Steps towards Islamization in Pakistan taken by the
Government
Prelude
Pakistan is an ideological state that
was founded on the principle that Muslims would lead their lives according to
Islam. All the laws made and implemented in this country have been designed
keeping in view the teachings of Holy Quran and Sunnah. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad
Ali Jinnah said:
“It is my belief that our salutation lies in following the golden rules
of conduct set for us by our great law given by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) of
Islam. Let us lay the foundation of our democracy on the basis of truly Islamic
ideals and principles. Almighty Allah taught us that the decisions in the
affairs shall be guided by discussion and consultation.”
All the constitutions that have been
implemented in our country (1956, 1965 and 1973) have Islamic Provisions. The Government
of Pakistan has taken the following steps to introduce Islamic Laws in
Pakistan:
1. Hudood
Ordinance
Hudood Ordinance was introduced in
the country in 1977. In the light of Hudood Ordinance, various punishments were
prescribed for different crimes. The word Hudood means the punishment which has
been prescribed in the light of Holy Quran.
According to the Hudood Ordinance
manufacture, export, import and use of alcohols has been prohibited. Any person
found guilty is liable of punishment of 30 lashes and 5 years imprisonment.
The second Hadood Law is concerned
with the crime of theft.
The third Hadood law is meant for
adultery (Zina-bil-Raza) and rape (Zina-bil-Jabar), whose punishment is stoning
the adulter to death.
2. Zakat and
Ushr Ordinance
Zakat and Ushr Ordinance was
promulgated in the country on June 20, 1980. According to the ordinance, Zakat
Fund was established to collect zakat donations. It was made compulsory for
every Sahib-e-Nisab Muslim to pay Zakat by depositing 10 percent of money in
one’s bank account.
Ushr is the tax levied on yield of
agricultural land in cash or kind. According to Ushr Ordinance, every owner who
ploughs and cultivates land was made bound to deposit 10 percent of his
earnings in cash or kind, as Ushr.
3. Establishment
of Federal Sharia Courts
Federal Sharia Courts were
established by the government, which was considered a highly important step.
These courts decide various issues brought before it in the light of Holy Quran
and Sunnah. Any citizen can challenge any law of the country in the Sharia
Court where one has to prove that a certain law is against the teachings of
Islam. If proved, the law can be declared as unislamic and removed.
4. Interest
Free Banking
In January 1981, interest free
banking was introduced in Pakistan. According to this system, the account
holder partners with the bank in profit and loss and shares risk according to
one’s investment in the bank.
5. Teaching
of Islamic and Pakistan Studies
The University Grants Commission
instructed all the universities and education boards to introduce Islamic and
Pakistan Studies as compulsory subjects. They were introduced in intermediate,
graduation and post graduation course, so that our education system becomes
compatible with the ideology of Pakistan.
6.
Establishment of Islamic University
Sharia faculties have been
established in various universities for the promotion of Islamic teachings. The
function of Jamia-e-Bahawalpur was streamlined and an Islamic University was
established in Islamabad.
7. New
Education Policy
In April 1979, a new education policy
was introduced on the basis of Islamic concepts and the ideology of Pakistan.
In the light of the new policy, women universities were to be set up in Lahore
and Karachi.
8. Anti
Islamic Literature
A ban has been put on the printing,
distribution and sales of all kinds of literature that is likely to propagate
against the ideology of Pakistan or that gives rise to provincial, lingual or
sectarian violence.
9.
Nizam-e-Salat and Azan
Nizam-e-Salat was promulgated to
persuade general public and government employees to pray five times a day.
Also, arrangements for Azan on radio and television were made.
Conclusion
The above steps taken by the
government towards Islamization in the country will certainly lead the nation
to progress and prosperity as prescribed by the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
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