Islamic Publications (Pvt) Limited 13-E SHAH ALAM MARKET LAHORE—PAKISTAN
(All Rights Reserved) Copyright by: Islamic Publications (Pvt.) Limited, Lahore 1st. Edition December 1979 3,000 2nd. Edition February 1988 1,100 3rd. Edition December 1992 1,100 4th. Edition September 1998 1,100
Published by: Prof. Muhammad Amin Javed Managing Director, Islamic Publications (Pvt.) Limited, 13-E Shah Alam Market Lahore (Pakistan) Printed by: Sharif Printers Ratigan Road Lahore.
Contents
Our Objective
The following speech was delivered at the last Annual General Meeting of Jama'at-e Islami before the advent of Pakistan on 10th May, 1947 in Darul Islam, the Headquarters of Jama'at near Pathankot (East Punjab),
I would advise you, first of all, to fear Allah, avoid His displeasure and crave for His pleasure. The main target of our struggle is communion with Allah and firm attachment with Him. No body can uphold the word of Allah or stick to the straight path without fear of the displeasure of Allah, keeping strict control on his passions and desires and a deep urge to win the pleasure of Allah behind all his activities.
Nothing but the fear of Allah only can keep one on the right path. Those, who have not only to keep themselves ion the right path but also have to guide those who have gone astray, sorely need to strengthen their relationship with their creator and ever remain conscious of the presence of the all vigilant Allah, otherwise they are apt to get involved in all sorts of corruption and evils and yet remain under the illusion that they are reformers.
Hence my first and foremost advice, to you and to all others who wish to participate in this movement, is to keep the concept of Allah and Ills attributes ever fresh in your mind and to concentrate on seeking His pleasure in all of your activities. The movements which have nothing but only the worldly interests before them can afford to work without thinking of Allah for a moment, but this movement cannot proceed even a step further unless its devotees keep communion and close relationship with Allah with all consciousness, fear His wrath and seek His pleasure.
Next, I would like to advise you to observe complete discipline,
orderliness, sobriety, calmness, and other etiquettes of Islam in all
your social activities and gatherings. You have, no doubt, showed
remarkable progress in this respect during the last few years for which I
offer thanks to the Almighty and congratulations to you. It is only by
the grace of God and the blessings of His guidance that you have
succeeded in this short space of time in regulating your social
behaviour in such a disciplined, civilized and sober manner which even
in its initial stages prominently marks you out from all other
communities in this country. But do not fall a prey to the
misunderstanding that you have reached the final stage. You have yet to
remove many defects; to cultivate many social virtues; and the perfect
stage that is your goal is still very far off. The great powers against
whom you are pitted in your struggle and who are likely to oppose and
thwart
The third point to which I wish o draw your attention on this
occasion is that you should take as much advantage as you can of the
days which you spend in this gathering and should not waste a single
moment in other matters. You E should be thankful for having had the
opportunity of these two or three days in a year and should see that
they are utilised for the achievement of your aims and objects. You can
find some other time for other pursuits. Although a person who makes our
own aim as the aim and object of his life would not like to entangle
his mind in other affairs and waste his energy in ether irrelevant
things even on occasions other than this particular gathering. If anyone
in indulges himself particularly during the few days of this gathering
in other affairs obviously proves that he has no real or heartfelt
sympathy and regard for our aims and objects. On this occasion all the
strength of your community is collected in one place. Friends have
gathered here from various places. Many workers, sympathisers and
seekers after truth have come. You should not, therefore, let this
valuable opportunity slip out of your hands. You should make the
acquaintance of companions from far and
The object with which our Jamaat has stood up is to organise a society, in this country to start with and ultimately in the whole world, which would itself observe the true principles of Islam with full consciousness and sincerity; which would seek truly to represent Islam before the world by its words and deeds.; and finally whenever it takes root and gathers sufficient strength it would uproot the materialistic foundations of the prevailing system (intellectual, moral, cultural, social, political and economic) and base it on true obedience of God i.e. the idea of the unity of God. Our community firmly believes that the principles on which the whole system of life in modern civilization is founded are thoroughly rotten, corrupt and wrong, and that if the world continues to be run on the basis of these principles it will be faced with the most serious consequences.
