A lot of hue and cry is going on these days in Pakistan against the Swat deal. Some of these opposing voices are thoughtful and constructive but most are merely for petty vested interests. All these voices can be categorized in three types. First, the people who sincerely understand that this deal was done under the duress and through the power of gun and, thus, can not stand as a good example in our country. The second opposing group consists of those people who are ever ready to show their preference for secularism. For such people, the implementation of Islamic Shariah is unacceptable regardless if it is done by the power of gun or with the consent of majority of Pakistani people. We can only wish for such people to have a better understanding of their religion. The third group of people, surprisingly, consists of the leaders of some religious parties in Pakistan. These people not only claim to be religious leaders but rather think themselves as the sole proprietors of Islamic affairs.
To start with, one must understand that the Swat deal is created by human beings and, like all other human creatures, this deal too is prone to changes, improvements, and refinements. People of Swat have been demanding for the implementation of Nazam-i-Adl for a quite some time. They have been living a miserable life since the introduction of the regular Pakistani court system – a disgustingly rotten and malfunctioning system defined by the British to serve the needs of British raj only – in Malakand region. The people of Swat were not used to live that type of life. Even though they did not previously have an advanced administrative system, their justice system was efficient, free from corruption, and cheap. During the protests against the enforcement of Britsh legacy court system, Sufi Muhammad rose as the leader of discontent Swati people. Our incompetent babus, corrupt politicians, and military dictators – all of them – tried to deal with Sufi Muhammad and his followers by the use of lies, deception, broken promises, and state power in order to suppress their voice. Sufi continued his struggle through peaceful means such as marches, sit-ins, and road blockings. He clearly refrained from the use of violence to avoid disorder and anarchy just to follow the Quranic order of not spreading ‘fasad’ on earth. Finally, Sufi Sahib was put in jail for demanding a justice for his people.
The Afghan occupation of US and NATO forces allowed India, Israel, and others to play a dirty game in the region against Pakistan. One manifestation of that game was to support, financially and militarily, different groups in Pakistan and instigate civil war. Swati militants were one such group. While Sufi Muhammad was lingering in jail, the leadership of Swat resentment automatically transferred to mostly ignorant hardliners with full support from outside help. The enemy was able to provide effective support to these militants and make them fight with Pakistani security forces. That was definitely an achievement by the enemy to pit the Pakistani establishment against Pakistani people. In contrast to Sufi’s peaceful struggle, the new militant leadership engaged themselves in killing other Kalimah-reciting Muslims – in clear violation of Quranic orders, and fighting with Pakistani military personnel – a clear support for the cause of our enemy. In this context, Swat deal is a good first positive step – and that step has at least doused the wide-spread fire in Swat and reduced the threat to national security.
The government now has two options available to it to chart its future course of action. One is of accommodation and reconciliation for the sake of peace and the other one is of blindly fighting and crushing the militants to establish the writ of government. The later one, demanded for by the American officials, leads us to grave consequences and can be equivalent to playing in the hands of our enemy that wants to make Pakistan weak from inside. The path of reconciliation seems to be closer to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and reflects the wisdom and maslihat. Despite many crimes that Swat militants have committed, it is the need of the hour to engage those militants in negotiations while satisfying the genuine demands and needs of the people of Swat. It is a difficult and long path requiring patience and wisdom but it surely leads to the process of nation building that is so vital to defeat the nefarious designs of our enemy. The enemy will definitely use its influence and try to make the deal fail by deliberate provocations and unreasonable demands by the militants in the due course of time. It is indeed the test of wisdom of our current leadership that how they steer the country clear of huge dangers. It is really easy to call Sufi Muhammad of lacking the leadership qualities – now it is the time for our current leaders to show their leadership qualities. Our self-imposed elite class has only limited time – if they fail, they will sink themselves but bruise the nation too.
Unavailability of justice in any society is like a disease of cancer and if timely cure is not provided, the effected parts need an amputation. For God sake, many internal mafias are looting the Pakistani people and no victim gets any justice at all. The sheer number of cases pending in all our courts in Pakistan is indicative of the scope and depth of the problem that we, as a society, are currently facing. Availability of prompt and cheap justice, available to every citizen, is as much need for our society as oxygen for human body. This can not be over emphasized.
