A CONFUSED NATION
Part 1: Religious Confusion
While I am blindly keying in the words into my computer, a part of me is well aware of the implications of writing such an article. I also understand that I may be or perhaps will be criticized for my views and that forums like these are not meant to put up commentaries like these. Having said that I may also humbly state that whatever is expressed herein is nothing but an honest analysis about the ‘nation’ which doesn’t by any definition qualify to be labeled so.
The story is long and painful, very long and very painful indeed. I certainly cannot shrink the pain and the length in this blog alone but can only try to depict a vivid picture of what I intend others to see. Now the heading may seem very critical apparently but it actually is not. I am not going to criticize the Pakistani nation here; I will rather attack the typical Pakistani mindset. Each and every aspect of it. The very fiber of it. Stressing the word confusion – I will deplore and censure the Pakistani psyche of the present day.
What makes Pakistanis the most confused people on the face of earth? Well, I will try my best to stick to the possible answers to this question. My remarks must be judged in the light of philosophical and historical argument and should not be taken in the literal sense as the masses and laymen generally tend to do.
So by coming back to the fact of the matter with ease, I think that confusion in the Pakistani way of life has to do everything absurd with everything rational. It has a lot to do with religion and culture. It has its roots in literature. This nation has tampered with its history and adulterated with its own ideology. What it has nothing to do with is knowledge and reason. Knowledge – this is the scarcest of all luxuries within the geographical boundaries of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. While inside the borders of this country the very perception of this word changes. Any written, spoken or broadcasted nonsense is regarded as knowledge.
Religion also has played its havoc in Pakistan. As if the hard-to-understand state religion was not enough for the extremely plain and over whelmingly illiterate population, the so-called religious scholars and self-proclaimed aalims, did everything to add to the confusion. Today there are more than four dozen known sects of muslims in Pakistan almost all declaring all as infidels and Kafirs. This confusion can be witnessed from Karachi to Waziristan, from Lahore to Dera Ismail Khan at any given point in time.
Here I can enjoy the liberty to curse the most accursed military dictator that Pakistan has ever had, but he alone could not be held answerable for all this bafflement. His predecessor and the former civilian Chief Martial Law administrator have also done a great service to this cause. But again the relatively less controversial figure, the first Prime minister of this country also tried to encash this blank cheque of religious fanaticism by approving the famous objective resolution instead of giving a full fledge contemporary constitutional structure. This so-called objective resolution has served as one of the most notorious set of laws ever written. Pakistan was not founded by Jinnah to have such a biased and inhumane piece of legislation as its ideological basis. Jinnah, who stood for a secular muslim state was buried in 1948 in Karachi along with all his wisdom and vision which found no inheritors leaving the newly born state in the hands of people who were pursuing fresh political careers. The mainstream leadership had just migrated from India leaving behind their constituencies and also the political powers and votes. They were badly searching for new ways to gain popularity. Religion and religion embedded in both constitution and sentiments of the masses was the only possible popular choice. And to drag this band wagon bearded Mullahs served as beasts of burden.
Then time and again different rulers in different times used religion to strengthen their grasp on power. Sometimes it came as a slogan of implementation of Nizaam-e-Mustafa (The System of Muhammad) and at others it came bracketed with communism and socialism and was labeled as ‘Islamic Socialism’. Recently by the end of the last decade it was once again used by a Prime Minister who had a two-third majority in the parliament at that time. He coined a term which had its roots in the early Islamic history – The Khilafat (Caliphate). The clean shave city boy of Lahore, who could hardly read the sacred book of Islam, the Quran, fluently showed his interest to become Ameer-ul-Momineen (Leader of the faithful). His dreams were shattered when a general and the Chief of the country’s military seized power in a bloodless coup. The Prime Minister was charged and convicted but later managed to escape because of his friendly relations with the Saudi royal family and lived in Saudi Arabia in exile for about seven years.
As I said earlier religion was used as a power tool by almost all the rulers of Pakistan without exception. The result was obvious – severe confusion among the masses. It was not just the political elite which tampered with religion. The so-called religious scholars or maulvis also played their part in creating confusion among the religiously moderate people of Pakistan. They were perusing their motives so rigorously and so aggressively that they even did not care about the sacredness and sensitivity of this issue. Fatwas (religious verdicts) were issued by different sects declaring others as kafirs or infidels. The leaders even encouraged their followers to go for Qital (commonly misunderstood as Jihad) against the opposition. The result being that the bloodiest months in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan are the months of Moharram and Rabi-ul-Awwal. The former marks the Islamic New Year and the anniversary of the killing of Imam Hussain the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad at the hands of the ruling muslim class and the latter marks the birthday of the Prophet himself. These months are celebrated in Pakistan by Shias and Sunnis respectively; Shias being in minority mostly bear the brunt of being so.