The consequences which have flowed out of it so far are not less
serious but they bear no comparison to the seriousness of the ultimate
end towards which the modern civilization is taking us all. Further, it
is evident that we are not living in a place aloof from and outside this
world, but are very much within it and breathing in its midst. Hence,
if, knowing full well the corrupt and evil consequences inherent in
these rotten principles, we go on leading our lives in a more or less
passive manner under this system, and submit ourselves to the Western
leaders and Eastern followers of this modern civilisation, then we shall
fall into the pit in which the whole world will fall and we will surely
deserve that fate well enough. We are firmly and sincerely convinced
that the guidance which God the Almighty has vouchsafed us through His
Messengers is the
Our Objective
This brief introduction must have made you understand that our real object is not to
This in brief is our objective and target.
Three Fundamental Principles
Now I wish you further to understand clearly the principles of modern civilization which we desire to uproot and also the principles which we want to establish in their place. Modern civilization on which revolves the whole present-day organisation of the world (intellectual, moral, cultural, political and economic) is, in reality, based on three fundamental principles which are :
1, Secularism, that is irreligiousness or worldliness; 2. Nationalism; and 3.Democracy,
Secularism
Due to education being divested of religion and the prevalence of irreligious nationalism, education among most people even in individual life is merely secular education and it is developing further on these lines. This is because there are very few men left who conscientiously believe that there is God and that we should worship Him. In particular with men who are actually the de facto leaders of modern civilization,. religion is not even a private affair; even their personal relations with God are snapped and torn asunder.
Nationalism
The second principle, viz, nationalism, owes its origin to a reaction
against the universal oppression of the Popes and Caesars. It merely
aims at making the various nationalities
The measure of virtue and standard of life and conscientiousness of individuals in a nation is now merely this; that they should not fall short of any sacrifice in the interests of their nation and should give up their lives, wealth, time, and even their morality, humanity, virtue and nobility of spirit. They are not expected to desist from these "sacrifices" and should devote themselves whole-heartedly in an organized and unified manner to fulfil their national aspirations. The aim and object of all collective effort now lies in every nation producing such individuals in greater abundance and in organizing and uniting them so that they may raise the standout of their own nation as against that of the other nations.
Democracy
The third principle, democracy or sovereignty of the people, was
originally put forward to loosen the oppressive grip of monarchs and
feudal landlords over the masses. To the extent to which it sought to
expound the idea that no individual, family, or class, has any right to
force its will on millions of other peoples and use them for their own
selfish ends it was perfectly coned and laudable. But with this negative
aspect it implied a positive aspect also in that the people of each
country and territory are their own masters and rulers. This positive
aspect later on developed into democracy, which meant that every nation
is entirely independent in its will and actions. There is nothing to
restrict its collective desire, or in practice, the desires and
aspirations of its majority. Whether it he in the sphere of morals,
culture, social relations, or politics, only such principles are to be
deemed right and correct as are accepted as such by the unanimous will
of the nation and those principles which are voted down by the nation as
wrong must be looked upon as such. The making of laws depends on the
sweet will of a nation. It may make any
Critical Appreciation
These three principles, which I have briefly explained, are the corner-stone of the way of life evolved in modern times. On their foundation is built that "secular democratic state" which is looked upon as highest standard, and the most civilized form of modern collective organization.
Root Cause of Calamities
In our opinion all the three principles are against these principles and may be enabled to assess why this matter is one of such grave importance as to compel us to struggle against these principles and work for their elimination and overthrow.
Irreligiousness
Let us take first of all the irreligiousness or worldliness which is the first and foremost foundation-stone of this way of life. The theory that God and religion are concerned only with the individual life of a man is completely meaningless, having nothing to do with reason and argument. It is perfectly obvious that the relations of man and God cannot lie beyond either of two alternatives. Either God is the Creator of man and the world in which he lives, as well as being its Master and Sovereign, or He is not so. If He is neither the Creator nor the Master, nor again the Sovereign then it is entirely unnecessary to have even any private relations with Him. It is utterly absurd to worship a Being entirely unconcerned and having nothing to do, with us. But if He is in reality our Creator, Master, and Sovereign, and so also of this universe, then it is equally meaningless that His jurisdiction should be limited to the private life of an individual and from the very point from which the contact of one person with another commences His jurisdiction should cease and ate to an end.
