Genesis of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Genesis of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Ideology is a set of ideas or norms on which collective ideals of a community are based. The Muslims follow the Islamic ideology, a way of life based on the tenets of Islam.

Islamic Concept of Nationhood

Muslims believe their faith gives them a unique identity, separate from other nations, fostering oneness and distinctiveness known as 'Two Nation Theory'. They advocate for self-determination, seeking independent democratic states to live by their faith.

The Two Nation Theory

Islam's introduction in India led to a substantial Muslim community that preserved its identity. 'Pakistan Ideology' is rooted in beliefs and objectives driving the Muslim freedom movement in South-East Asia, motivated by Islamic faith and the aim to establish a Muslim state, based on the principle of distinct Muslim and non-Muslim nations.

The area that is now Pakistan had a small non-Muslim population (3-5%). Non-Muslims believed their rights would be protected in a Muslim state. Christians, Hindus, and other communities actively participated in the Pakistan Movement and served Pakistan with patriotism after its creation.

Components of Pakistan

Islam

Religious belief motivated the demand for Pakistan. Quaid-e-Azam envisioned Pakistan as a laboratory for Islamic principles:

"Fundamentally in an Islamic state, authority rests with Almighty Allah. The working of an Islamic government is conducted according to the Quranic principles and injunctions. In an Islamic state, neither its head, nor any parliament or an institution or an individual can act absolutely in any matter. Only the Quranic injunctions control our behavior in the society and in politics."

Democracy

An Islamic state is based on democratic principles. The Quaid-e-Azam stated:

"The Constitution of Pakistan is yet to be framed by the Pakistan Constituent assembly. I do not know what the ultimate shape of this constitution is going to be, but I am sure that it will be of a democratic type, embodying the essential principles of Islam. Today, they are as applicable in actual life as they were 1400 years ago. Islam and its idealism has taught us democracy." (Feb. 1948)

Social Justice, Equality, and Sense of Responsibility

The Quaid-e-Azam explained:

"It (Islam) has taught equality of man, justice and fairplay to everybody. We are the inheritors of those glorious traditions and we are fully alive to our responsibilities and obligations as framers of the future constitution of Pakistan."

Fundamental Human Rights

Extremist Hindu leaders influenced Congress, leading Muslims and minorities to fear deprivation of fundamental rights. This fear motivated the demand for Pakistan, supported by non-Muslims. The Quaid-e-Azam championed human rights, stating:

"… you are free; you are free to go to your temples; you are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed ….. that has nothing to do with the business of the state. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens, and equal citizens, of one state." (Aug. 11, 1947)

Pakistan: The Outcome of the Sustained Muslim Efforts

Landmark Events: 1857 to the Creation of Pakistan

British Ascendancy: Muslim rule ended in 1857, and in 1858, India came under British Crown control.

The Aligarh Movement: Sir Sayyid Ahmed Khan sought solutions for Muslim problems in British education and friendship with the British. He founded the Aligarh School in 1875. Urdu-Hindi controversy in 1867 shifted Sir Sayyid's ideas, foreseeing a divide between the communities due to Hindu antagonism towards Urdu.

Extremist Hindu Movements: The anti-Muslim Arya Samaj movement aimed to reconvert Muslims to Hinduism. Bankim Chandra Chatterji's novel "Anand Matth" and the epic "Bande Mataram" provoked Muslim religious sentiments.

Pakistan resulted from a 90-year Muslim struggle, marked by key events:

The Partition of Bengal

In 1905, Lord Curzon divided Bengal for administrative reasons. Hindus and the Indian National Congress opposed the partition, but the Muslims started to feel that they need a political platform to voice their demands with the government.

The Simla Deputation and Demand for Separate Electorate

In 1906, Muslim leaders met Viceroy Lord Minto, demanding a separate electorate. The Viceroy was sympathetic.

Establishment of the Muslim League

Motivated by the Simla Deputation success, the All India Muslim League was founded in Dacca in December 1906 to advocate for Muslim demands.

Proposals For the Solution of the Constitutional Problems

Numerous efforts tried to reconcile the British, Hindus, and Muslims on India's constitutional problems:

  1. Mintromorley Reforms or the Government of India Act 1909.

  2. The Lucknow Pact 1916 (jointly agreed Congress-League constitutional proposals).

  3. Montague-Chelmsford Reforms or the Government of India Act 1919.

  4. The Delhi-Muslim Proposals 1927.

  5. The Simon Commission 1928.

  6. The Nehru Report 1928 (anti-Muslim Congress stance).

  7. The All Parties Muslim Conference (1928-1929).

  8. The Quaid-e-Azam's Fourteen Points 1929.

  9. The Round Table Conference, London, 1930 to 1932.

  10. New constitutional arrangement; the Government of India Act 1935.

  11. Arrival and failure of the Cripps Mission (1942).

  12. The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946).

  13. British Prime Minister's declaration of February 20, 1947.

  14. Mountbatten's arrival and Third June 1947: Plan.

  15. Indian Independence Act July 1947

Evolution of the Muslim League's Constitutional Struggle:

