“Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three”.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the founding father of Pakistan he was very much worried about the destiny of Muslims under the Indian role after British. So he determined to get a separate homeland for them. He had a clear and concrete vision about Pakistan. Once again there is a relatively new force that is gaining quite momentum, as 14 August is nearby a conflict has aroused in Pakistan about whether Jinnah was a secular person or he wanted Pakistan to be a secular state or an Islamic state.
According to the Webster’s Pocket Dictionary: “secular is one who is not concerned with religion; and not living in a religious community”. Whereas, Jinnah before and after independence in his speeches and writings always assured the people and the world that Pakistan is not going to be secular or theocracy to be ruled by priests. Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of Pakistan is very clear; he wanted Pakistan to be a modern, progressive, dynamic, and an Islamic democratic welfare state with equal rights for all its citizens. Now, let us observe Mr. Jinnah in the light of this definition. Here are some quotes that are associated with founder of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This nation can be a great nation if follow these quotes:
- While address to Gaya Muslim League Conference in January, 1938, Jinnah stated:
“When we say ‘This flag is the flag of Islam’ they think we are introducing religion into politics – a FACT of which we are PROUD. Islam gives us a complete code. It is not only religion but it contains laws, philosophy, and politics, in fact, it contains everything that matters to man from morning to night”
- On August 6, 1939, Jinnah said:
“I was born Muslim; I am a Muslim and shall die a Muslim”.
- In a message of NWFP Muslim Students Federation On April 1943, he said:
“You have asked me to give a message. What message can I give you? We have got the great message in the Quran for our guidance and enlightenment”
- While delivering his speech at Karachi session of the All India Muslim League on December 26, 1943, Jinnah referred to the Glorious Quran:
“It is the great Book Quran, which is the sheet-anchor of the Muslim India. I am sure that as we go on and on, there will be more and more oneness – one God, one Book, one Prophet and one Nation”.
- While addressing the Karachi Bar Association in Jan, 25, 1948, Jinnah said:
“I cannot recognize the judgment of those who have been intentionally and mischievously propagating that the Constitution of Pakistan will not be based on Islamic Shariat/Laws. Islamic principles today are as much applicable to life as they were 1300 years age”
- Quaid-e-Azam desired to build up the structure of Islamic Pakistan. On 5th March, 1948 he stated:
“No doubt, there are many people who do not quite appreciate when we talk of Islam. Islam in not only as set of rituals, traditions and spiritual doctrines but also a code for every Muslim, which regulates his life and his conduct in even politics and economics and the like. It is based upon highest principles of honor, integrity, fair play and justice for all”.
Furthermore he stated: “Come forward as servants of Islam, organize the people economically, socially, educationally and politically and I am sure that you will be a power that will be accepted by everybody”.
Quaid-e-Azam had complete knowledge of the convents of Islam and was well acquainted with the prayer rituals. To tag Quaid-e-Azam as secular or that he wanted Pakistan to be a secular state is only an attempt to further mystify the dilemma of political thinking which is already prevalent in the country. Now we must get rid of this delusion that Quaid-e-Azam wanted Pakistan as a secular state. Pakistan is meant to be a state based on complete Islamic principles no matter how hard group of such people try to separate Islam from Pakistan, they will never ever succeed because Pakistan has no escape from Islam. As Dr. Muhammad Iqbal said:
“Juda Ho Deen Siyasat Sey To Reh Jati Hai Changezi…”
Excellent article, as always, Baig sahib.
Our Quaid was indeed not a secular person. There are strong proofs for this.
The malicious efforts to declare him secular by the current Govt through searching Quaid’s speech records from India has very recently got failed. Long Live Islamic Republic of Pakistan…Ameen
well done
Surely Jinnah was a Muslim and always wanted Pakistan as a Muslim welfare state. People, Journalists and political leaders who are on pay roll of anti-Pakistan Organistaions want to damage the roots of Pakistan and are trying in vain to label Jinnah as secular.
I even condemn people who are making Jinnah partisan on basis of his religious caste, views and motives. Why not simply act upon what he advised and instructed us to do. why do we listen to people who have no interest in Pakistan and claim to be the saviours of Pakistan.
Grow up and become a nation Jinnah wanted us to be.
Personally I would rather endorse notion of Muslim Ummah over nation, but we need to become a nation first and only then we can be part of a much greater alliance such as Muslim Ummah.
SO wake up and become a Proud Pakistani in the strictest sense of the word.