Again the issue of determining the majority or minority or even the number of followers of a sect is controversial in Pakistan. Technically the Sunni muslims are in majority but they are divided into two major sects. The Deobandis and the Barelvis. The latter considering the Prophet as divine light or Noor and the former opposing this view. Then there are Wahabis or Ahl-e-hadees. Looking closely you will also find Hayatis and mamatis. There are Baahis and Soofis also. And within the Shias there are Isna Asharis and Ismaliees. In Isna Asharis there are Jafferies and Alavis and Baqarees. In Ismaliees there are Bohris and Aga Khanis. This is a never ending list. All of them claim to be muslims and a majority of them merely find themselves muslim enough to make it to the paradise. Most of them consider all others as kafirs or infidels.
This confusion is not limited only to religious scholars and schools of thought. Even in the formal curriculum wherein Islamic studies is taught as a compulsory subject, we have two different text books. One for Shias and other for Sunnis. It is very difficult to understand how these religious and political leaders talk of implementing Shariah (The Islamic Law) in Pakistan. It seems impossible to me as it was perceived impossible by the founder of the state. The first Law Minister who was appointed by Mr.Jinnah himself happened to be of the Hindu faith. This makes it obvious that Mr. Jinnah never wanted Shariah to be implemented in Pakistan.
Another logical question that arises here is that what kind of Shariah these people want to enforce here. The Shia version of it or the Sunni one while both of them are miles apart. The nature and style of legislation of each and every school of thought differs from the other. This confusion of religious beliefs and doctrines has deepened its roots in the Pakistani society.
In the next part I will be covering other aspects of this confusion which has made our lives really miserable. Please feel free to express your views, comments, remarks or even criticism and abhorrence. I am open to all such reactions and will try to respond to every question that you may put.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions of author expressed in this article do not necessarily state or reflect those of the administration of Aarpix.Com.
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24 Responses to “A CONFUSED NATION”
February 17th, 2010 saat: 5:30 pm
Research proves confused people are the majority who fail to find a place in the society and then commit crimes. Terrorists are religiously confused there is no doubt about that. It is tragic to see them follow distorted ideology of Islam and killings of innocent.
February 17th, 2010 saat: 6:53 pm
perfect thoughts Naeem, very well written.
February 17th, 2010 saat: 9:37 pm
Its a good article though very lengthy & very very lengthy….
February 18th, 2010 saat: 7:50 pm
This is really informative for those who blindly supports the Mullahs and so called Hypocrite Politicians. But the sad part is that the literate class of the society also fall victim to the false propaganda.
But this is not all, we need to educate people for not to support people like Dr Afia who actually supported the militants in every possible way . Certainly we are a CONFUSED NATION.
The NATION will remain CONFUSED forever until n unless they try to change them self from within. I dont have any hopes from the so called Pakistani News Channels as they are CONFUSING the already CONFUSED NATION !
Best of Luck for your further Articles as we really need them to teach the Nation the real meaning of ” Enlightened Moderation ” so we are able to survive as ONE NATION – ONE COUNTRY in future hopefully !
February 19th, 2010 saat: 3:48 am
very nice article naeem i specially liked the very you represent your cocern ……..keep it up
February 19th, 2010 saat: 3:51 am
i like the way u represent your concern keep it up
February 19th, 2010 saat: 11:59 am
A very well thought observation I must say. Jinnah was always in favor of a secular Pakistan. His speech on 11th Aug 1947 which can be found at (http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/legislation/constituent_address_11aug1947.html) pinpoints in the same direction. We as a nation need to understand that we cannot be puppets in the hands of an ignorant clergy for long. The revolutionary philanthropists of this nation have to come forward and play their part to end this ‘religious confusion’.
February 19th, 2010 saat: 5:24 pm
The confusion that surrounds Pakistan is perplexing; we have been indoctrinated in a fashion where we cannot appreciate even the positive developments. For instance in the fiasco of nuclear proliferation our “Muslim Brother Syrians” we the first ones to spill out the beans! Whereas the “Infidel” North Koreans remained unmoved even under enormous pressure! Yet our love for Syrians did not fade.
Similarly! We welcome the Arab Sheik’s who sole purpose is to kill the endangered species in Pakistan! But we do not extend the same courtesy to the Americans who are a major donor to aid programs in Pakistan. An interesting read on this would be Gulmina Bilal’s article on the prospects of rethinking foreign aid.
http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=20102\19\story_19-2-2010_pg3_3
February 20th, 2010 saat: 3:12 am
Good Effort Mr.Naeem also i wud like say tht vision of Jinnah is still alive but always tried to ignore by these politicians 4 this u have watch the prg “Brass Talk” by Zaid Hamid……. Do watch it b4 continuing ur article. Good Luck.
February 21st, 2010 saat: 12:37 am
A very well written article Naeem! Very thoughtful and very precise. But i must say naeem that religion is not the main culprit that our country is facing. Biased politicians are the very root of our CONFUSED Nation. Religion is just a pawn that is played very well by our leaders.
Eagerly waiting for your next articles on “The Confused Nation”
Cheers
February 21st, 2010 saat: 4:06 am
I have gone through your ‘critique of pure confusion’ for our Nation and i must say that you have covered the regligious angle quite well .. there will be no end to this unless that start believing in the meaning of the word ‘Islam’ and the lesson of tolerance and equality that it preaches…..
