Steps towards Islamization in Pakistan taken by the Government

Steps towards Islamization in Pakistan taken by the Government

Prelude

Pakistan is an ideoogical state which was founded so that the Muslims would lead their lives according to the principles of Islam. All the laws made and implented in this country have been designed keeping in view the teachings of Holy Quran and Sunnah. Quaid said:

"It is my belief that our saluation lies in following the golden rules of conduct set for us by our great law given by the Prophet of Islam. Let us lay the foundation of our democracy on the basis of truly Islamic ideals and principles. Our Almighty Allah taught us that the decisions in the affairs shall be guided by discussing and consultation."

All the constitutions that have been implemented in our country (1956, 1965 and 1973) have all contained Islamic Provisions. To accomplish these provisions, the Government of Pakistan has taken the following steps to introduce Islamic Laws in the country.:

1. Hadood Ordinance

It was promulgated in the country in 1977. In the light of Hadood ordinance different punishments were prescribed for various crimes. The word Hadood means the punishment which has been prescribed in the light of Holy Quran.

According to the Hadood Ordinance, manufacture, export, import and use of alcohols was considered as a crime. Any person found guilty will be liable of the 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 and rape (Zina-bil-Jabr), whose punishment is stoning the adulter to death.

2. Zakat and Ushr Ordinance

Zakat and Ushr Ordinance was promulgated in the country of June 20, 1980. According to this ordinance, a 'Zakat Fund' will be established to collect all sorts of gift and it will be compulsory for every Sahib-e-Nisab Muslim to pay Zakat by deducting it from his/her account in the bank.

Ushr is the tax levied on yield of agricultural land in cash or kind. According to this ordinance, every owner who ploughs and cultivates land is bound to deposit 10% of his earning in cash or kind, as Ushr.

3. Establishment of Federal Shariat Courts

It is a highly important step undertakedn by the Government. This Court decides various issues brought before it in the light of Holy Quran and Sunnah. Any citizen can challenge any law of the country in the Shariat Court where he has to prove that a certaing law is against the injunction of Islam and therefore be declared as unliable.

4. Interest-Free Banking

On January 1981, the interest-free banking system was introduced in Pakisan. According to this system, the account holder becomes the partner with the bak in its profit or loss and shares it according to his investment in the bank.

5. Teaching of Islamic and Pakistan Studies

In the light of University Grants Commission all universities of Pakistan and boards of Education have been given instructions to introduce Islamiat and Pakistan Studies as a compulsory subject in intermediate, degree and post graduate classes so that the system of Education should become compatible to the Ideology of Pakistan.

6. Establishment of Islamic University

Shariat Faculties have been established in various universitites for the pormotion of Islamic teachings. The function of Jamia Islamia Bahawalpur has been streamlined and an Islamic University has been established in Islamabad.

7. New Education Policy

In April 1979, a new education policy was made on the basis of Islamic concepts and the Ideology of Pakistan. In the light of the new policy, women universities well be set up in Lahore and Karachi.

8. Unislamic Literature

A ban has been put on the printing, distribution and sale of all kinds of literature which is likely to propagate against the ideology of Pakistan or to give rise to provincial, lingual or sectorial prejudice.

9. Nizam-e-Salat and Arrangement of Azan

Nizam-e-Salat was promulgated by which it was intended to persuade the general people and the employee's of the Government offices to pray five times a day. Also, arrangements for Azan on radio and Television was made.

Conclusion

The above steps taken by the Government towards Islamization in the country will vertainly lead the nation to progress and prosperity within the ilmits prescribed by the Holy Quran and Sunnah.