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Pakistan Quagmire - Trialogue for Peace & Progress: پاکستان مسائل کی دلدل - امن اور ترقی کا راستہ :ٹرا ئیلاگ

Pakistan is in a state of turmoil, in order to get out of this quagmire some basic issues need to be addressed. Ideologically the Pakistani society can be divided in to three main groups:  <<<< Read online or download complete article >>>>
پاکستان کی ترقی ، خوشحالی اور امن کے لییے کچھ بنیادی معاملات طے کرنا ضروری ھیں. اس وقت پاکستانی سوسائٹی فکری طورپرتین بڑے حصوں میں تقسیم ہو چکی ہے: ایک طرف "اشرافیہ , لبرل طبقہ" دوسری طرف "خاموش اکثریت" ؛ تیسری طرف "مذہبی شدت پسند دہشت گرد اور ان کے ہمدرد". ایسے حالات میں ضروری ہے کہ کنفیوژن کو دور کیا جائے تاکہ اکثریت ایک نقطہ نظر پر متفق ہو جائے. اور پھر تمام توانایوں کو مرکوز کرکہ عظیم مقاصد ، امن . خوشحالی . ترقی کی طرف رواں دواں ہوں. اگر ہم کچھ بنیادی سوالات کا جواب موجودہ تناظرمیں قرآن سنت کی روشنی میں معلوم کر لیں. ان پر قومی مباحثہ ہو جس میں آپ , میڈیا ، دانشور ، مذہبی سکالرز علماء ، سیاسی مفکرین ، سول سوسائٹی ، فوجی ماہرین ، قانون ، خارجہ امور کے ماہرین اور تمام دوسرے متعلقہ ماہرین اور عوام حصہ لیں . پھر جس پر سب یا اکثریت متفق ہو ان پر پھر ڈٹ کرعمل کریں تو پاکستان ایک ترقی یافتہ باعزت ملک، قوم بن سکتا ہے. بنیادی مکالمہ  کےسوال   >>> پڑھتے جایے >>  

Firstly; the elite and the liberals:
They are less than 1% in numbers but are the most powerful, control more than 50% national wealth while 99% people have to live in poverty at average income of 500 $ per year. It includes politicians, feudal, industrialists, business men, bankers, civil and military bureaucracy, media groups and other mafias controlling other sources of economic and social power. They consider religion as personal affair of an individual and that Islam should be restricted to the mosques for worship, it should have no say in the public affairs like law and social aspects.  Some times they display their religiosity just to get favours form public i.e. to get votes in elections or to change public opinion. They use power, wealth and coercion to crush any resistance to their interests. Here the term “elite” include their supporters, sympathisers and potential candidates form all segments of society to join this club.
The elite include some fascist liberals who consider all the religiously inclined people to be primitive hardliner, fundamentalist, rigid extremists, devoid of intellect, ignorant bigots. They think that religious people are the source of all the ills of society and impediment to progress.
Secondly the Silent Majority:  
“And thus have We made you to be a moderate community, so that (with your lives) you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind, and that the Apostle might bear witness to it before you.” (Quran;2:143).
This is the bulk of population, sandwiched between Elite and Religious Extremists. They are moderate religiously inclined but mostly non practicing Muslims. However they consider that implementation of Islam and Shari’a will provide them social and economic justice and save them for the tyranny of Elite and Extremists. They revere Islam but lack in practice, laying, deception, fraud corruption is rampant. Some practice Islam in rituals but lack in Haqooq-Al Ibad [service to fellow beings].
They are influenced by moderate Ulema inclined towards Sufi Islamic traditions. Since they are not influential, their voice is lost. They comprise people from all segments of society. Thousands have lost their lives in the terrorist attacks by extremist militants. 
Thirdly: The Muslim Militants & Their Supporters:
Majority of Muslims desire implementation of Shari’a peacefully through democratic system. However some extremist elements like Taliban has opted to for violence and terrorism as means to this end. They consider killing and terrorism as justified Islamic means, which has been rejected unanimously by all the eminent scholars. However there are people who provide tacit support either in reaction to the existing unjust system of rule or under influence of propaganda.
The Imams and Khateebs of mosques enjoy considerable influence in the society. They enjoy unrestricted freedom to talk what ever they like in the Friday sermons or in other religious gatherings. Since mostly they have limited understanding of the system of governance and politics, their influence has negative impact. No one dare question them while addressing form pulpit. Unlike Middle Eastern Arabs, Pakistan government has no control over them. 
Mostly they appear to be favouring the extremists and militants though tacitly. They do not openly condemn the killing of innocent people; use of general phrases is used to satisfy feelings of majority. In the supplications would pray for the success of all struggling in Jihad and for implementation of Shari’a, which no one can dare disagree. Though Islam does not have official clergy like Christianity and other religions, but these Imams think that they may also get a role or share in power once the Shari’a is implemented.
The military or civilians rulers have always been involved in exploitation and oppression of poor people. People deprived of good governance, social and economic justice are ready to welcome any one who promises to address their problems. Their expectations from people with religious overtones are high because of their apparent piety and outlook. They fail to comprehend that governance is beyond their capabilities, terror cannot solve all their problems.
Disjointed Society:
The society is disjointed intellectually, politically, socially and even physically to an extent due to yawning social and economic gap. Hence for the peace and progress, of the pole of Pakistan, there is dire need to at least close this gap with in acceptable limits if can’t be eliminated altogether.  
Thought can refer to the ideas or arrangements of ideas that result from thinking, the act of producing thoughts, or the process of producing thoughts. Despite the fact that thought is a fundamental human activity familiar to everyone, there is no generally accepted agreement as to what thought is or how it is created.
Because thought underlies many human actions and interactions, understanding its physical and metaphysical origins, processes, and effects has been a longstanding goal of many academic disciplines including artificial intelligence, biology, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. Thinking allows humans to make sense of, interpret, represent or model the world they experience, and to make predictions about that world. It is therefore helpful to an organism with needs, objectives, and desires as it makes plans or otherwise attempts to accomplish those goals.
On the other hand ‘social psychology’ is the study of how people and groups interact. The collective unconscious, sometimes known as collective subconscious, is a term of analytical psychology, coined by Carl Jung. It is a part of the unconscious mind, shared by a society, a people, or all humanity, in an interconnected system that is the product of all common experiences and contains such concepts as science, religion, and morality. While Freud did not distinguish between an "individual psychology" and a "collective psychology," Jung distinguished the collective unconscious from the personal subconscious particular to each human being. The collective unconscious is also known as "a reservoir of the experiences of our species."
In Pakistani society there is need to close the gap of three main groups in ‘thought’ to bring them at one platform for attainment of common goals, peace and progress.

