FSc ICS FA ICom Class 12 Pakistan Studies Steps towards Islamization in Pakistan taken by the Government

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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 Hudood Law is concerned with the crime of theft.

The third Hudood 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.