If this limitation has been imposed by God Himself then there should
be some authority for it; but if man has assumed this independence
himself and discarded God from his collective life, then this
constitutes an open rebellion against his Creator, Master and Sovereign.
And only a lunatic can claim to combine with this rebellious attitude
the claim that he accepts God, His religion, guidance and directions in
his individual life.
National Selfishness
Let us take up the second principle now I have just explained the
implications of national ism to you. If it is still fresh in your mind
you can imagine what a curse it is which has overtaken mankind in this
age. We do not object to "nationality" which is a natural fact and
reality We do not oppose national patriotism providing it does not
comprise within itself ill-will towards other nations. We do not object
to national love either, provided it does not involve and lead to
national prejudice, an unreasonable favouritism towards one's own
nation, and hatred of other nations. We regard national freedom as right
and proper as it is the birthright of every nation to regulate its own
business and look after its own domestic affairs. The rule of one nation
over another is wrong and incorrect, What is, however, objectionable,
nay even hateful, is. "nationalism." This nationalism has no reality
except that it is another name for national selfishness. If the
existence of an individual in a society, who is the slave of his own
self and passions and is ready to do anything for his, selfish
interests, is a curse; if in a town it is a curse to have a family whose
members blindly follow their selfish family interests and are bent on
helping only themselves and this by all fair or foul means; if again, in
a country that class. is a curse which blindly pursues its own class
interests and ends without caring for their good or bad consequences to
others (e.g. the black- marketers); then why should not, in the wider
sphere of humanity, that nation be treated and looked upon as a curse
which deifies its national interests and admires the principle that
"right
Sovereignty of People :
The third principle, when combined with the other two principles, completes our misfortune and misery. As I have just explained, democracy in modern civilization means the sovereignty of the people that is to say, the collective will, of a group of people in a particular territory being completely independent and free therein, the laws being subject to their wishes and not their wishes to the laws, and the sole aim and object of government consisting in, and its power of organization being used for, the fulfilment or the collective desires of the masses. Now work that in the first place secularism released people from the fear of God and the grip of stable and enduring moral values and made them unbridled and irresponsible slaves of their self; them nationalism intoxicated them with the wine of national selfishness, blind prejudices, and national pride; and then this democracy, on tops of all, completed the picture, and conferred full powers of legislation on these unbridled and intoxicated slaves of their own self. It seeks to prescribe that the sole object of a government is that its power be utilised for the attainment of things which people collectively desire. The question that forces itself on us, then, is how on earth does such an independent sovereign nation differ in this condition from a strong, free, and independent individual who is a rogue and "badmash" ? Whatever an individual knave will do on a small scale when he is entrusted with freedom, independence and power, exactly the same feat, but on a very much bigger scale, will be performed by a whole nation when it is endowed with such powers. And when in this world there be not one nation like this but all the civilized nations are organized in this manner on principles of secularism, democracy and national ism, then how can the world escape becoming a battleground for these wolves of the human race?
These are the grounds which compel us to regard every social system
which is based on These three principles as wrong and harmful. We are
opposed to the "secular, national,
The Alternative
As against these three principles we put forward another three principles, and appeal to the conscience of all men to observe and test them for themselves and see whether their own happiness and welfare and that of the whole world depends on accepting these truthful and sacred doctrines or the other wrong principles.
