Maarif Research Journal (J uly Dec. 2013) Jinnahs vision of Pakistan...

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Associate Prof., Dept. of Humanities, NED University of Engineering & Technology,
Karachi. Email: [email protected] Date of Receipt: 12/11/2011

JINNAHS VISION OF PAKISTAN
AS A MODERN ISLAMIC STATE

Afifa Zarrin*

ABSTRACT:
Quaid-e-Azams perception of Pakistan has been a matter of interest as well as of dispute for
more than half a century. There is a bulk of literature on Jinnah but that hardly reflects upon
Jinnahs vision of Pakistan. His vision may be derived from his speeches and statements
available in multiple volumes compiled by various scholars. This research paper is an effort
to investigate into the perception of Quaid-e-Azam by going through this literature and to find
out how Jinnah actually visualized Pakistan. A detailed assessment of different schools of
thought and their arguments as well as Jinnahs own assertions and writings is made.

This paper is divided in four parts. Part I is introduction. Part II deals with Jinnahs perception
of Islam & Islamic state, as derived from his speeches and statements. Part III is an effort to
find out either he visualized Pakistan as a secular state or as a modern democratic welfare
state based upon Islamic principles and values. Part IV is conclusion. This research finally
leads to the conclusion that Jinnah, in fact, visualized Pakistan as a Modern Democratic
State, based upon Islamic principles of fraternity, equality, democracy and fair play - a
Modern Islami c St ate indeed.

Jinnahs vision of Pakistan: an interpretation

I
INTRODUCTION
Quaid-e-Azam was the central figure of the Pakistan movement, rightly called as the
Founder of Pakistan. It was him, who led the struggle for Pakistan in its most critical
phase to its successful end. It is more likely that he would have formed a vision of this
separate state of Muslims that he was fighting to create. Unfortunately, he did not live
long to build this new state up to his ideals and aspirations. With the passage of time,
due to various internal and external factors, we lost the track of his ideas. Now after
more than 60 years of creation of Pakistan, the vision of Quaid seems to have become
blurred. Presently there is a lot of disagreement about Quaids vision of Pakistan. Some
writers believe that he stood for a Secular State. Others argue and try to prove that he
fought for an Islamic state. Some of his biographers say that he had no clear vision of
Pakistan as he was using this demand only as a card to get better opportunities for
Muslims and some others state that he had personal and egoistic motives behind his
target of Pakistan. Another view is that he intentionally kept his vision of Pakistan vague
and ill-defined, to avoid queries and objection. Nowadays, some political leaders wish to
see Pakistan become a Moderate & Enlightened nation. All of these people, writers,
thinkers and political leaders refer to Quaid-e-Azams statements in support of their
view points. One wonders which one of these interpretations is correct or closer to
reality. It is high time that we investigate the historical records to find out how Quaid-e-
Azam visualized Pakistan as a nation state and what broad features he had in mind to
model the state upon? The objective of this study is to highlight Quaid-e-Azams
perception of Pakistan. As Jinnah was not a writer neither he ever wrote a dairy, so we
have to depend upon his speeches and statements as well as few interviews and letters of
him ,to determine his vision of Pakistan. This research is not only relevant but the call of
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the time too, as the words of the Quaid are still a source of inspiration for all of us and
enjoy respect and regard of every Pakistani. It may enable us to handle many crises at
present and may lead us to the improvement and betterment of the country in future. It
would provide guidance to everyone, be that citizens, institutions or the government and
administration. Moreover, it will help to clarify many misunderstandings prevailing
inside and outside the country, regarding Quaids vision of Pakistan.

II
JINNAHS CONCEPT OF ISLAM AND ISLAMIC STATE
Despite being called the Quaid e Azam, the great leader of Indian Muslims, Muhammad
Ali Jinnahs approach towards Islam remained debatable in his times. At one side, he
was projected as a staunch communalist by Congress leaders, on the other hand, many
people, especially ulema, considered him very far from religion. This debate and
disagreement regarding his approach & perception about religion still prevails. It is
because of this confusion that different people see different Jinnahs. (Ahmed, Akbar
S., 1990, p. 3) Some consider and prove him as a Communalist making struggle for a
state where Islam could be practiced and Muslims could control the state of affaires
while others stress that he was a secularist from the core of his heart. This leads to
another controversy that is either he wanted Pakistan to be a secular state or he
visualized it as a Democratic state, embodying basic principles of Islam such as
Democracy, equality, social justice and equality before law?

