PMS 2016 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | Current Challenges of the Islamic World
The following question of PMS Islamiat 2016 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
The examiner inquired about the Current Challenges of the Islamic World. The question is addressed in two parts. The first is an outline, which is broken down into different parts. Moving further, the introduction is given, followed by the Current Challenges of the Islamic World. After that, the solutions in the Quran and Sunnah are presented, and the conclusion is made.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- The significant challenges faced by Islam in contemporary times
- ✓Disunity among Muslims
- ✓Increasing threat of Islamophobia, extremism, and terrorism
- ✓Un-Islamic authoritarianism
- ✓Increasing influence of Western culture
- ✓Multiplicity of Islamic Jurisprudence
3- Solutions to the significant challenges faced by Islam in contemporary times
- ✓Quran and Sunnah emphasize the importance of Shura
- ✓Quran and Sunnah strongly emphasize unity
- ✓Quran and Sunnah warned against excessiveness in religion
- ✓Quran and Sunnah establish the equality
- ✓Quran and Sunnah commands justice and fairness
5-Critical Analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Although Islam is a religion of peace and diversity, it suffers many difficulties in the modern world. Geographical, social, and political contexts influence these difficulties, but some of the main ones are: Extremism and misinterpretation; Muslim division; the growing threat of terrorism, Islamophobia, and extremism; un-Islamic authoritarianism; the growing influence of Western culture; and the diversity of Islamic jurisprudence. However, by implementing the true teachings of Islam, all these issues can be resolved.
The significant challenges faced by Islam in contemporary times
In the modern day, Islam faces numerous formidable obstacles fueled by intricate interactions between social, political, and cultural elements. One of the biggest problems is the emergence of Islamophobia, which is driven by false information and stereotypes that link Islam to extremism and lead to widespread prejudice and discrimination against Muslims around the world. Development is further stalled in many Muslim-majority nations by issues with access to education, economic disparity, and governance.
- Disunity among Muslims
In the modern day, Muslim disunity continues to be a significant obstacle to Islam, undermining the ummah’s unity and impeding advancement. Sectarian conflicts, especially those between Sunni and Shia groups, can turn into political and social disputes that destabilize countries and shatter the Muslim identity worldwide. For instance, sectarian tensions have contributed to years of political instability, violence, and social disintegration in Iraq, a nation with a population of about 60–65% Shia and 30–35% Sunni Muslims. Such instances demonstrate how internal division not only undermines the impacted country but also makes it more difficult for the Muslim world as a whole to work together on international concerns. To overcome these obstacles and restore harmony and confidence, it is necessary to encourage inter-sectarian communication, advance inclusive governance, and highlight common Islamic principles.
- The increasing threat of Islamophobia, extremism, and terrorism
Islam faces a serious threat in the modern day from the growing threat of terrorism, extremism, and Islamophobia, which damages Muslim communities widely and distorts the religion’s reputation. Globally, Islamophobia fuels prejudice and hate crimes against Muslims through unfavourable stereotypes and media representation. Extremist beliefs, which fringe organizations frequently spread, distort Islamic teachings and raise issues related to international security. For example, according to government data, terrorism has caused significant harm in Pakistan, a nation with a majority of Muslims. Between 2001 and 2022, more than 83,000 people died in terrorism-related incidents. As terrorism intensifies, Islamophobia, prejudice and marginalization foster radicalization, and these problems reinforce one another.
- Un-Islamic authoritarianism
Since un-Islamic authoritarianism challenges the fundamental tenets of Islamic governance, justice, accountability, and Consultation (Shura), it poses a serious threat to Islam in the contemporary world. In contrast to the egalitarian and moral principles that Islam promotes, authoritarian governments repress dissent, restrict liberties, and hold onto power by corruption and coercion in many nations with a majority of Muslims. For instance, Egypt, which has a 90% Muslim populace, has come under worldwide criticism for its authoritarian policies, which include the mass detention of political opponents. Human Rights Watch claims that more than 60,000 political prisoners are detained in Egypt in appalling conditions, which stifles democratic hopes and exacerbates public unrest. When these regimes act in the name of Islam, they not only alienate populations but also damage the religion’s reputation worldwide. To overcome this obstacle, Muslim societies must be empowered to push for responsibility and change by returning to the Islamic values of justice, equity, and participatory governance.
- The increasing influence of Western culture
Moreover, Islam faces a major difficulty in the modern day due to the growing influence of Western culture, which frequently conflicts with traditional Islamic beliefs and customs. Concerns regarding the loss of Islamic identity, especially among young people in nations with a majority of Muslims, have grown as a result of the broad embrace of Western lifestyles, media, and consumer culture. For instance, polls demonstrate a discernible change in cultural behaviours in Turkey, a country where 99 per cent of the population considers themselves Muslims. A 2019 KONDA study found that younger generations are rapidly embracing secular or Westernized norms, causing the number of Turks who identify as religiously conservative to fall from 55% in 2008 to 51% in 2018. Due to this cultural change, the preservation of Islamic customs in the face of globalization has been a topic of discussion. To tackle this issue, a well-rounded strategy that emphasizes Islamic teachings that align with modernity while upholding fundamental principles is needed, as is the encouragement of cultural resilience.