 
The three broad categories of Muslims are mentioned in Qur’an:
“Then We conveyed the Book as an heritage to those of Our slaves whom We chose. Now, some of them are those who wrong their own selves, and some of them are mediocre, and some of them are those who outpace (others) in righteous deeds with Allah‘s permission. That is the great bounty”(Quran;35:32)
Broad based Trialogue for Peace, Unity & Progress:
In order to achieve, enduring peace, instead of infighting there is a need of “Trialogue” [discussion between three groups] to close the conceptual gap & eliminate differences in the light of intelligent application of Quran and Sunnah in the prevailing environments. Use of Ijtehad may be resorted to by the theologians, scholars, intellectuals & thinkers.
The Trialogue may be held at national and every possible level in which intellectuals, political thinkers, philosophers, theologians, academics, civil society, experts on foreign, defence, economy, law, media, social scientists, experts in other fields and the people should participate.
While people in power and authority formulate committees and use the existing or new institutions for this purpose, every Pakistani, every individual has a role to play at their level. The head of different organizations, governmental or private can organize informal or formal study sessions, workshops and discussions. A common man can do it within his/her social groups. The social media can be utilised as one of the tools. If our minds think on same lines, the straight path provided by Quran and Sunnah, discarding self made interpretations to achieve certain noble objectives, employing means contradictory to the teachings of Islam, common ground can be found.
To some it may appear to be an exercise in futility, but at least it will create awareness at all the levels, especially among the masses. People could not be befooled with rosy false promises and hopes. The real peaceful message of Islam, lost in the mist of extremist ideologies will be revealed to the unaware people.

