CSS 2009 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The measures for political and economic stability of the Muslim Ummah
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2009 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
This question demands a deep evaluation of the contrast between the potential and the reality of the Muslim world. Despite having significant demographic weight and natural resources, the Ummah suffers from disunity, economic dependency, and political instability. The examiner expects a diagnosis of this contradiction and the proposal of practical, Islamically rooted, and strategic measures to overcome it. This includes referencing Islamic governance principles, past Islamic history, and contemporary models for revival.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Qur’anic Emphasis on Unity, Strength, and Resource Utilization
3-Political Instability: Causes and Islamic Perspective
4-Economic Weaknesses and Dependency
5-Internal Disunity and Lack of Collective Agenda
6-Suggested Measures for Political Stability
7-Suggested Measures for Economic Empowerment
8-Role of Islamic Governance and Historical Models
9-OIC and Regional Cooperation as Strategic Vehicles
10-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The modern Muslim Ummah represents almost 1.9 billion people, approximately one-fifth of the global population, and inhabits some of the most resource-rich lands on earth, from oil in the Middle East to minerals in Africa and agriculture in South Asia. Yet, in stark contrast to this potential, the Muslim world remains plagued by chronic political instability, economic stagnation, and a lack of global influence. The reasons are deep-rooted: from colonial legacies and internal divisions to systemic governance failures and foreign intervention. The Qur’an and Sunnah, however, provide a framework for stability, cooperation, and self-reliance that must be revived.
Qur’anic Emphasis on Unity, Strength, and Resource Utilization
Islam emphasizes unity and collective strength as prerequisites for socio-political stability. The Qur’an states: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:103). This verse is not just spiritual, but deeply political; unity is a force multiplier. Likewise, Muslims are reminded, “Do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:139). Allah has blessed the Ummah with natural resources as a trust, not to be squandered but to be managed justly, as seen in the Islamic concept of Khilafah (stewardship of Earth).
Political Instability, Causes and Islamic Perspective
The political instability of the Muslim world is often rooted in authoritarian governance, external manipulation, sectarian divisions, and a lack of accountability. Many Muslim nations have inherited post-colonial political structures that suppress democratic voices. Islam, in contrast, promotes a Shura-based consultative governance system, as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Rightly Guided Caliphs. “And consult them in matters” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:159) reflects this ideal. Political oppression, absence of transparency, and dynastic rule deviate from Islamic political ethics, where the ruler is answerable to the people and to Allah.
Economic Weaknesses and Dependency
Despite owning 70% of the world’s energy resources, most Muslim countries are economically dependent on global institutions like the IMF and World Bank. Their economies are consumption-based, oil-reliant, and import-heavy, with weak intra-Muslim trade. Poverty, unemployment, and inflation plague countries like Pakistan, Sudan, Yemen, and Syria. Islam advocates an equitable economic model, forbidding exploitation through Riba (interest), encouraging Zakat and wealth circulation, and emphasizing production and labor. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The upper hand is better than the lower hand” (Bukhari), urging self-reliance and empowerment.
Internal Disunity and Lack of Collective Agenda
The greatest internal challenge of the Ummah is its fragmentation into over 50 nation-states, each pursuing self-interest, often at the expense of others. Sectarian conflicts between Sunni and Shia, Arab and non-Arab, and ethnic divisions in Africa and South Asia have weakened collective bargaining power. Islam teaches that the Ummah is one body, as the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are like one body” (Muslim). A return to this spirit of Ummah is essential to overcome external manipulation and internal paralysis.
Suggested Measures for Political Stability
First, Muslim states must reform governance structures to ensure the rule of law, justice, and transparency. Democratic participation rooted in Shura (consultation) should be institutionalised. Second, national constitutions must be aligned with Islamic values of justice, accountability, and public welfare, as modelled in the Constitution of Madinah. Third, freedom of expression, religious tolerance, and decentralization of power can prevent rebellion and authoritarian collapse. Political leadership must be merit-based and accountable to the people, as seen in Hazrat Umar’s governance, where even a poor woman could question the Caliph publicly.
Suggested Measures for Economic Empowerment
The Muslim world must develop independent Islamic financial institutions, free from interest-based systems, to fund development. Revival of Zakat, Waqf, and Islamic microfinance can reduce poverty. Countries should invest in infrastructure, technology, and education, focusing on human capital. Additionally, intra-Muslim trade and regional economic blocs should be promoted. As the EU exemplifies strength through economic unity, Muslim countries must adopt collective economic strategies like a Muslim common market. Investment in halal industries, green energy, and youth entrepreneurship can transform economies from dependent to productive.
Role of Islamic Governance and Historical Models
History offers powerful models: the Rashidun Caliphate showcased political justice and welfare. Under Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), a welfare state was established with stipends for the needy, land reforms, and public accountability. The Ottoman Caliphate maintained centuries of political stability across three continents by blending Islamic law with administrative efficiency. These models prove that Islamic principles of justice, meritocracy, and consultation ensure political and economic stability when properly implemented in modern governance frameworks.
OIC and Regional Cooperation as Strategic Vehicles
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must evolve from a symbolic forum to an active policy-making body. It should mediate conflicts, promote trade agreements, fund joint educational and scientific research, and create an Islamic Monetary Fund. Regional blocs like GCC, D-8, and ECO must be empowered to collaborate on energy, education, defense, and technology. Shared platforms can help develop common foreign policies, defensive alliances, and diplomatic influence in global affairs, enabling the Ummah to act as a unified bloc.
Conclusion
The current state of the Muslim Ummah, rich in potential but weak in practice, calls for immediate intellectual, political, and economic reform rooted in Islamic ideals. Political stability will emerge through just governance, unity, and consultation; economic revival will result from self-reliance, Islamic finance, and regional cooperation. The Qur’an, Sunnah, and early Islamic history offer a roadmap for this transformation. As Allah reminds the believers, “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11). The revival of the Ummah lies in self-correction, collective unity, and the reimplementation of divine guidance in contemporary contexts.
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