Do you know why those who perform such acts of shame continue to do so depsite the fact that the common man on the street understands what is happening ?? the answer is that our leadership ‘thrives on chaos’, so they first create chaos and collateral damage with their policies and then love to do the media/PR campaigns on how they are trying to fix the situation. an ideal example is the number of government officials on TV within a few minutes of a disaster .. like they were ready and wiating for it .. and also the number of leaders that share ‘muzzamat’ after the incident …
February 21st, 2010 saat: 11:32 pm
i agree
February 21st, 2010 saat: 11:34 pm
well written and agreed
February 24th, 2010 saat: 3:36 pm
AWESOME WRITING!!!!!!!
Artistic use of vocabulary, for systematic description of reckless past events, which lead to current scenario.
Most of us must know these facts but to put them under a pen for general awareness, is a job which needs to be appreciated.
Dilemma which I have observed is that even our highly educated class, when listening to these molvees and mullas, stops using ALL their senses and believes in what these so called aalims says, as a word of GOD……………………Proving themselves to be –religiously- illiterate.
Too often we… enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. ~John F. Kennedy
MAY ALLAH BLESS YOU FOR THE ENERGIES YOU ARE EMPLOYING, TO SCRAPE HARD SHELLS AROUND OUR MINDS !!!!!!!!!!
February 24th, 2010 saat: 6:25 pm
Very mch agreeed.
February 24th, 2010 saat: 9:22 pm
Mr. Naeem Shameem breaks down the problem of religious confusion into four major components:
a) absence of proper leadership after M A Jinnah in terms of political knowledge and vision to lead the newly established country.
b) deviation of legislation from being unbiased and secular, to being based on the so-called Islamic ideology, exploited by power hungry politicians (starting with the sucessors of MA Jinnah), and ignorant mullahs for their benefits, thus completely damaging the nation socio-politically over the years.
c) The influence of the media on the common man in pakistan (who is often illiterate), and his distorted view of islamic doctrine and religious history, leading him to believe, and practice anything and everything that the mullah tells him.
d) the division and sub division of muslims into numerous sects and sub-sects as a result of this religious confusion, resulting in further socio political and economic chaos. on a personal level, i completely support the author’s view of the religious scenario existing in pakistan today. Based on the conversations and debates i’ve had with people, and my own observation, i believe that: Most of the youth and adults in the country are either too ‘busy’ to educate themselves religiously – because to them religion does nothing to improve the quality of their lives – or have been ‘emotionally brainwashed’ into accepting a picture of islam based on incorrect intrepretation of the Holy Quran and Ahadith, fed to them by ‘scholars’, who exchange their ‘expertise on islam’ for wealth, influence and media exposure (tv,newspapers mainly), to add to their false credibility. Things are beginning to change as it is now easier to challenge the knowledge and credibility of religious leaders in pakistan via tv channels and access to the religious reading material on the internet. But it is still extremely difficult for a person to judge whether he/she is following the right ‘version’ of islam in pakistan. Hence – people tend to stick with the religious sect they belong to – either because they really don’t care, or because their ability to think and question has been suppressed by their community, or the education system in general.
Tahnks Mr. Naeem we want this type of Articals and to share with our youths. to show them the real picture of Our Political and the Islamic and social conflicts and the Values.
Jazak Allah
Tanveer Khan
February 26th, 2010 saat: 3:44 am
This Nude Truth will be banned by greatest leadership of Allamas and Molvies so please Save your self from Lier and selfish Leadership of the Greatest nation of Pakistan because you are targetting their business.
March 1st, 2010 saat: 2:49 am
Good one
March 7th, 2010 saat: 8:56 pm
Very GOOD thoughts Naeem,Well done and keep it up……..!
March 8th, 2010 saat: 2:35 pm
Good strike !! Do you support the idea of the People`s Republic of Pakistan?
March 11th, 2010 saat: 12:09 pm
A good read !
March 15th, 2010 saat: 1:38 pm
naeem is very good well done keep it up we pray for you
March 26th, 2010 saat: 12:01 pm
y is there a question that what sharia to impose shia or sunni…………whch sharia did our holy prophet impose?
btw even if i agree,there is little dissimilarities b/w both sharia versions……quran is clear cut on all cases including the penal code any no shia or sunni can deny the quran!
So guys stop ridiculing ur religion .Allah sent Mohammad (PBUH ) as a mercy to all of manking so how can His laws be of non beneficial to mankind.
Just think over it and compare the time when the muslims were in power & the prosperity the had in the earlier centuries till 13 th century.
May 14th, 2010 saat: 1:28 pm
Dear Naeem, This is simply a good piece of writing, rather not only an informative but a valuable effort has been added to world of writings. I would love to comment more but let me first read your 2nd part than i will be ale to write more things, anyway thankyou very much that you have pasted your links on my FB wall i will come up to you ASAP.
Regards
Israr Ahmad Khan Waqar
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