Before analyzing Jinnahs vision of Pakistan from this dimension, it will not be out of
place to investigate into his perception of Islam. For this purpose, we have to find
answers to the following questions:

Firstly, what was the source of his perception of Islam? From where he took the
inspiration?

Secondly, what was his perception about Islam and the role of religion (Islam) in the life
of individual and the community?

Thirdly, how this perception was linked to his vision of Pakistan?

Our research in this regard leads us to the findings that follow:

THE ORIGIN OF JINNAHS PERCEPTION OF ISLAM
To trace the origin of Jinnahs perception of Islam, we look back at his family
background. Through various sources we come to know that the father of Jinnah, Mr.
Jinnah Poonja, had a religious inclination. For the first time, he chose Muslim names for
his children while previously mostly names in his family were kind of Hindu names such
as Valji, Ghanji, Manbai, Nathoo etc. (Jinnah, F, 2001, p. VII). Mr. Jinnah Poonja was a
trader by profession, but he taught Quran to the children in the evening while his wife
used to tell religious and historical stories to her children. (Ahmed, Rizwan, 1977, p.57).
Mr. Jinnah Poonja was a teacher in a mission school but he admitted his eldest son
Mohammad Ali in Sindh Madrasat-ul-Islam, Karachi. He put word Mohammaden before
the name of his son in the school register instead of writing Khoja as was the family
practice till that time. For some time Jinnah studied at Anjuman-e-Islamia school,
Bombay as well. In these institutions, Urdu, Arabic and Persian languages were taught
and special lectures on Islam, Quran and Life and teachings of the prophet (PBUH) were
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arranged. The purpose was to provide the students with religious learning before going
for secular education. (Ahmed, Riaz, 1990, p. 2)

Jinnah studied in Sindh Madresah for approximately six years and most probably, he
carried with him deep Islamic imprints received at Sindh Madresah when he left for
England. This is evident by his decision to take admission in Lincons Inn
1
(Ahmed. S,
Akbar, 1997, p.4: Baletho, 1960, p.9)

When Jinnah came back from England and settled in Bombay, he remained associated
with Anjuman-e-Islamia Bombay---Muslim Bombays Religio-political Body.
(Mujahid) He also remained in close contacts with Muslim Educational Institutions,
specially, Nadwat-ul-Ulema and Aligarh University. Jinnah joined Congress in 1906 as
he considered it the most suitable platform to represent and protect Muslim interests.
(Ahmed, Riaz, 1990, pp. 8-9). From this platform, he moved the bill for Waqf-Allal-
Awalad and ultimately got it approved by the Privy Council. Presentation and defence of
this bill shows his mastery over the subject and his knowledge of International
authorities on Islamic Jurisprudence. (Iqbal,A,1986, p.13). It also exhibits his
understanding and realization of the deplorable conditions of Indian Muslims, his
concern for their problems and his determination to get them resolved.

In 1918, he married Ratti, a Parsi girl, but after she embraced to Islam. The marriage was
solemnized by Maulana Nazeer Siddiqui, a leading Sunni Aalim of that time. He severed
his relationship Deena, his only daughter, when she married a Christian. Deena
occasionally wrote letters to Jinnah addressing him affectionately (Ahmed, Akbar S,
1997, p.p.17-18) but in the answers from Jinnah, she was addressed as Mrs. Wadia
which shows a clear distance and formality, not love or affection.

It is generally assumed that Jinnah was a westernized Muslim having little or no
knowledge of Islam and had no interest in religion, but a detailed study of Jinnahs life
tells a different story. Mr. Sharif Toosi stayed at Jinnahs residence for six months when
he was writing monographs
2
explaining Pakistan demand. He tells that Jinnah used to
read Quran and its translations, specially the translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali
(Toosi, quoted in Shahid, 2008, p. 17). His library contained a large number of books on
Islam, History of Islam, life of Prophet, Muslim laws, Pious Caliphs etc. Spirit of Islam,
and A short History of saracenes by Amir Ali, and English translation of Al-Farooq,
were the books that Jinnah used to read very often. ( Yahya Bakhtiar, quoted in
Shahid,2008,73). Other reliable sources tell us that Jinnah idealized Hazrat Umer,
Aurangzeb Alamgir and Salah-ud-din Ayyubi as the rulers/leaders. (Khursheed, K.H,
1990, p.p. 71, 59, 77-78) Bolitho quotes Dina who told him that Jinnah was really fond
of Ataturk and talked about him so much that Dina started teasing her father by calling
him as The Grey Wolf.
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( Bolitho, 1960, p. 14)