(a) As against secularism is the principle of submission and obedience to God; (b) as opposed to nationalism is humanism; (c) as against democracy or sovereignty of the masses is the sovereignty of God and the vicegerency (khilafat) of the people. Sovereignty of God
The first principle implies that all of us accept God as our Creator, Master and Sovereign as well as of this universe. We seek to regulate our life according to His commandments and to follow His guidance, and not pose as if we be independent of Him and care not for Him. We should not merely offer pujah (ceremonial rites) to Him but also obey Him and submit ourselves to Him. We should not merely observe His commands and directions as individuals in our private capacity but should do so in every aspect of our social and collective life too. in the sphere of our sod it I, cultural and economic life, in our educational and training institutions, in framing our laws, setting up our judicial courts, running our government, in making war or peace, and in our international relations, we should observe the principles and restrictions laid down by God. We should not be absolutely free to regulate our secular and mundane affairs in whatever way we like; this freedom should be observed within the limits prescribed by the checks kind balances imposed by God. These principles and limitations must, in any event, be regarded as beyond our jurisdiction to challenge, modify or change,
Ideological System
The second principle implies that the system of life which is built
upon submission to God's will and obedience to Him should have nothing
to do with, nor secure any place within itself for, the distinctions of
nation, race, country), colour, or language; and in no way should it
tolerate the pride, prejudice, and selfishness arising from them.
Instead of
Vicegerency
Let us take up the third principle now. We believe in the vicegerency
(khilafat) of the people instead of their sovereignty. We are as much
opposed, as the biggest democrat can be to personal monarchy, the power
of the rich, feudal lords, and the class monopolies. We insist as much
as the greatest protagonist of Western democracy does on equal rights
and free and equal opportunities for every person in a social order. We
also believe that governmental administration and the election of rulers
should be made with the free consent and votes of all inhabitants. We
too are strongly opposed to a social system in which there is no freedom
of expression of opinion, of assembly and of action, or in which there
may be special rights reserved for certain people on grounds of race,
birth or class and special disabilities imposed on others on this very
basis. There are no differences between the Western democracy and our
own type of demo. any in these matters which form the very essence, as
it were, of true democracy. There is nothing in this respect which we
may have to learn from the West. The Muslims know this democracy very
well and gave a practical illustration of it long centuries before the
birth of Western democracy. When we differ, and differ violently, from
this new-fangled democracy is that it puts forward the principle of
unrestricted sovereignty of the masses while we consider it wrong from
the view point of reality and disastrous from the aspect of its
consequences. The fact of the matter is that the right of sovereignty
vests in Him Who created mankind, arranges their sustenance and
development, on Whom depends the very existence of humanity and the
whole world, and in Whose firm grip lies every single thing that exists
in the universe. Any claim to sovereignty whether of a person or a
family, of a nation, or the masses as a whole, within the sphere of His
real and factual sovereignty, is nothing more than a myth and a
misconception. And the evil consequences of this misunderstanding will
fall not on the real sovereign of the universe but on the foolish
claimant who does not realise his own place and position. hi the face of
this reality the only attitude which is correct in principle and
correct from the viewpoint of consequential welfare of man is to accept
God as his sovereign and evolve a system of government for human life on
the basis of the theory of His khilafat and representative character.
This khilafat should doubtless be democratic; the election of
Choice is Yours
Gentlemen, -The three principles which I have propounded before you aim at establishing a democratic and human caliphate subservient to God as against the national-secular-democratic sovereignty evolved by modern civilization, and our object is the establishment of this caliphate. You can at a glance see that there are obvious differences between the two systems. It now, rests with you conscientiously to decide which one of them is better, in which one can solve the problems of mankind, which one would you be desirous of establishing, and how your energies should be directed and spent in establishing and maintaining the one you choose.
Beware !
In so far as the Muslims are concerned I must say very clearly that
modern secular national democracy is utterly against their faith and
religion. If they bow to it and accept
A Few Words to Muslims
In passing I wish to address a few words to my Muslim brethren. Some religious-robed are involving you in a misunderstanding, and are per haps themselves too suffering from the delusion that sovereignty is a blessing with which God rewards men for offering prayers and doing good deeds but that to strive for its achievement is mere worldliness and to make it an ideal is contrary to Islam. Those who talk in this strain have never wed to understand the matter. Let them not be displeased when I go further and say that they do wish to do so at all for this will lead to deprivation of the pleasures which they enjoy now under the existing system or are looking forward to secure them sometime or other. These people look at the matter purely from the point of view of a reward and remuneration, and ignore altogether the aspect of duty and obligation. I submit that the establishment of this caliphate is doubtless a blessing and reward but struggling and striving for its establish merit is a duty and obligation all the same, so that we must try in place of a Satanic khilafat to establish the true system in which evils are suppressed and virtues are developed. You are avoiding your duties and obligations and hoping for a reward. If you choose to do so you are welcome to feel satisfied with such an absurdity.