A process of religious and political awareness and awakening will start which can partially fill the intellectual vacuum created by corrupted thought process, as a result of our impoverished education system and over all lack of education due to poor literacy rate. 
Issues and Topics for Trialogue:
Some basic topics/questions which need to be addressed and answered have been listed below, [answers can be found at the links given at the end or click here] the number is not final, there always room for improvement:
  1. What is the purpose of existence of humanity?
  2. What is the purpose of creation of Pakistan?
  3. Does Islam specify some form of government like Khilafah, kingship, or it only gives broad principles?
  4. Is Islamic democracy closer to Islamic concept of Shura [consultation]?
  5. The present constitution of Pakistan which declares sovereignty of Allah and that no law can be formulated repugnant to Quran and Sunnah is un Islamic?
  6. The “Objective Resolution” preamble to the constitution make it Islamic in theory only?
  7. If the elected democratic governments fail to implement Shari’a, is it justified to blame the constitution not the politicians elected by people again and again?
  8. The recommendations of “Islamic Ideological Council” are not implemented,  should it be revamped and made powerful?
  9. Will the Shari’a be based upon the madhab of majority? If so how to satisfy the Shia’a, Deobandi, Salafi, Takfiri and other groups?
  10. Is it justified to wage armed rebellion, terrorism in the name of Jihad for Shari’a?
  11. Pakistan is signatory of UN Charter, it has international commitments and obligations. The orthodox doctrine of House of Peace [Darul Aman], House of War [Darul Harb] still remain applicable?
  12. Respect of international borders and treaties?
  13. Will Pakistan fight with all the world to impose Islam by force? What will be implications for such policy?
  14. Is it fair to establish friendly relations with non Muslim countries for education, science, technology, trade, defence for mutual benefit?
  15. What will be role of Muslims living as minorities in non Muslim countries?
  16. What are human rights, according to UN Charter or redefine?
  17. Treatment and rights of minorities according to Mesaq Medina or different?
  18. How it is justified to kill non Muslims and destruction of their places of worship?
  19. Who has the right to declare Jihad, in support of oppressed people, state or groups or scholars?
  20. How the ruling “Elite” can be made to change its attitude and behaviour to make it people friendly?
  21. Role of judiciary, military and other state institutions against corruption and misrule of government?
  22. Electoral reforms, lack of implementation of Section 62,63 in true spirit?
  23. Independence of Election Commission & reconstitution with more powers like in India?
  24. Use of electronic voting machines?
  25. Lack of local body elections to develop junior leadership and decentralization of powers?
  26. Most of the political leadership and rulers are accused of being puppets of US/ foreign powers, they refute it. How to determine truthfulness of these accusations?
  27. Is it justified to resort to armed rebellion against rulers on accusations?
  28. How to change corrupt, oppressor rulers?
  29. Is it justified to form private militias for Jihad?
  30. Society needs moral reformation. Who has authority to implement “Amir bil maroof, nahi anil munkir” “Order good works and prohibit evils” in society?
  31. Should government exercise some control on the religious education, construction of mosques and appointment of Imams/Khateebs, like Middle Eastern countries or it should be left open as now?
  32. Is it justified to kill innocent people in mosques public places, through suicide bombing and terrorist attacks to oppose government policies?
  33. Should military and security forces protect citizens or leave them at the mercy of terrorists, who claim to be opposed to USA or others?
Conclusion:
Jihad [struggle] though not part of six articles of faith or five pillars of Islam is an important part of faith, which has three broad categories. While majority scholars opine that armed Jihad [qital, warfare] can only declared by the legitimate & recognised ruler, the other two forms of Jihad i.e Jihad against selfish desires [Jihad bil nafs] and Greater Jihad [Jihad Akbar] preaching of Quran can be undertaken by any believer individually or collectively: “Therefore, do not yield to the unbelievers, and make Jihad (strive) against them with this (Qur'an), a mighty Jihad (Jihad Kabira).”(Qur’an;25:52). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The best fighting (Jihad) in the path of Allah is (to speak) a word of justice to an oppressive ruler. (Sunan of Abu Dawood:2040).
While extremist groups have shed enough blood of innocent people on the name of Jihad, there is dire need of Jihad against selfish desires [Jihad bil nafs] and Greater Jihad [Jihad Akbar] through Quran.  It is through these forms of Jihad that the negative thinking, minds of people could be changed and their energies utilised for constructive purpose to attain peace and prosperity.
Every Pakistani, men or women, rich or poor, educated or less educate, student or employed, old or young, religious or non religious, liberal or secular, rightist or leftist, extremist fundamentalist or moderate, has a role to play to conduct “TRIALOGUE” at their level. The head of different organizations, governmental or private can organize informal or formal study sessions, workshops and discussions. A common man can do it within social circles and groups. The social media can be utilised as one of the tools.
To some it may appear to be an exercise in futility, but at least it will create awareness at all the levels, especially among the masses. People could not be befooled with rosy unachievable false promises and hopes. The real peaceful message of Islam, lost in the mist of extremist ideologies will be revealed to the unaware people.
A process of religious and political awareness and awakening will start which can partially fill the intellectual vacuum created by our impoverished education system and over all lack of education due to poor literacy rate.