Some individuals are also mentioned as have influenced his religious views. Jinnah
confessed that he was influenced by Maulana Shaukat Ali. Munshi Abdur Rahman tells
that certain ulema tried to inculcate religious spirit in him, especially Maulana Ashraf
Ali Thanvi. He gives the details of two meetings of Jinnah with some leading religious
scholars, held in December 1938 and February 1939. According to him, in these
meetings, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, Maulana Shabbir Ahmed Thanvi, Mufti
Muhammad Shafi and Shabbir Ahmed Usman talked to Jinnah and convinced him to
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bring his politics and his personal life in conformity with Islamic teachings. (Munshi
Abdur Rehman quoted in Shahid, 2008, pp. 18-21)

Syed Sharif uddin Pirzada reports that, xIn the beginning, in religious matters, Jinnah
used to seek advice from Bahadur Yar Jang and Maulana Shabbir Ahmed Usmani. That
is why he got Shabbir Ahmed Usmani elected as a member of Constitutional Assembly.
(Pirzada, quoted in Shahid, H: 2008:p. 30)

In early thirties, Jinnah came in contact with Doctor Muhammad Iqbal. In 1937-1938,
Iqbal wrote 18 letters to Jinnah. In these letters, Iqbal talked about the existing
conditions of Muslim community in India, its present crises and their possible solutions.
He believed and insisted that only Jinnah could lead Indian Muslims out of the existing
crisis. According to Akbar S Ahmed, Iqbal gave an entirely new dimension to his
(Jinnahs) understanding of Islam.---- There seems to have formed between them a
spiritual connection that resulted in the passing of the flame from one to the other.
(Ahmed, S. Akbar, 1990, p. 73)

Unfortunately, Jinnahs answers to Iqbals letters are not available. But Iqbals impact
upon Jinnah is evident from the language, imagery, and similes that he started to use
since 1937. He took up Iqbals notions of protection of Muslim identity, preservation of
Muslim culture, betterment of the common man and a social system based upon equality
and social justice. He also got convinced on Iqbals idea that the creation of a separate
Muslim state was essential to secure these objectives. So, as Akbar S. Ahmed puts
it,He, (Jinnah) thus not only embraced Iqbals political philosophy but consciously
absorbed his conceptual framework. (Ahmed, Akbar S., 1997, p. 75) Jinnah himself
called Iqbal as A sage, a philosopher and national poet of Islam in his foreword to the
collection of Iqbal-Jinnah correspondence. He further said, His (Iqbals) views were
substantially in consonance with my own and had finally led me to the same conclusions
as a result of careful examination and study of the constitutional problems facing India.
(Malik.H: 1971:p. 384) In his message on the occasion of celebration of Iqbal Day at
Lahore on 9
th
November, 1944, he said, With his firm conviction of and faith in the
ideals of Islam, he (Dr Iqbal) was one of the few who originally thought over the
feasibility of carving out of India such an Islamic State in the North West and North East
Zones which are historical homelands of Muslims.(Ahmed, Rizwan, 1993, p. 123)

After the Annual meeting of AIML, 23
rd
-24
th
March 1940, Jinnah is reported to have
said to Matloob-ul-Hasan Syed, Iqbal is no more amongst us but had he been alive, he
would have been happy to know that we did exactly what he wanted us to do. (Bolitho,
1960, p. 129)

JINNAHS PERCEPTION OF ISLAM
Jinnahs concept of religion was simple and straight forward. He strongly denounced
sectarian differences. He was originally born in an Ismaili Khoja family. He later on
changed to Isna Ashri Shia Sect and is reported to have become a Sunni by the end of his
life. (Merchant, quoted in Ahmed, S. Akbar, 1990, p. 4) However, he never declared
himself a Sunni or a Shia. Whenever enquired about it, he always asked Was
Muhammad (PBUH) Shia or Sunni? and always said I am a Muslim like the Prophet
(PBUH).(Ahmed, S,Akbar, 1997, p. 98) K.H.Khursheed (Personal Secretary to Jinnah)
in his memoires quotes Mumtaz Hasan that Jinnah was in London with him and wanted
to go to a mosque for Juma prayer. When enquired, in which mosque he would like to go
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(as there were three mosques of different Sects) he said, Where everyone else goes.
(Khursheed, 1990, p.77) It means that sectarian specifications or the sect of the Imam
was not important in his eyes. It is interesting to note that Jinnah usually kept his
religious views to himself and avoided making them public. S. Akbar Ahmed quotes
Yahya Bakhtiar who told him that once he tried to take a picture of Mr. Jinnah when
Jinnah was reading a book on the sayings of the Prophet (PBUH). Jinnah quickly kept
the book on the table and picked another one. When Yahya Bakhtiar asked him the
reason for doing so, Jinnah answered that he didnt want people to get an impression that
the picture was aimed at to exhibit his religiosity.(Ahmed Akber S., 1997, p. 91)