  1. Established; Decca 1906.

  2. Establishment of the London branch of the Muslim League; 1908.

  3. Amendment of the objectives; demand of under the British umbrella, 1913.

  4. The Quaid-e-Azam joins Muslim League (1913).

  5. Congress-League reconciliation (Lucknow Pact 1916).

  6. The Quaid-e-Azam quits the Home Rule League and the Congress (1920).

  7. Delhi Proposals (1927).

  8. Adoption of the resolution embodying Fourteen Point formula rendered by the Quaid-e-Azam (1929).

  9. Allahabad Address (1930); Iqbal's proposal for the Muslim right of self- determination.

  10. Steps taken by the Quaid-e-Azam for the re-organization of the Muslim League (1935)

  11. Muslim League's poor performance in the general elections (1937).

  12. Mass movement against the Congress, organized by the Muslim League. The Muslim League takes off as a popular movement (1937-1939).

  13. The Lahore Resolution adopted (1940).

  14. The Muslim League merited with exemplary success in the general elections (1945-46).

Other Important Events:

  1. 1911; Annulment of the Partition of Bengal.

  2. 1920; Aligarh College rose to the status of a University.

  3. 1919; beginning of the Khilafat Movement.

  4. 1924; abolition of the institution of Khilafat by Mustaphaamal Ata Turk; end of the Khilafat Movement.

  5. 1923-24; Civil Disobedience Movement.

  6. Chaudhary Rehmat Ali proposed the name of ‘Pakistan'; and established, "Pakistan National Movement".

  7. Extremely disappointed at the despondency of the Muslims the Quaid-e-Azam changed his decision and came back to India in 1934, on the request of the Muslim leaders especially Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

  8. 1937; the Congress and the allied parties were able to form governments in seven out of the eleven Indian provinces.

  9. 1937; The Punjab Muslim Students Federation adopted the demand of a separate Muslim homeland.

  10. October 1939; the Congress ministries resigned office.

  11. December 22; 1939; The Muslim League observed 'Deliverance Day' on Quaid-e-Azam call.

  12. June 1945; Viceroy Lord Wavell and the Indian leaders failed to reach an agreement on constitutional issues in the Simla Conference.

  13. October 1946; the Muslim League joined the interim government as a political move.

  14. August 11, 1947; opening session of the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was held at Karachi.

  15. August 14, 1947; Lord Mountbatten transferred power to the Governor General of Pakistan.

Background of the Aligarh Movement

Following the 1857 War of Independence, power shifted from Muslim to British hands, shaking South Asia's social and political life.

Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) advocated for Muslims to befriend the British, acquire modern education, seek government services, and remain loyal.

His efforts, known as the 'Aligarh Movement', were appreciated by some but opposed by others who believed it would compromise Muslim pride. Opponents saw following his policies as leading to eternal enslavement for Muslims in India.Despite his sincerity, they believed his policies would hurt national and religious pride, leading to eternal slavery for Indian Muslims.

Objectives of Sir Sayyid's Efforts:

  1. Conciliation between Muslims and the British.

  2. Spread education among Muslims and give English knowledge.

  3. Make Muslims loyal to the British Government.

  4. Develop friendly relations between the Muslims and other Indian nations.

Sir Sayyid's Efforts

Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan (✓✓) took these steps for his goals:

  1. Causes of Indian Mutiny: In 1859, Sir Sayyid wrote "Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind", arguing the 1857 uprising was not a war of independence but a mutiny spurred by trouble makers and unwise British policies.

  2. The Loyal Muhammadans of India: Sir Sayyid launched a magazine in 1860, highlighting Muslims who risked their lives to save British officials and citizens.

  3. Other Reconciliatory Efforts: Sir Sayyed wrote books and tracts, such as Tehqiq-e-lafz-e-Nasara and Aligarh Institute Gazette.

  4. Establishment of Schools: Sir Sayyid opened schools in Murad Abad (1859) and Ghazipur (1862).

  5. Establishment of the Scientific Society: Sir Sayyid launched the Scientific Society in 1863 to translate scholarly works from English to Urdu.

  6. Study of the British Education System: Sir Sayyid visited British educational institutions in 1869 and established a committee to create British-standard educational institutions in India.

  7. Establishment of the MAO Schools: The committee established a school at Aligarh in 1875, named Muhammadan Anglo Oriental School.

  8. Establishment of the MAO College: The MAO School became a college in 1877. Viceroy Lord Lyton laid the foundation stone.

  9. Establishment of the Muhammadan Educational Conference: Sir Sayyid established Muhammadan Educational Conference in 1886 to motivate Muslims to acquire modern knowledge. The Muslim League was founded in 1906 during a conference meeting in Dacca.

