passion of Bhutto for Islamizing Pakistan was a spurious ploy while that of Zia was in right earnest, although both pushed Pakistan into a dreadful religious paradigm whose latest manifestation are Taliban.
It is indispensable that some visionary, courageous and progressive leader can reverse that retrogressive trend set in motion by Mr. Bhutto and later by Gen Ziaul Haq. Towards that goal, the following reforms are of utmost importance:
*The nomenclature of Islamic Republic of Pakistan should be changed to the Democratic Republic of Pakistan.
*Liquor and similar beverages should be allowed in Pakistan under state rules for sale and use. That would prevent illegal and underground trade of liquor, forcing the people to use injurious and toxic drugs such as heroine and pot. The people were free to use these delights in undivided India and for several years after the birth of Pakistan. This fundamental right should be restored to them.
*The religious seminaries should be integrated with the main schooling system in Pakistan. The subject of Islamic teachings and jurisprudence can be made a part of the academic syllabus.
*The number of mosques should be fixed for a certain number of residents in a locality.
*The Imams and clerics (who lead prayer) should be appointed by the local governments or administration. There should be some required qualifications and knowledge of Islam for every Imam to be appointed.
*Religious fanaticism and militancy should be curbed with full might by the state.
*The Shamanism (Peeri and Mureedi and fake sainthood) should be curbed at all costs. The worship and iodizing the dead as redeemers of human problems has to be banned.
*Feudalism in all forms should be eradicated.
*The rewards to the military officers by way of huge tracts of lands should be discontinued. That was a colonial practice to create loyalists in the army. The military top brass thus becoming landlords and big landholders try to protect this anti-human institution.
*The sectarian outfits, the religious militancy, the groups involved in destabilizing Pakistan on their own or at the behest of the foreign inimical powers should be eliminated so that the people feel safe and resume their normal life.
*For trial of the terrorists, extortionists, killer gangs, saboteurs and arsonists now spread all over Pakistan making a mockery of the Law enforcement and legal system have to be killed on the spot or tried summarily to be executed through summary trials. When peace prevails the traditional legal and police system can be restored.
*The separatist movements and insurgents like the BLA should be handled the way Sri-Lankan government dealt with the Tamil Tigers. The armed skirmishes with BLA would not yield any desired results so soon. The army can launch a quick and brutal blitz for debilitate and stamping out this network that purportedly is fighting a proxy war for some foreign anti –Pakistan powers. If parleys can bring some kind of pacification then that option may be tried before launching a full scale army operation. Same treatment should be meted out to the Taliban and those elements that want to turn Pakistan into medieval theocratic state.
*The FATA region should be declared a province of Pakistan like other provinces. The frontier regulations and special status should in regard to FATA be done away with. The FATA once joining as a part of Pakistan without being administered under special status would end it as the hub of countless criminal activities emanating from this region.
The writer is a senior journalist, former editor of Diplomatic Times and a former diplomat.
The Kingdom of God.
God is King of the King on earth.
God had created the earth, the universe, people in various races, cultures, languages, and provided what people need, and the laws how to live in peace, harmony, and prosperity. To govern all different races, beliefs and cultures is a challenge for His people on the earth.
O mankind! Lo! We have created you from male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware.QS 49; (13).
Now Allah be Exalted, the True King! There is no God save Him, the Lord of the Throne of Grace. QS 23 ;116.
And to Allâh belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and to Allâh is the return (of all). QS 24;42
To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth; to Him do all questions go back (for decision).QS 3: (109)
Say:“O Allah, O Lord of the Kingdom, You give kingdom to whom You will, and take kingdom away from whom You will; and You bestow honor on whom You will, and bring disgrace to whom You will. In your hand lies the betterment (of everyone). You are surely powerful over every thing. QS 3:26
You make the night enter into the day, and make the day enter into the night; and You bring the living out from the dead, and bring the dead out from the living, and You give to whom You will beyond measure.” .
QS 3;27
Allah is Rich and Generous. His wealth abound. God created human and also provide an abundant food. All are free and GOD does not charge a penny. GOD just ask people to work hard on earth, knowledgeable, generous, and good behavior.
Even the anti-GOD (atheist) and anti-religion people would be given sustenance. The supreme GOD treats His employees (people) fairly and does not discriminate based on their religion, ethnicity and nation.
GOD rules and treats all people such as Muslim, Jews, Christians, Hindus, Atheists, gay-lesbian etc. fairly.Justice for all people regardless his beliefs, race,gender (Straight, gay and lesbian )
God’s system of government should be duplicated/applied by every country on earth. America has been successful to imitate the Kingdom of God.