Like other Muslims, Jinnah loved the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) and considered him as an
example to be followed in every respect of life. He believed as he said that, The Prophet
(S.A.W.W.) was a great teacher. He was a great Law Giver. He was a great Statesman
and a great Sovereign. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was the greatest man that the world has
ever seen. Thirteen hundred years ago he laid down the foundations of Democracy when
it was un-heared of in Europe
4
. (Ahmed, R, 1993, pp. 23 & 24)

On 14
th
August 1947, Mountbatten in his speech in the Constituent Assembly quoted the
example of Akbar-The Great and stressed that his policy of tolerance and good
treatment with other creeds be followed in future. Jinnah speaking after him, pointedly
said, The Tolerance and goodwill that the great Emperor Akbar showed to all the non-
Muslims, is not of recent origin. It dates back thirteen centuries ago when our Prophet
(P.B.U.H.), not only by words but by deeds, treated the Jews and Christians after he had
conquered them, with the utmost tolerance and regard and respect for their faith and
beliefs. The whole history of Muslims, wherever they ruled, is replete with those
humane and great principles which should be followed and practised.(Siddiqui, 2007,
pp. 33-34)

Jinnahs concept of Islam was simple and straight forward. He was not much familiar
with theological subtleties but he was well aware with basic Islamic tenets and their role
in the life of individual and the society. His conception of Islam and Quran as derived
from his speeches and statements may be summarized as follows:

Jinnah believed that Islam is not a religion in the sense as the word religion is used in
present day world. It is not a set of beliefs and rituals only but a complete code of life. At
Gaya Muslim League Conference, in January 1938, he said.Islam gives a complete
code. It is not only religion but it contains law, philosophy and politics. In fact, it
contains everything that matters to a man from morning till night. (Mujahid, 2007) In
his article, printed in Time and Tide, London, in January 1940, Jinnah said, Both these
religions (Islam & Hinduism) are definite social codes which govern not so much Mans
relations with his God as Mans relations with his neighbour. They govern not only his
law and culture, but every aspect of his social life. We come across almost similar
statements time and again such as in 1940, 1944, 1945 and 1947-48. In his Eid message
in October 1947, Jinnah said, Islam lays great emphasis on the social side of the things.
Prayer, Fasting and Eid create perfect qualities and a healthy social relationship.
(Ahmed, Rizwan, 1993, p. 20) He believed that Islam is a liberal religion that denounces
caste system. In Islam, there is no discrimination on the basis of cast, creed or sex. (ibid:
p. 56)

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In his view Islam positively provides for the protection of Human Rights for everybody
and insists upon generosity and tolerance towards others. (Mujahid and Merchant,2007,
p. 50) Jinnah believed that Islam taught us Democracy fourteen hundred years ago. It
stands for high ethical values such as equality, social justice and fair play. Democracy
is in the blood of Musalmans who look upon complete equality of manhood and believe
in fraternity and liberty. (ibid, p. 12) Brotherhood, equality and fraternity of man,
these are all the basic points of our religion, culture and civilization.(ibid, p. 29) Islam
instructs its followers to be open minded, kind and passionate. The tenets of Islam
enjoin upon every Muslim to give protection to his neighbours and to the minorities
regardless of caste and creed.
5
(Ahmed, Rizwan, 1993, p.24) Islam stops us from
retaliation and taking revenge from others and instructs us to provide protection and
adopt generosity and tolerance towards the minorities. In his broadcast talk on 13
th

November 1939, he said, Man has indeed been called Gods caliph in the Quran and if
that description of man is to be of significance, it imposes upon us a duty to follow the
Quran, to behave towards others as God behaves towards His mankind. In the widest
sense of the word, this duty is to love and to forbear. (Ahmed, Rizwan, 1993, p. 122).