  10. Political Services and the Two Nations Theory:

    a. As a member of the Imperial Legislative Council, he effectively addressed Indian problems with the government.
    b. In 1867, Hindus demanded Urdu's replacement by Hindi. Sir Sayyid demanded separate electorate and fixed Muslim seats in the Viceroy's Council.

Establishment of the All India Muslim

Background:

Following events paved the way for the establishment of All India Muslim League:

  1. Establishment of the British System of Government: The democratic system introduced after 1858 favored the Hindu majority. The British had crippled the Muslims economically. A Muslim political platform was needed to voice Muslim demands effectively.

  2. Hindu Extremism: The Urdu-Hindi Controversy in 1867 and Hindu extremist programs like "Arya Samaj" aimed to reconvert Muslims and spread hatred.

  3. Establishment of the Indian National Congress: A.O. Hume established the Indian National Congress in 1885.

  4. Demand for Separate Electorate: Sir Sayyid proposed separate electorate as an alternative to reduce the Muslims to a permanent slavery.

  5. Partition of Bengal and the Congress Attitude: In 1905, the British divided Bengal, benefitting Muslims. Hindus protested, and the Congress supported Hindu extremists.

  6. Change of Government in Britain: Liberal Party returned to power in 1905 elections and gave a programme of political reforms. Muslim leaders took up the demands of the Muslim community.

  7. The Simla Deputation: Thirty-five Muslim leaders met Viceroy Lord Minto in 1906, demanding reserved seats and separate electorate. The Viceroy expressed support.

Foundation of the All India Muslim League

A session of the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference took place in Dacca in December 1906. Nawab Salim-Ullah Khan moved the resolution to establish All India Muslim League, and Sir Agha Khan became the first president.

Objectives

At its formation, the Muslim League set a three-point agenda:

  1. Safeguard the interests of Indian Muslims.

  2. Create respect and goodwill for the government.

  3. Create brotherhood between Muslims and other Indian communities.

Change of Objectives

In March 1913, Quaid-e-Azam changed the objectives of the All India Muslim League, forsaking subservience for "self-government suitable for Indian conditions”.

The Khilafat Movement: Events and Outcomes

Background

Britain and its allies won in World War I (1914-1918). Muslims feared the Allies might seize Turkish territory and desecrate Muslim shrines. These apprehensions gave rise to unrest among Indian Muslims.

IMPORTANT EVENTS OF THE KHILAFAT MOVMENT

Establishment of the Khilafat Committee: The India Khilafat Committee was formed in 1919 to organize a mass movement.

Hindu-Muslim Unity and Non-Cooperation: In 1919, the Indian National Congress supported Muslims on the Khilafat issue, led by Gandhiji.

Khilafat Delegation: In 1920, a delegation led by Maulana Muhammad Ali (Johar) went to London but was denied by British government.

The Treaty of Sevres: In May 1920, the Empire was stripped off its occupations in Europe and Arabia.

Non-Cooperation Movement: In August 1920, an all-India hartal was observed on the appeal of the Khilafat Committee and involved courts boycott, resignations, and surrendering titles.

Civil Disobedience: In November 1921, people were called to break the law; about thirty thousand people courted arrest as a result of this call.

Mopla Uprising: In 1921, clashes in south Indian caused the British to exploit Hindu-Muslim tensions. These clashes caused a great setback to the Khilafat Movement.

Chora Chori Incident: In 1922, an infuriated mob at Chora Chori set a police station on fire and burned alive twenty-one policemen.

Civil Disobedience called off: Gandhiji ceased the Civil Disobedience Movement that had reached its climax.

Reaction of Leadership: Leaders thought this decision was not justified and had caused a great setback to the Movement.

Abolition of Khilafat: In March 1924, Ataturk abolished the institution of Khilafat.

KHILAFAT MOVEMENT: RESULTS AND CONSEQUENCES

Futile Muslim efforts to keep the institution of Khilafat had an impact on Indian Politics:

  1. Beginning of common man's politics in the sub-continent.

  2. A Step towards liberation of India.

  3. Training of National Consciousness for the Muslims.

  4. Consolation for the Turk Soldiers.

  5. Success of a moderate approach.

The Pakistan Resolution

Background

The Lahore Resolution is the most significant landmark in the history of our freedom struggle. Important events and factors that led to the adoption of this Resolution:

  1. The Two National Theory: Muslims are a nation separate from other nations of the World.

  2. Hindu Extremism: The Muslims could not expect good nieghbourly treatment from the extremist Hindus.

  3. Iqbal's Ideology of a Nation: Allama Muhammad Iqbal said their rights in any future constitution should be determined with separate national entity.

  4. Period of Congress Rule: Ministries by Congress created a general discontentment and despair among the Muslims.

  5. Popularity of the Muslim League: The Quaid-e-Azam was successful in impressing upon Muslims.

Muslim League's Session in Lahore

Historic Muslim League session was held in 1940 in Lahore, Quaid-e-Azam:

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