Some religious parties are also announcing their opposition to the Swat deal. Regardless of such behavior by these parties is justified or not, let us have a critical look at the role of Pakistani religious parties in recent past. Also, we don’t care, for the time being, of the fact that these religious parties never got a reasonable support from Pakistani people in electoral process. We are just trying to see if these parties are really serious in pursuing their stated goal of implementing the Islamic Shariah in the country. We need to examine if these parties are using brand Islam to merely get material benefits for their leaders. Are these leaders busy in just pait-pooja (servicing their stomach)? Let us assume for a second that these parties are trusted by the people of Pakistan and get elected with heavy mandate in the election being held tomorrow. A question arises that what kind of Islamic Shariah would they implement in this country? Would they start fighting with each other, miserably fail in delivering, and then take no time blaming others for their failure. The differences in Fiqhi issues are a reality and no one can deny that. But should these Fiqhi differences in peripheral issues be allowed to deprive the people of Pakistan from the benefits of the fundamental aspects (or the core) of Islamic Shariah? I think that exactly is what Pakistani religious parties having been doing in the last sixty years. The leaders of our religious parties should examine their past and current role to see if they are really trying to follow the commands of Rahman (Subahnahu Wa Taala) and not pursuing the wishes of Laeen Shaitan. One does not understand why don’t all these religious leaders sit together and come up with a system that follows the fundamental and core rules of Shariah and simultaneously satisfies the needs of a modern society. They need not be in power to define such a system. Islam is not a static religion. It is a flexible and practical code of life that was sent for all ages to come. But our religious leaders have insulated themselves in their respective Fiqh and living in a fools paradise – thinking that all will be well if only their Fiqh is implemented in the name of Islam. They think that if their respective Fiqh is not implemented, hell with others, no Fiqh will be implemented. I want to ask our religious leaders if they are really serious to face the Prophet (peace be upon him) at the day of accountability. Or if they want be cursed on that day and get rejected and thrown somewhere else. I think, one of the crucial reasons for Pakistanis to fail in having the Shariah in the country is the lack of a consensus among religious leaders and their petty rigid positions on Fiqhi issues. In such a situation, people of Swat are probably least to blame of what they are trying to implement in their region.
So, was the Swat deal signed by the power of gun? Yes, of course. But that was due to the failure of successive Pakistani governments in fulfilling the serious needs of the people of Swat. In the changed geopolitical situation, enemy supported them in getting that with the power of gun. But don’t make a mistake and take an important note. They got whatever they have gotten from the government of Pakistan. Ignorant and fools as they are, but they are not talking to be the enemies of Pakistan. It is still their own country and they are still lawful citizens of Pakistan. They thanked and congratulated to all, especially the National assembly, for passing the bill. They declared the Pak army as the protector of Pakistan and the Muslims. Now, is it the implementation of only one Fiqh? Yes, of course, you can not implement 72 Fiqh in a country. In the lack of a unified modern Islamic system, that is what you can really have. However, it would have been much more graceful, orderly, and without a loss of life and property had the past Pakistani governments adapted a sympathetic approach to address the issues in Swat many years ago.
Bro I would have read it but it’s too long. But it seems interesting and I will read it soon and then will let you know of my opinion. Thank you for your countribution. May you have Allah’s Ajer.
We must restore the 1973 constitution of Pakistan within a week and give provinces full autonomy guaranteed in it ….including sharria or/and adal to Malkand and swat…..and rights of Balochistan and other provinces….
We must fight with an iron hand those who violate the writ of government or / and go against the constitution….
American presence in Pakistan should be minimized ( or made less visible) but the social and economic aid received from America and other countries should be carefully and honestly utilized giving guarantees to America and the world that the terrorism will be eliminated if they ( Americans) make their visibility gradually less starting from immediate stopping of drone attacks…
From now onward, and with immediate effect corrupt politicians / army generals / so called religious leaders and government officials from bottom to the top should be tired under some speedy courts set up by the supreme court of Pakistan
enlighting reply by faisal nazir and my apologies aman singh gill…wish we had more love to share then indulge in religion with all the wrong intentions…may Allah give us some AKAAL
I am so confused
A lot of hue and cry is going on these days in Pakistan against the Swat deal. Some of these opposing voices are thoughtful and constructive but most are merely for petty vested interests. All these voices can be categorized in three types. First, the people who sincerely understand that this deal was done under the duress and through the power of gun and, thus, can not stand as a good example in our country. The second opposing group consists of those people who are ever ready to show their preference for secularism. For such people, the implementation of Islamic Shariah is unacceptable regardless if it is done by the power of gun or with the consent of majority of Pakistani people. We can only wish for such people to have a better understanding of their religion. The third group of people, surprisingly, consists of the leaders of some religious parties in Pakistan. These people not only claim to be religious leaders but rather think themselves as the sole proprietors of Islamic affairs.