All love
THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN ISLAM
The system of syariah law used in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and also used by Taliban and Hamas are NOT pure syariah law. Their versions have already been corrupted and mislead.
Syariah Law is the rule or law from Allah who He created for His people which consists people of different beliefs, tribes, nations and colors.
How can all these people live on this earth in peace, harmony and prosperity?
Syariah laws can be implemented as government’s law. However, syariah law implemented by Saudi, Iran governments and Taliban are not pure Shariah law and have already been corrupted and have misguided people which as a result created violence, discrimination, and poverty.
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). QS49;13.
Those who follow Allah’s rule or law completely can live in peace, harmony and prosperity.As Allah said in Bible and Al Quran
Happy are those who obey God’ laws,who live by His commands. Your work will provide for your needs; you will be happy and prosperous. Your wife will be like vine in your home,and your sons will be like young olive trees around your table.A man who obeys God will surely be bless like this. Psalms 128:1
“Be sure that the book of law is always read in your worship.Study it day and night,and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshuo; 1:8-9
And it is also revealed to me that if they (the people of Makkah) had stood firm on the law of Allah, We would have supplied water to them in abundance, prosperity. And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a severe torment (i.e. Hell). (17)QS 72:(16).
THE CONSEQUENCE OF DISOBEDIENCE
Those who follow Allah’s laws some of them and reject the rest will be disgraced in this world and will be punished severely on hereafter. As Allah said;
Do you, then, believe in some parts of the Book, and disbelieve in others? So, what can be the punishment of those among you who do that, except disgrace in present life? And, on the Day of Judgement, they shall be turned to the most severe punishment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do. QS 2:85
From Bible
If you do evil act and reject the God’s law, God will bring on you disaster, confusion, and trouble in everything you do, until you are quickly and completely destroyed, This disaster will be with you until you die. Deuteronomy 28;20.
IS THE DEMOCRATIC SECULAR SYSTEM COMPATIBLE WITH ISLAM? YES
Our question is how to elect a leader or president?
How to rule a nation that have the different religions, tribes, and cultures?
In other words; what kind of system of Government to rule a nation?
Allah already explained in Al- Quran that Muslims should consult with others like; Jews, Christian, polytheist, and other religious leaders. As God explained below;
So, (O Prophet) it is through mercy from Allah that you are gentle to them. Had you been rough and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you. So, pardon them, and seek Forgiveness for them.and consult them(Jews, Christian, Polytheistm etc ) in affairs (worldly affairs,system of government etc). Then when thou hast taken a decision, put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust in Him (submission). QS 3;159.
And those who have responded to their Lord (in submission to Him), and have established Salah, and whose affairs (worldly affair) are (settled) with mutual consultation between them( Jews, Christian, PolyatheisT etc ), and who spend out of what We have given to them, . QS 42;38.
From above verses, they are very clear that Muslims have to consult about the worldly affairs with gentle and fair when dealing with Jews, Christians, and other religious people. Muslim rulers can not impose their beliefs to others. forcing others could lead to conflict or war.
In 21st century, people recognize that the democracy system has to elect a leader through election. Those who have majority of people will lead the government. Government have the right to protect the right of minorities or individuals as God said below;
THE GOVERNMENT HAVE TO PROTECT THE RIGHT OF MINORITY
Allah warned His prophets, the Ruler or Government that they have to protect the right of individual or minority as it is written in the Bible and Al Quran.
FROM TAURAT.
Speak up for people who can not speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.speak for them and be a righteous judge.protect the right of the poor and needy. Proverb 31:8.
FROM AL QURAN.
“And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children, whose cry is: “Our Lord! rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help.QS. 4:75.
God judges favor of the oppressed and gives them their rights.He revealed His plans to Moses and let the people of Israel see His mighty deeds. God is merciful and loving.Psalm 103 ;6.
From Allah’s laws above it is clear that Government have to protect the right of individuals or minority such as; Jews, Christians, PolyteistsT, Hindus, Gay-Lesbian, atheists, etc.
These Syariah Laws from Allah written in both the Bible and Al-Quran are the law of Human Right.
So the true Syariah law is where a Government protects the right of individuals or minority. In other words, Shariah laws have to obey Human Right. Rejecting Human Right means rejecting Allah’s laws.
IS THE SECULAR SYSTEM COMPATIBLE WITH ISLAM? YES
State and Mosque or Church have to be separated.