Jinnah considered Quran as the greatest message sent for our guidance and
enlightenment. He called it the Bedrock and the Sheet Anchor of the community that
keeps the Muslims united. (Ahmed R. 1993, pp. 22 & 107) He believed and declared that
Islamic teachings are the source of inspiration for all the Muslims in all circumstances.
Islamic principles today are as applicable to life as they were 1300 years ago.?
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In his
view Islam is a liberal religion that laid down the principles of Shura & Ijtihad. It gives
us basic principles and freedom to interpret them to suit the needs of time and situation
in the society. As Riaz Ahmed puts it, as far as the thought content of Islam was
concerned, he had full faith in Islam but he wanted interpretation of Islam to be more
comprehensive and suitable to the modern realities of lifefor him Islam carried
spiritual values which should be implemented in the material life of the modern world.
(Ahmed, Riaz, 1998, p.17)

In his interview to the students of Usmania University in August, 1941, answering a
question, he described distinctive features of an Islamic state as follows,

There is a special feature of the Islamic State which must not be over-looked
There, obedience is due to God and God alone, which takes practical shape in
the observance of the Quranic Principles and commands. In Islam, obedience is
due neither to King, nor to a parliament, nor to any other organization. It is the
Quranic provisions which determine the limits of our freedom and restrictions
in Political and Social spheres. In other words, the Islamic State is an agency
for enforcement of the Quranic principles and injunctions*(Ahmed, Akbar S.,
1997,)

The above mentioned statements are a few out of a large collection of his speeches and
statements that clearly indicate Jinnahs perception of Islam. In a nutshell, we can say
that he considered Islam as an all-embracing code of life, a social order indeed. He
believed that Islam and Quran are the bedrock and sheet anchor of Muslim community.
Quran is the source of inspiration and guidance for all the Muslims at all times and in all
situations. In his view, Islam is a liberal religion which emphasizes upon equality, social
justice and fair play to everybody and dignity and fraternity of mankind. Islam teaches
us democracy, and requires its adherents to be kind, passionate, generous and tolerant to
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others, especially to the minorities. It instructs the rulers to take care of their subjects,
especially of the poor ones. Well being of the people and assurance of a decent life for
everyone have to be the major objectives of the state. Islam also stresses upon protection
of human rights, justice and equality before law. He believed and desired that these
golden instructions of Islam be taken into practice in Pakistan. In his speech at Sibbi
Darbar on 14
th
February, 1948, he said, It is my belief that our salvation lies in
following the golden rules of conduct set for us by our great law-giver, the prophet of
Islam. Let us lay the foundations of our democracy on the basis of truly Islamic ideas
and principles. Our Almighty Allah has taught us that our decisions in the affairs of the
state shall be guided by discussion and consultation. (Siddiqui, 2007, p. 111) In his last
public speech at the time of inauguration of State Bank of Pakistan, On 1
st
July, 1948,
Jinnah stated, I shall watch with keenness the work of your research organization in
evolving banking practices compatible with Islamic ideals of social and economic life ---
- The adoption of western economic theory and practice will not help us in achieving our
goal of creating a happy and contended people. We must work our destiny in our own
way and present to the world an economic system based upon true Islamic concept of
equality of manhood and social justice. We will thereby be fulfilling our mission as
Muslims and giving the humanity message of peace, which alone can save it and secure
the welfare, happiness and prosperity of mankind (Ahmed, Rizwan, 1993, p.158).

III

JINNAHS VISION OF PAKISTAN- A SECULAR STATE OR A MODERN
DEMOCRATIC STATE BASED UPON ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES
It has been a debatable issue for long, what kind of state Jinnah visualized for Pakistan.
As far as Theocracy is concerned, Jinnah out rightly rejected it, saying that there is no
priesthood in Islam. Islam teaches us tolerance. Thus, Pakistan will not be a Theocracy,
to be ruled by priests with a divine mission?. There are a lot of Non Muslim citizens in
Pakistan and all citizens will have equal rights and play their rightful part in the affairs
of Pakistan
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. It seems as if he considered Theocracy as a synonym of in-tolerance,
discrimination and inequality and he completely rejected the possibility of having such a
state in Pakistan.