To start with, one must understand that the Swat deal is created by human beings and, like all other human creatures, this deal too is prone to changes, improvements, and refinements. People of Swat have been demanding for the implementation of Nazam-i-Adl for a quite some time. They have been living a miserable life since the introduction of the regular Pakistani court system – a disgustingly rotten and malfunctioning system defined by the British to serve the needs of British raj only – in Malakand region. The people of Swat were not used to live that type of life. Even though they did not previously have an advanced administrative system, their justice system was efficient, free from corruption, and cheap. During the protests against the enforcement of Britsh legacy court system, Sufi Muhammad rose as the leader of discontent Swati people. Our incompetent babus, corrupt politicians, and military dictators – all of them – tried to deal with Sufi Muhammad and his followers by the use of lies, deception, broken promises, and state power in order to suppress their voice. Sufi continued his struggle through peaceful means such as marches, sit-ins, and road blockings. He clearly refrained from the use of violence to avoid disorder and anarchy just to follow the Quranic order of not spreading ‘fasad’ on earth. Finally, Sufi Sahib was put in jail for demanding a justice for his people.
The Afghan occupation of US and NATO forces allowed India, Israel, and others to play a dirty game in the region against Pakistan. One manifestation of that game was to support, financially and militarily, different groups in Pakistan and instigate civil war. Swati militants were one such group. While Sufi Muhammad was lingering in jail, the leadership of Swat resentment automatically transferred to mostly ignorant hardliners with full support from outside help. The enemy was able to provide effective support to these militants and make them fight with Pakistani security forces. That was definitely an achievement by the enemy to pit the Pakistani establishment against Pakistani people. In contrast to Sufi’s peaceful struggle, the new militant leadership engaged themselves in killing other Kalimah-reciting Muslims – in clear violation of Quranic orders, and fighting with Pakistani military personnel – a clear support for the cause of our enemy. In this context, Swat deal is a good first positive step – and that step has at least doused the wide-spread fire in Swat and reduced the threat to national security.
The government now has two options available to it to chart its future course of action. One is of accommodation and reconciliation for the sake of peace and the other one is of blindly fighting and crushing the militants to establish the writ of government. The later one, demanded for by the American officials, leads us to grave consequences and can be equivalent to playing in the hands of our enemy that wants to make Pakistan weak from inside. The path of reconciliation seems to be closer to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and reflects the wisdom and maslihat. Despite many crimes that Swat militants have committed, it is the need of the hour to engage those militants in negotiations while satisfying the genuine demands and needs of the people of Swat. It is a difficult and long path requiring patience and wisdom but it surely leads to the process of nation building that is so vital to defeat the nefarious designs of our enemy. The enemy will definitely use its influence and try to make the deal fail by deliberate provocations and unreasonable demands by the militants in the due course of time. It is indeed the test of wisdom of our current leadership that how they steer the country clear of huge dangers. It is really easy to call Sufi Muhammad of lacking the leadership qualities – now it is the time for our current leaders to show their leadership qualities. Our self-imposed elite class has only limited time – if they fail, they will sink themselves but bruise the nation too.
Unavailability of justice in any society is like a disease of cancer and if timely cure is not provided, the effected parts need an amputation. For God sake, many internal mafias are looting the Pakistani people and no victim gets any justice at all. The sheer number of cases pending in all our courts in Pakistan is indicative of the scope and depth of the problem that we, as a society, are currently facing. Availability of prompt and cheap justice, available to every citizen, is as much need for our society as oxygen for human body. This can not be over emphasized.
