Question: I have my concerns
about the method for the achievement of Islamic change and revolution.
As it is clear that in a democratic society, any change will be possible
only when majority approves of it. If the majority of Pakistan does not
support then, according to the democratic spirit, the Islamic revolution
cannot take place. This is the major point which contradicts the Islamic
spirit in this regard. In the perspective of Islam, one has to invite for
the change whether or not the majority approves of it and supports it.
Secondly, the main aim of an Islamic
struggle should be to present true Islamic teachings, no matter if the
people accept it or not. A Muslim is only responsible to preach and elucidate
Islam regardless whether people accept it or not because this is not in
the hands of the preacher. Why is the Jama‘at-i-Islami just using
the democratic means to come into power? If by preaching Islam in a true
Islamic manner, the Jama‘at is not be able to get into power, it
will not be a problem at all. It can at least justify its standing on the
Day of Judgment. Many Prophets in history were not able to come into power
as their people did not place credence to their message. These Prophets
have surely done their duties in a true manner and they never used any
unislamic way just to come into power. I hope you understand my concerns.
I am a well wisher of religious parties but I just wish that I be clarified
about the issues I discussed.
Answer: The term Islamic revolution
has been coined in this age and probably it was the reaction of the downfall
of Muslim empires. We do not find any trace of this term in the early days
of Islam. The mission and basic concern of all the prophets were to show
humanity the right path and guide them how to attain eternal success. As
far as this mission and purpose is concerned the last Prophet Muhammad
(sws) also is no exception.
I no doubt agree to the crux of your
comments but I would surely like to add the following.
Democratic way has nothing unislamic
in it. The political system of Islam revolves round the shura (consultation
body); and shura may take on styles and patterns depending upon
the socio-cultural and geographical aspects of a Muslim community.
Nowadays elections and other related
means are nothing but to elicit the opinion of the majority and majority
has the authority to rule.
The duty of religious parties as well as other political
parties is simply to present their manifesto before the masses and the
rest is up to the latter; these parties should avoid and shun all unfair
means for mustering support for their stance.
Mind making and Islamic training of
the masses is another thing and no doubt it should be the first step. The
practical way for these political parties is to form a separate preaching
wing for the purpose and this wing should continue its struggle regardless
of what happens on the political stage.
You are right that ‘public acceptance’
is no criterion for doing a virtue or preaching what is good. We will only
be asked by the Almighty whether we did what we could. Our duty begins
with sincere struggle and ends with it. The rest is up to the addressees
and they will be asked about the message they received. We should
move towards right objectives in the appropriate manner. If sincere
struggles bear no fruit we should remain content that we have done our
duty. And God will accept the same from us, insha Allah.
|