But then what was the vision of Jinnah about Pakistan? There is wide disagreement
about it. As Ian Talbot describes in his article How Many Jinnahs?, it is unfortunate that
we find at least five different Jinnahs as presented by various scholars. One gets
confused which one of them is the actual one. (Talbot, 2005)

JINNAH PROJECTED AS AN ADVOCATE OF A SECULAR STATE IN
PAKISTAN
One group of writers holds that Jinnah visualized a Secular Pakistan. This group
includes Wolpert, Khairi, Muneer, Qureshi Saleem M., Ghazali, Askari, and many
others. Their claim is largely based upon some assertions made by Jinnah in his
presidential address to the Constituent Assembly on August 11
th
, 1947. The main focus
of attention are the passages that follow.

You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your
mosques ior to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may
belong to any religion or cast or creed-that has nothing to do with the business
of the state------Now, I think we should keep that(the example of Great
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Britain) in front of us as our ideal and you will find that in course of time Hinds
would cease to be Hindus and Muslims would cease to be Muslims, not in the
religious sense because that is the personal faith of each individual, but in the
political sense as citizens of the state.

These writers base their opinion on the following arguments:

Almost all of them focus on the 11
th
August speech and consider it as the clearest
exposition of the fact that Jinnah looked forward to a secular Pakistan. They point out
that Jinnah repeatedly said that it would not be a theocracy but a modern democracy,
having no role of Mullahs and Priests in molding of its destiny. They also insist upon it
that Pakistan Movement was a secular campaign led by the politicians, not by the
religious leaders. Methods and strategies used in the movement were secular as well.

They claim that Islam did not figure out prominently in the struggle for Pakistan.
Propelling slogan during Pakistan Movement was distinct identity of Muslims as a
nation. They believe that Islam was used as a motivating force to rally around the
Muslims but the state Jinnah wished to create, was a secular state, not a theocracy.
Actually, Pakistan was demanded to save the Muslims from the denial of Fundamental
Rights and annihilation of human souls in the caste ridden India. The religion was not
the concern.

They also highlight that Jinnah announced and insisted upon equal rights for all the
citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste and creed. It is a proof that he
wanted it to be a secular state. Moreover, Quaid-e-Azams decision to appoint J. N.
Mandal as the first President of Constituent Assembly & later on to include him as a
minister in his cabinet is considered as a proof of Jinnahs conception of a secular state.

JINNAH PROJECTED AS HAVING A VISION OF PAKISTAN AS A STATE
WITH ISLAMIC FEATURES
Another group of scholars disagrees with this notion that Jinnah visualized Pakistan as a
secular state. This group includes Shareef al-Mujahid, S Akber Ahmed, Riaz Ahmed,
Safdar Mehmood, Waheed-uz-Zaman, Rizwan Ahmed, S.M.Burke, and others. These
writers hold that Jinnah wanted Pakistan to be a modern Democratic State based on
Islamic principles and orientations. They provide the following arguments in support of
their views:

Shareef al-Mujahid holds that Jinnahs 11
th
August speech cannot be considered as a
proof of his secular approach as it was the only one of its kind- a solitary instance in his
pronouncements. It was not a well thought- over and well- drafted scheme so it cannot
be considered as declaring policies or constitutional principles. Concept of Dhimmis and
their status as in medieval time was not more in use. Moreover, at that particular time,
there was a critical need to heal the wounds inflicted by partition. He also raises the
question that what Jinnah always demanded for Muslims in combined India, how could
he deny it to others when he was in control of the affairs? (Mujahid, 1981, p. 248-250)

Other scholars raise some more arguments in support of their opinion that Jinnah looked
forward to a state based upon Islamic principles. They insist upon it that 11
th
August
speech was not pointing towards secular thought. It was re-asserting Islamic principles
and teachings .The charter of Madinah and The Prophets practice of giving freedom of
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religion and conscience to non- Muslims are the proofs to this fact. Moreover, it should
be seen in the context of the situation existing at that time. In the mid of communal riots,
there was a dire need to satisfy the minorities and reassure them of protection and to
instruct the Muslims not to retaliate and to be generous and tolerant towards the
minorities as per Islamic teachings.

These scholars also point out that Jinnah clearly and repeatedly declared that Pakistan
will be a democratic state based on Islamic principles of equality, social justice and fair
play. In fact, he almost always used the term Islamic Democracy. Jinnah believed that
Islam insists upon some basic ethical values such as Equality, Social justice, fair play.
Non-discrimination, generosity and tolerance and denial of caste system are the basic
Islamic values. No doubt that there is a similarity with secularism as secularism also
stresses these values but Jinnah referred to their Islamic origin whereever he mentioned
these values.

