NAME : ABDUL MOIZ
ROLL NO : 241219
SUBJECT : IDEOLOGY
TO : SIR IKRAMULLAH
CLASS : BEME-F24-IIA
ASSIGNMENT NO 1
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Jinnah’s Vision of Pakistan
Introduction(The Big Debate):
There’s a lot of disagreement about what Jinnah really wanted for Pakistan. Some people,
especially those writing in English, say he wanted a separate democratic state, where religion
wouldn’t play a big role in politics. But many Pakistani scholars argue that Jinnah made Pakistan
as a modern Islamic democracy, where Islam would guide the country’s laws and culture. Both
sides agree that Pakistan should be democratic and avoid laws that go against Islamic principles,
but they differ on how much religion should influence the state. This article looks at Jinnah’s
speeches to figure out what he really wanted.
Jinnah’s Early Life and Religious Roots:
Jinnah’s upbringing and education played a big role in shaping his views. He was
educated at Sindh Madrasatul Islam and Anjuman-i-Islamia, schools that focused on
Islamic teachings, to avoid the Christian influence of missionary schools. His father
taught the Quran to neighborhood kids, and his mother told him Islamic stories at
bedtime. This early exposure to Islam stayed with him throughout his life.
When he went to London to study law, he chose Lincoln’s Inn because it honored
Prophet Muhammad as one of the world’s great lawgivers. Even as a young man, Jinnah
showed a deep respect for Islam, attending events like Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (the
Prophet’s birthday) and joining Muslim organizations in Bombay.
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Jinnah’s Actions and Beliefs:
Jinnah wasn’t just talk he took action to protect Muslim rights. In 1913, he successfully
pushed through the Waqf Validating Bill, which reversed a British decision that had hurt
Muslim endowments. This showed his commitment to Islamic principles in law.
He also rejected sectarianism. When asked if he was Sunni or Shia, he simply said, “I am
a Muslim.” He even had his wife’s conversion to Islam overseen by a Sunni scholar, even
though his family was Shia. This showed he was above religious divisions and saw Islam
as a unifying force.
Jinnah’s personal life also reflected his principles. When his daughter Dina decided to
marry a non-Muslim, he cut ties with her, not out of ego, but because he believed
strongly in preserving Islamic identity.
Key Speeches: What Jinnah Really Wanted :
Jinnah’s speeches give the clearest picture of his vision for Pakistan. In his famous August 11,
1947 address, he emphasized equality for all citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or creed. He
said:
“Hindus would cease to be Hindus and Muslims cease to be Muslims in the political
sense.”
“You are free to go to your temples, mosques, or any other place of worship.”
He rooted these ideas in Mithaq-e-Madina, the covenant Prophet Muhammad made with
minorities in Medina, which guaranteed equal rights for all. Jinnah wanted Pakistan to follow
this example. He also made it clear that Pakistan would not be a theocracy. In a 1948 speech, he
said:
“Pakistan is not going to be ruled by priests with a divine mission.”
“We have non-Muslims they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and
privileges as any other citizen.”
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What Scholars Say:
Stanely Wolpert: Jinnah’s determination changed history and created Pakistan.
Sharif-al-Mujahid: Jinnah’s vision of equality was rooted in Islamic principles, not
secularism.
Saleena Karim: Jinnah never used the word “secular” in his speeches. His vision was
always tied to Islam.
Key Quotes from Jinnah:
“Pakistan is the premier Islamic state.”
“Islam has taught equality, justice, and fair play to everybody.”
“We shall make it [the constitution] and show it to the world.”
Conclusion: Jinnah’s True Vision:
Jinnah wasn’t a religious scholar or a saint, but he was deeply committed to Islam. He
envisioned Pakistan as a modern, democratic state guided by Islamic principles. He
rejected both theocracy (rule by religious leaders) and secularism(complete separation of
religion and state). Instead, he wanted a country where Islam would inspire laws and
culture, but where all citizens regardless of religion would have equal rights.
His speeches and actions show that he believed in unity, equality, and justice, values he
saw as central to Islam. While Pakistan’s constitution and political system are still
debated, Jinnah’s vision remains a guiding light for the country.