God already explained in Al-Quran, Prophet Muammad (Pbuh) practiced the system of seculare which is the State authority and Mosque is separated. The existing authority does not involve with religions or beliefs. The ruler have to take no side of religion. The state have to be neutral and treat all religions and all beliefs fairly, without discrimination on the basis of race, religion and gender. As Allah commanded in Al Quran;
O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.QS 4;59 ( authority can be Sunni,Shia,Christian,Jews, Hindu,Atheist etc has to obey no matter what )
HADITS.Listen and obey your authority, though he struck your back and take your wealth force (Hr Muslim ).
When news concerning peace or fear comes to them, they go about spreading it. Had they referred it to the Messenger and to those having authority among them, the truth of the matter would have come to the knowledge of those of them who are able to investigate.QS 4;83
Above verses are so clear that there are two bodies namely; first is Rasul who leads his religion, and second is Ulil Amri or authority who leads the government. Authority is not always a Muslim but can be from different beliefs because election will determine it.
THE TEACHING ABOUT JUSTICE FOR ALL HIS PEOPLE
1 . O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. (QS. 4; 135.)
2. QS 49 ; 9.– make peace between them ( Jews,Christian,Quraish etc) with justice, and be fair.
3. “I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you (Jews, Christian and Muslim ). Allah is Our Lord and your Lord. For us (is the responsibility for) Our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (Our) final goal. QS 42:15.
4. Allâh does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allâh loves those who deal with equity. QS 60;8.
From above verses Allah commanded the ruler or government to treat all His people fairly and kindly. There is no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender (woman and man). Justice for all His people.
THE TEACHING ABOUT OBEYING THE EXISTING STATE OF AUTHORITY.
Old interpretation; Often we hear that extremist Muslims accuse those who do not follow their beliefs are infidel. Therefore, extremist Muslims do not want to obey an authority which is a non-Muslim. They want to implement the syariah laws according their own interpretation. Then they want to discriminate against those who does not follow their beliefs. This is wrong and misleading people.
Modern interpretation; based on Allah’s law below that all citizens have to obey the state authority , even the ruler, King or President who are not Muslim, or he/she maybe an Atheist, Christian, Hindu, Jew, Buddhist, etc. Such as; Muslims who live in China, Cuba, and North Korea, where the ruler is atheist, have to obey their laws.
Muslim who live in Europe and America, where the president is Christian, have to obey the rules and regulations of that countries.
Muslims who live in Japan, where the King is Shinto (Buddhist) have to obey them as well.
Say: “O Allah, O Lord of the Kingdom, You give kingdom to whom You will, and take kingdom away from whom You will; and You bestow honor on whom You will, and bring disgrace to whom You will. In your hand lies the betterment (of everyone). You are surely powerful over everything.
QS 3;(26.
BIBLE.
Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God.Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. The authority are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong..Roman 13:1-2).
Citizen have to pay Tax
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.
Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Roman 13;6-7
AL QURAN.
Obey Allah, obey the Prophet, and obey those in authority among you. (Surat an-Nisa, 4:59).
HADITS.Listen and obey your authority,though he struck your back and take your wealth force .(Hr Muslim ).
THE CONSEQUENCE OF DISOBEDIENCE ;
The way (of blame) is only against those who oppress men and rebel in the earth, without justification for such there will be a painful torment. (42) And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives that would truly be from the things recommended by Allâh. QS 42;42-43.
Those who do not obey Allah and Authority will be punished and their life will be disgraced in this world, punished severely in hereafter. More than one million people will suffer because they do not obey Authority and Allah’s laws.
As Allah said;
If you do evil act and reject the God’s law, God will bring on you disaster, confusion, and trouble in everything you do, until you are quickly and completely destroyed, This disaster will be with you until you die. Deuteronomy 28;20.
Such as; Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Taliban in Afghanistan, Al Qaida, Pakistan, Iraq, Syrian rebel, Hamas, Nigery rebels, Somalis rebel, Chen Chen, Moro-Philippine, China, Thailand, India-Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Nigeria, etc.
Because of their rebellion, millions of people have been suffering, homeless and thousands of people, children and women died. We can see this in Syria, Iraq, Chen chen, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other Middle eastern countries and African Muslim countries too.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
The true Islamic government or syariah law is that all citizen has the right to believe and worship his God according to his teaching. There is no compulsion or force in Islamic religion.