As regards the Non-Muslims I beseech them in all sincerity that in considering these principles they should rid themselves of the prejudices which have unfortunately resulted from past history and the present mutual national struggle. These ideologies and principles are not the inheritance of any. one nation nor are they labelled with nationalism. If they are true and beneficial they are so for all men, and if they are wrong they are wrong for everyone irrespective of the person who puts them forward or the language in which they are put forth. In ether spheres like the laws of health and hygiene, the principles of medical science, the rules of business, industry, trade and agriculture, the Jaws of science and other branches of knowledge, the question does not arise at all that they belong to a particular country or a particular class of people so that people of other classes or communities should be prejudicially inclined to them. If you: adopt a prejudicial: attitude in accepting a correct principle you will injure no one except yourself. Exactly the same holds good in the matter of principles or human morality, culture, society, civilization, economics and politics. These too are, truly speaking, un-national and un-racial realities. They should also be accepted or discarded on their merits. If you accept the correct principles. you will not be obliging anyone; if you follow wrong principles you will injure your own interests and no one else. Indeed you have not adopted a prejudicial attitude in the matter of other ideologies and principles. Secularism, nationalism, and a Western democracy have all come to you from those Englishmen who ruled over you in an oppressive manner for nearly two hundred years and against whom you have been fighting the battle of freedom during the last forty or fifty years. Then why did you not adopt a partial attitude in accepting the principles brought by these enemies of yours. Socialism and Communism, towards which many of you feel attract ed, is the result of a German Jew's mind and has been developed in Russia. How are your related to these nations ? Why did you not regard these ideologies as foreign? If you can cast aside your prejudice and look at these principles and ideologies as nothing but mere ideologies and principles, then there is to reason why in considering the ideology (Islamic) which we present to you, your vision should be blurred by the idea that it is presented to you by men who belong to a community against whose co. religionists you have got some historical grieve, ante or with whom you are at loggerheads nowadays.
We are criticising with reasons and arguments the other ideologies
and principles which according to us are ruinous of humanity and in,
their place we put forward ideologies that we consider to be good for
us, for yourselves, and the whole of mankind. You should
One Practical Question
And now remains only one practical question which needs an answer and that is this : where from shall we seek guidance and instructions to run this God-worshipping system? Where is the divine law and constitution on which we should raise the foundations of our state? Prima fade this is a very complicated question, for while people agree with the simple idea of the sovereignty of God, or Ram Raja, or kingdom of God, they cannot so easily and readily agree on accepting it particular law and constitution as divine. But this complication is not so insuperable as not to be solved or removed in any manner.
It is almost settled now that our country will be divided and
partitioned. A portion of it will be handed over to Muslim majority, and
the other will be dominated by a non-Muslim majority. In the first
region we will try to awaken and guide the popular will to base the
foundations of our state on the law and constitution which we Muslims
consider to be divine. Our non-Muslim brethren should, instead of
opposing this ideal of ours, allow us the opportunity to work it and see
for themselves how far in contradistinction to a secular, irreligious,
national democracy, this God-worshipping democratic caliphate, founded
on the guidance vouchsafed to us through Muhammad (peace, and blessings
of Allah be upon him) proves at blessing for the inhabitants of Pakistan
and to what extent for the whole world. In the other part of the
country you will be in a majority and we in a minority. We suggest to
you for that part not to imitate, for God's sake, the ideologies of the
nations of the world which have erred and gone astray and due to which
they are ruining themselves and the whole world. instead of these please
accept the three principles which the noble servant's of God have been
preaching in every age and which were put forth by your own ancestors as
well as our own. And them look round and examine the teaching's of your
ancestors whether for running a