Ideology of Pakistan

Pakistan is an Islamic state. It came into being on 14th August 1947. It is different from many other countries of the world in one respect. It is an ideological state whereas most of the countries of the world are not so. Other countries of the world keep their people united on the basis of language, color and creed. But Pakistan is the only country where people are bound up by the ties of religion. For example, the people of Pakistan live in different provinces. They speak different languages. Their geographical and climatic conditions are also different. They have descended from different races. But Islam is the only force that has brought them together and keep them fully united. They have one common aim to live and work for the glory of Islam.

This, however, does not mean that Pakistan is a theocratic state in the narrow sense of the world. This is because Islam is completely different from other religions. It is not an ethical, ideal or moral code, but a complete system of life. It regulates man’s political, economic as well as spiritual life. Dr Iqbal has rightly said, “Isalm is a social structure, regulated by a legal system and animated by a specific ethical ideal.” Islam is a religion of this world and the other world else. It pays equal importance to the welfare of body and soul.

Islam is against the concept of nationalism. It does not allow the formation of any social order based on narrow nationalistic interests. It aims at uniting the whole humanity. It intends to set up a universal social order free from all considerations of race and geographical limits. Islam has a wonderful unifying force in itself. It can bind together individuals and groups of various castes, colors, races and countries.

Islam is such an ideology that is complete in itself. Its religious aspect is organically related to its practical or social aspect. It is against the spirit of this religion to restrict itself to mosques. In the economic life, Islam intends to create a society free from all types of exploitation. It lays great stress on the just distribution of wealth. It urges rich people to help the needy and the poor in time of need. In order to encourage just distribution of wealth, it has set up the system of “Zakat”. Zakat is an attempt to reduce poverty and finish the difference between the rich and the poor.

On the political side, the Quran says that full or absolute power belongs to ALLAH. So all governments or states become agents of the Supreme Ruler, ALLAH. As such, they have to obey the orders of Allah and frame their laws according to the Quran and Sunnah. Islam guides us about the duties of the government, criminal law, war and peace, taxation, business and the ownership of land. It lays great stress on the rights of neighbors. It guides us to be Socially good mannered, soft and well behaved. We can say with full confidence that Islam is a perfect religion and offers a solution to all our problems.