It is further hoped that as a result of logical, intellectual discourse a common ground would emerge. Once a consensus is reached, then it should be implemented with full zeal, to end mischief in land [fisad fil ardh] and establish peace:

مَّن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً حَسَنَةً يَكُن لَّهُ نَصِيبٌ مِّنْهَا ۖ وَمَن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً سَيِّئَةً يَكُن لَّهُ كِفْلٌ مِّنْهَا ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّـهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّقِيتًا
جو بھلائی کی سفارش کریگا وہ اس میں سے حصہ پائے گا اور جو برائی کی سفارش کرے گا وہ اس میں سے حصہ پائے گا، اور اللہ ہر چیز پر نظر رکھنے والا ہ
Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein: And whoever recommends and helps an evil cause, shares in its burden: And Allah hath power over all things.(Quran;4:85)
إِنَّ شَرَّ الدَّوَابِّ عِندَ اللَّـهِ الصُّمُّ الْبُكْمُ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ
 یقیناً خدا کے نزدیک بدترین قسم کے جانور وہ بہرے گونگے لوگ ہیں جو عقل سے کام نہیں لیتے
Verily, the worst of all creatures in the sight of God are those deaf, those dumb people who do not use their intellect.(Quran;8:22)
 لِّيَهْلِكَ مَنْ هَلَكَ عَن بَيِّنَةٍ وَيَحْيَىٰ مَنْ حَيَّ عَن بَيِّنَةٍ
جو ہلاک ہو، دلیل پر  ہلاک ہو اور جو زنده رہے، وه بھی دلیل پر زنده رہے
Who would perish might perish by clear proof, and he who would live might live by clear proof(Quran;8:42)
 قَالَ رَبِّ انصُرْنِي عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْمُفْسِدِينَ
پروردگار! اس مفسد قوم پر میری مدد فرما
“My Lord, aid me against these mischievous people.(29:30)

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ وَإِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ سُوءً
“… surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition”; (Quran;13:11)

Following links will help to find answers to most of issues raised above:
 <<<< Read online or download complete article >>>>
  1. http://freebookpark.blogspot.com/2012/06/creation.html
  2. http://pakistan-posts.blogspot.com/p/why-pakistan.html
  3. http://pakistan-posts.blogspot.com/2013/04/shariah-or-democracy-conflict-or.html
  4. http://pakistan-posts.blogspot.com/2013/04/blog-post.html
  5. http://quran-pedia.blogspot.com/2013/11/muslims-and-international-borders.html
  6. http://pakistan-posts.blogspot.com/2012/09/objectives-resolution-supremacy-of.html
  7. http://pakistan-posts.blogspot.com/2011/06/political-reforms-for-stable-democracy.html
  8. http://faithforum.wordpress.com/jihad-myth-and-reality/
  9. http://quran-pedia.blogspot.com/2013/11/muslim-non-muslim-relations.html
  10. http://takfiritaliban.blogspot.com/2012/08/illogical-logic-of-takfiri-taliban-to.html
  11. http://pakistan-posts.blogspot.com/2013/10/blog-post.html
  12. http://pakistan-posts.blogspot.com/2012/09/objectives-resolution-supremacy-of.html
  13. http://takfiritaliban.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-dreadful-doctrine-of-terror-takfeer.html
  14. http://takfiritaliban.blogspot.com/2012/09/rebellion-by-khawarij-takfiri-taliban_440.html
  15. http://takfiritaliban.blogspot.com/2012/08/learning-science-in-islam.html
  16. http://takfiritaliban.blogspot.com/2012/08/refutation-of-takfirirs-form-quran.html
  17. http://pakistan-posts.blogspot.com/2013/11/pakistan-basic-issues-need-immediate.html
  18. Trialogue: http://peace-forum.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
  19. Ideology of Pakistan - Fact or Fiction - An Analysis - نظریہ پاکستان - حقیقت یا افسانہ: تجزیہ 
  20. Caliphate: Relevant or Redundant: http://goo.gl/245yB  
  21. Islamic Society & Culture:https://t.co/HNUuOUuK  
  22. Islam: A General Introduction: By Sheikh Ali Tantawi
  23. Urdu Translation: "Islam: A General Introduction: By Sheikh Ali Tantawi"

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