Some religious parties are also announcing their opposition to the Swat deal. Regardless of such behavior by these parties is justified or not, let us have a critical look at the role of Pakistani religious parties in recent past. Also, we don’t care, for the time being, of the fact that these religious parties never got a reasonable support from Pakistani people in electoral process. We are just trying to see if these parties are really serious in pursuing their stated goal of implementing the Islamic Shariah in the country. We need to examine if these parties are using brand Islam to merely get material benefits for their leaders. Are these leaders busy in just pait-pooja (servicing their stomach)? Let us assume for a second that these parties are trusted by the people of Pakistan and get elected with heavy mandate in the election being held tomorrow. A question arises that what kind of Islamic Shariah would they implement in this country? Would they start fighting with each other, miserably fail in delivering, and then take no time blaming others for their failure. The differences in Fiqhi issues are a reality and no one can deny that. But should these Fiqhi differences in peripheral issues be allowed to deprive the people of Pakistan from the benefits of the fundamental aspects (or the core) of Islamic Shariah? I think that exactly is what Pakistani religious parties having been doing in the last sixty years. The leaders of our religious parties should examine their past and current role to see if they are really trying to follow the commands of Rahman (Subahnahu Wa Taala) and not pursuing the wishes of Laeen Shaitan. One does not understand why don’t all these religious leaders sit together and come up with a system that follows the fundamental and core rules of Shariah and simultaneously satisfies the needs of a modern society. They need not be in power to define such a system. Islam is not a static religion. It is a flexible and practical code of life that was sent for all ages to come. But our religious leaders have insulated themselves in their respective Fiqh and living in a fools paradise – thinking that all will be well if only their Fiqh is implemented in the name of Islam. They think that if their respective Fiqh is not implemented, hell with others, no Fiqh will be implemented. I want to ask our religious leaders if they are really serious to face the Prophet (peace be upon him) at the day of accountability. Or if they want be cursed on that day and get rejected and thrown somewhere else. I think, one of the crucial reasons for Pakistanis to fail in having the Shariah in the country is the lack of a consensus among religious leaders and their petty rigid positions on Fiqhi issues. In such a situation, people of Swat are probably least to blame of what they are trying to implement in their region.
So, was the Swat deal signed by the power of gun? Yes, of course. But that was due to the failure of successive Pakistani governments in fulfilling the serious needs of the people of Swat. In the changed geopolitical situation, enemy supported them in getting that with the power of gun. But don’t make a mistake and take an important note. They got whatever they have gotten from the government of Pakistan. Ignorant and fools as they are, but they are not talking to be the enemies of Pakistan. It is still their own country and they are still lawful citizens of Pakistan. They thanked and congratulated to all, especially the National assembly, for passing the bill. They declared the Pak army as the protector of Pakistan and the Muslims. Now, is it the implementation of only one Fiqh? Yes, of course, you can not implement 72 Fiqh in a country. In the lack of a unified modern Islamic system, that is what you can really have. However, it would have been much more graceful, orderly, and without a loss of life and property had the past Pakistani governments adapted a sympathetic approach to address the issues in Swat many years ago.
Salam,
Bro I would have read it but it’s too long. But it seems interesting and I will read it soon and then will let you know of my opinion. Thank you for your countribution. May you have Allah’s Ajer.
We must restore the 1973 constitution of Pakistan within a week and give provinces full autonomy guaranteed in it ….including sharria or/and adal to Malkand and swat…..and rights of Balochistan and other provinces….
We must fight with an iron hand those who violate the writ of government or / and go against the constitution….
American presence in Pakistan should be minimized ( or made less visible) but the social and economic aid received from America and other countries should be carefully and honestly utilized giving guarantees to America and the world that the terrorism will be eliminated if they ( Americans) make their visibility gradually less starting from immediate stopping of drone attacks…
From now onward, and with immediate effect corrupt politicians / army generals / so called religious leaders and government officials from bottom to the top should be tired under some speedy courts set up by the supreme court of Pakistan
“Beimaan kafir ast”
Hazrat Guru Baba Nanak
Imaan ton khali insaan Kafir honda ai.
We all need to become truthful in our conduct rather
then saying onething and doing another.
Khuda ka waasta parda na Kaabe se utha Ghalib
Kahi.n aisa na ho isme koee kafir sanam nickle
Hamid sahib is always painting a very rosy picture
of how Islamists behave.In practice Orthodox Muslims
are even worst than orthodox Hindus.Sikh families
who were being asked to pay extotionist amounts of
Jazia by so called Islamic Mujahedeen have been
compelled to take shelter in India.Its amazing how
no one in Pakistan seems to know about this.
Pakistanis are always in denial about their current
and historical wrong doings.This is how they lose
respect even in the eyes of people like me who wish
to get on with them because we are all created by
the same God.People like Dr. Hamid and Bharat Verma
waste their energies poisoning young minds when they
could be putting their skills to better use.Honesty
and love are two most important things to be near
Allah Akaal Purkh Waheguru the true Lord.
enlighting reply by faisal nazir and my apologies aman singh gill…wish we had more love to share then indulge in religion with all the wrong intentions…may Allah give us some AKAAL