They hold that Jinnah had a liberal concept of Islam that was compatible with the
features of a modern democratic state. He was trying a synthesis of Western liberalism
with Islam. He tried to adjust his understanding of Islam with the liberal values that he
had absorbed in London. He tried to find an echo of them in Muslim history. Thus, he
tried a synthesis of Islam and liberalism (Ahmed, S,Akbar, 1977, pp. 7-9) Moreover,
Jinnah was critically ill during his last years and he was well aware of it. His speeches
and statements made in the last years of his life must be considered as authentic and
sincere; the voice of his heart, not his political strategy. (ibid,p.179).

They also raise an argument that Jinnahs friends and foes alike confirm that Jinnah was
very bold, clear and frank in his talk. He never indulged in double-meaning talk and
never minced his words. If he would be looking forward to see Pakistan to be a secular
state, he would have said it openly. But he never used the word secular or secularism. It
means he had no inclination towards secularism.

It is almost agreed upon that Jinnah was far from political trickery. It is wrong to think
that he used the name of Islam and Quran to unite the Muslims at one platform but in
fact he was secular in his outlook. Jinnah was not the kind of person to befool Muslims
and use Islam to get his objectives. It is reported that Dr. Rasheed Jahan, daughter of
Abdullah Haroon came to Jinnah on the day of election of 1946. She gleefully
mentioned that she had casted many votes by wearing a burqa. Jinnah was furious. He
ordered her to go back to the polling station and get the extra votes cancelled. He said I
dont want Pakistan on this basis. Such a person, honest and fair in all his dealings,
could not mislead everyone else in the name of Islam.

After the creation of Pakistan, he could have discarded culture, tradition and religious
way of life as Ataturk did in Turkey but he did not do so as he himself loved Islam and
believed in its applicability and utility. Jinnah wanted Pakistan to be Islamic and
democratic at the same time as he believed that Islam itself contains democratic
principles and it is easily compatible with democracy.

IV
CONCLUSION
A close analysis of these two view points, leads us to the following conclusions:

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10
Firstly, Jinnah was very precise and careful in the selection of words. He was very bold
and out-spoken. He never indulged into double talk and never minced his words. If he
would be willing to make Pakistan a secular state, he would have said so. If he could
clearly and repeatedly say that it will not be a Theocracy, ruled by Mullahs, he could
also say that it would be a secular state, but he did not use word secular or secularism
even for once.

Secondly, Jinnah was far from political trickery. He was not a person to fear anyones
appreciation or disapproval. It is unfair to think that he used the name of Islam to unite
the Muslims or as a motivating factor but he was not sincere in his call for Islam and
Islamic principles etc. If it would be so, than he should have stopped to talk of Islam
once he got Pakistan created, but his speeches as governor General of Pakistan are full
of such statements.

Thirdly, Jinnah frequently talked about Islam, Quran, the Prophet, Islamic culture, and
Islamic law. He, at times, talked of Islamic state and Islamic ideology also. His speeches
and statements between 1937 and 1948 are full of the references of Islam and its relevant
things, but not a single reference or mention of secularism.

Fourthly, Pakistan demand was undoubtedly based upon the claim of separate
nationhood and its right of self-determination. It is true that religion was not the only
factor behind Pakistan demand; there were complex factors such as economic, social,
political factors. The fear of annihilation and denial of human Rights was also behind
this demand. But the question is that what was the reason behind the denial of Human
Rights and all those economic, social and political factors? Obviously, it was Islam that
was the basis of Muslims separate nationhood and so was the question of national and
cultural identity and interests.

As is evident from a number of his statements, Jinnah considered Theocracy as
equivalent to fanaticism, intolerance and discrimination. He thought it will be a
government of priests/ religious leaders, likely to be short sighted, biased and intolerant.
He considered such a government as not sanctioned by Islam and refused to have any
such thing in Pakistan. But he always said that Pakistan will be an Islamic Democracy
based upon Islamic social justice, equality and fair play.