Everyone has a freedom to choose his beliefs and even not believe in God. Muslim has the freedom to convert to other religion and vise-versa. Islam is a peaceful religion and mercy for all mankind.
The truth of Syariah law is that there is no compulsion in Islam QS 2;256. and freedom to choose your beliefs and conversion.
Today I am giving you a choice between good and evil, or between a blessing and a curse, between life and death. (Deuteronomy 30; 1,15)
And showed him the two ways? QS 90;10.( God’s way, and evil’s way.)
And say, “The truth is from your Lord. Now, whoever so wills may believe and whoever so wills may deny.” QS 18;29.
Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his ownself. And whoever goes astray, then he goes astray to his own loss. No one laden with burdens can bear another’s burden.QS 17;15
And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together. So, will you (O Muhammad SAW) then compel mankind, until they become believers. QS 10;99.
”your(Muhammad(saw) duty is only to convey (the Message) and on Us is the reckoning”. QS 13:40.
CONCLUSION.
1.THE TRUE SYARIAH LAW, ISMIC STATE IS THE SYSTEM OF DEMOCRATIC SECULAR.
2. JUSTICE FOR ALL HIS PEOPLE, WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RELIGION, RACE, AND GENDER.
3. PROTECT THE RIGHT OF INDIVIDUAL, OR MINORITIES.
4. ALL CITIZEN HAVE TO OBEY THE EXISTING AUTHORITY REGARDLESS HIS RELIGION,RACE AND GENDER.
5. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY OR FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND EXPRESSION (HUMAN RIGHT)
Those who follow Allah’s laws how to rule the a nation, will be blessed and peace and prosperity.
May Allah guide all Pakistan’s political and spiritual leaders to the true system government laws Ameen
All love
What is wrong with Sharia Law like we see in Saudi Arabia, Iran, and implemented by Taliban and Hamas? They have hijacked the true Islamic laws by forced.
Sharia Law that implemented in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan and others are as follows;
1. The leader is not elected by people, but using force, army with guns and weapons to take the government. This way is wrong and against the rule of God above.
2. The ruler or King does not treat all people fairly, but he discriminate against minorities such as Jews, Christian, Hindu, Budha and even Muslim Shia, Muslim Ahmadiyah.
This way is wrong and against the rule of God above.
3. The ruler or King does not protect the right of individuals or minorities. Even he oppress the right of minorities. There is no freedom of religion, expression and protest. This way is wrong and against the rule of God above.
4. The ruler or King impose their beliefs to others with sword or guns.
Those who does not follow his beliefs, will be punished even will be killed. This way is wrong and against the rule of God above.
Conclusion;
Syariah law such as Saudi Arabia, Taliban, Hamas, Sudan etc are wrong, and misleading people. The right syariah law, the right system of government as below;
1. The ruler or a leader will be elected by people through election.
2. Majority will lead Government, and Government have to protect the right of minorities or individuals.
3. Religious Liberty
4. Separation between Government and Mosque,Church and others and President can not take a side of religion , in other words, President have to be neutral, with justice for all.
In other words, the right government is the system of democratic secular. So the system democratic secular is syariah law.
All love
LOOK AT AMERICA CONSTITUTION AND LEARN FROM IT,
American constitution treat all people fairly.
All people can live in peace, love, harmony, and prosperity.
All people can pursue his dream his own beliefs
This is Islamic value.This is the core of Islamic teaching from God.
Liberty with freedom of religion, and expression, justice for all people, no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and gender.
Government will protect the right of minorities, individual, human right,
and president and government do not take side of religion.
America’s constitution is compatible with Allah’s laws, Taurat, Injil and Al Quran.
Allah want His People ( Mukmin, Jews, Christian, Atheist, Hindu, Budha
Gay-Lesbian etc. live in peace, and harmony. THIS IS ISLAMIC VALUE.
How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony. Psalm 133:1
Islamic teaching is a mercy to the worlds. QS.21 :107.
AMERICA IS CHAMPION OF PROTECTING THE RIGHT OF MINORITIES.
Even though it is not 100 percent perfect.
That is way Allah blesses America and its people with peace, harmony and prosperity.
America is peaceful home for all religion, non religion, or all human that God created.
America is a home of knowledge.
America is a generous country in the world.
America is friendly and lovely people.
America is a religious country .
All people, Christian, Jewish, Muslim Sunni, Muslim Shia,Muslim Ahmadiyah, Hindu and others say:
“GOD BLESS AMERICA”
God want His people live in peace, harmony and prosperity.
All love