As far as Jinnahs 11
th
August speech is concerned, there are a few points that are worth
noticing. For example,

This speech was not well thought over & written before hand. There is the assertion that
I cannot make any well-considered pronouncements at this moment but I shall say a
few things as they occur to me (Wolpert, 1984, p. 337). It is strange that some extracts
of this speech are quoted to prove that he wanted Pakistan as a secular state, while
dozens of his speeches and statements are neglected that declare openly and repeatedly
that Pakistan will be an Islamic Democracy, based upon basic Islamic values such as
equality, fraternity, equality and social justice. It is also important to note that this
speech is not a solitary example of its type as Sharif al-Mujahid holds. This speech is
in line with many other speeches and statements delivered between 1937 & 1947. The
ideas and principles mentioned in this speech are repeatedly used in Jinnahs speeches
before and after partition.

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11
As far as the rights of minorities and their equal status as citizens of Pakistan are
concerned, there is nothing new in 11
th
August speech as Jinnah remained a champion of
minorities rights throughout his life. After creation of Pakistan, he affirmed the same
rights for its non-Muslim citizens. Moreover, at that time when emotions were high and
communal strife was at its peak, what else was the Governor General expected to do
except to cool down the majority and to ensure the minorities of justice, fair play and
proper protection. On the eve of partition, as Governor General, Jinnah laid down the
basic principles that could lead to national integration and cohesiveness. Internal unity
and mutual trust was badly required to lead Pakistan into a well-knit nation. So at one
hand, he denounced regionalism, calling it poison in our body politic and on the other
side, he assured minorities of not only justice and fair play but of generosity and
tolerance, religious freedom and equality before law.

It is also important to note that whatever Jinnah said to the minorities in his 11
th
August
speech, does not point out to secularism alone. These are Islamic values and principles,
not only in theory but practiced in actual. The Quran says that there is no compulsion in
Islam so the state has to ensure religious freedom and protection of minorities. It is not a
favor for them but the responsibility of the government to be fulfilled in all
circumstances. Prophet of Islam (P.B.U.H.) provided almost the same rights, liberties
and guarantees to non-Muslim minorities who were peaceful citizens of Madinah State.
Charter of Madinah and letter of prophet to the Christians of Najran are good examples
of this behavior. Muslim history is full of such examples. So generous treatment with
minorities and protection of their fundamental rights is an Islamic feature as was
described by Jinnah in his speech of 14
th
August 1947, when he disagreed with the
Viceroy and stated that generosity and tolerance were taught and practiced by our
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) thirteen hundred years ago, well before Akbar - The Great. It is true
that secularism also highlights and stresses these values and principles but Islam is
obviously hundreds of years older than secularism.

Religious freedom, protection of human Rights, equal status as citizens and no
discrimination on the basis of caste or creed, these were the notions that Jinnah held
throughout his life and repeatedly declared that in Pakistan, these principles will be
taken into practice so minorities rest assured of a safe future in Pakistan. It is also
reported that Jinnah and Nehru had made such a commitment with Viceroy at the time
when partition was agreed upon in June 1947. Jinnah was not one of them who would
move back from their commitments. Moreover, we find a speech of Liaquat Ali Khan
dated 14
th
August 1947. This speech consists of almost the same statement as the speech
of Jinnah delivered on 11
th
August 1947
8
. It means that it was not only the personal
conviction of Jinnah but it was also the official policy of Government of Pakistan.

So on the basis of above stated facts; we can conclude that Jinnah had a perception of
Islam compatible with modern concepts of state craft. He wanted to see Pakistan as a
Modern Islamic State, not as a secular state. He rather looked forward to it as An
Islamic Democracy, based upon the basic Islamic values such as equality, fraternity,
social justice and fair play.





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REFERENCES
1- In a meeting, Jinnah himself told that he decided to take admission in Lincons inn
as he saw the name of Mohammad (PBUH) at the top of the list of the lawgivers of
the world, inscribed at its gate.
2- Those monographs were printed by Pakistan Study Circle, Bombay for circulation
among Muslims.
3- Grey Wolf was the title of the biography of Ata Turk.
4- Speech at Karachi Bar on 25
th
January 1948
5- Speech in Public Meeting in Lahore on 30
th
June, 1947.
6- Broadcast address to the people of USA Feb. 1948.
7- Broadcast talk to the people of Australia Feb, 19, 1948.
8- 14
th
August 1947, Liaquat Ali Khan delivered a speech in which he stated that, As
I visualized, the State of Pakistan will a state where there will be no specific
privileges, no specific rights for any one particular community or individual. It will
be a state where every citizen will have equal privileges and they will share equally
all the obligation that lie on the citizen of Pakistan.

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