- Multiplicity of Islamic Jurisprudence
Despite being a source of diversity and richness, the plurality of Islamic jurisprudence poses a serious problem for Islam today, mainly when conflicting interpretations cause misunderstandings or division. Within Sunni and Shia Islam, there are several schools of thought (madhabs), such as Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali, and Ja’fari. This frequently leads to divergent views on governance and personal law. In nations like Nigeria, where almost half of the population is Muslim, these distinctions have shown up as intricate legal frameworks that combine secular and Sharia law. For instance, Sharia is used in Northern Nigeria in Muslim criminal and personal issues, but state-by-state variations in its interpretation and application result in uneven court decisions and tensions between different sects. Such diversity can make it more challenging to provide a cohesive Islamic position on current affairs, underscoring the necessity of respectful and inclusive discourse to bridge jurisprudential divides and promote unity.
Solutions to the significant challenges faced by Islam in contemporary times.
- The Quran emphasizes the importance of Consultation.
The proliferation of false beliefs and unfavourable preconceptions about Islam is one of the main issues it faces today. The significance of interacting with others wisely and courteously is emphasized in the Quran: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best” (Quran 16:125). Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) dealt with misunderstandings with tolerance and kindness. He exemplified the Quranic principle of repelling evil with good, for example, by responding to hostility with forgiveness and compassion: “Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend” (Quran 41:34). Therefore, Muslims should implement the concept consultation to spread the actual ideals of Islam—peace, justice, and compassion—as well as actively participate in interfaith discussions and create truthful teaching materials.
- The Quran strongly emphasizes unity
The Muslim community is weakened by internal strife and sectarianism. “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (Quran 3:103) is a significant statement that stresses togetherness. By saying, “The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers,” the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also urged Muslims to promote fraternity (Quran 49:10). Muslims must, therefore, put their shared values and beliefs ahead of their differences. It is crucial to foster understanding, tolerance, and respect for one another within the community. Leaders and academics should avoid divisive rhetoric and concentrate on shared objectives.
- Sunnah warned against excessiveness in religion
Furthermore, religious teachings that are misinterpreted or taken out of context give rise to extremism. According to Sunan Ibn Majah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cautioned against religious excess, stating, “Beware of extremism in religion, for it destroyed those before you.” Moreover, Allah says in the Quran, “Therefore, We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people”(Quran 2:143). Accordingly, educating Muslims on the authentic teachings of Islam by scholarship based on the Quran and the Sunnah helps combat extremist ideas. It is essential to encourage critical thinking and moderation in Islamic education.
- Quran and Sunnah establish the equality
Moreover, among the current issues are misunderstandings regarding Islamic women’s rights and gender responsibilities. The Quran establishes the equality of men and women in spiritual things: “Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women… Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward” (Quran 33:35). In support of women’s rights, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The best of you are those who are best to their wives” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi). Therefore, it is crucial to empower women by Islamic teachings. As the Quran and Sunnah state, this entails guaranteeing equitable treatment, active social engagement, and access to education.
- The Quran and Sunnah command justice and fairness
Last but not least, injustice and corruption are major worldwide issues. The Quran demands equity and justice: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trust to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice” (Quran 4:58). According to Sunan Abu Dawood, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once remarked, “A people’s leader is their servant.” Therefore, these problems can be resolved by establishing societal structures and governance based on Islamic values of justice, responsibility, and community service. Both individuals and leaders must follow moral guidelines derived from the Quran and Sunnah.
Critical Analysis
Critically, among the problems Islam faces today are misconceptions and prejudices that are stoked by political unrest, media representations, and acts of extremism that are frequently misconstrued as representative of the religion as a whole. These difficulties are exacerbated by internal conflicts, such as balancing traditional interpretations with contemporary social expectations, tackling gender equity concerns, and promoting harmony within a multicultural Muslim community worldwide. Consequently, Muslims find answers to today’s issues with discernment, empathy, and fairness by consulting the Quran and Sunnah. When used sincerely and diligently, these supernatural resources offer eternal lessons that answer problems like misunderstandings, division, extremism, social justice, and moral instruction. The Muslim community can prosper in the contemporary era by upholding these principles via instruction, discussion, and group efforts while adhering to its ethical and spiritual core.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a diversified strategy based on education, discussion, and change is needed to address the issues facing Islam today, which range from internal conflicts over modernization and tradition to exterior misunderstandings and geopolitical concerns. Strong interfaith activities and the promotion of truthful portrayals of Islam in the media and in the classroom can help combat stereotypes and promote understanding between people. Internally, navigating the challenges of modernity while being rooted in fundamental values can be facilitated by elevating various voices within the Muslim community, encouraging unity in the face of diversity, and promoting progressive scholarship. Islam can continue to flourish as a vibrant religion that significantly contributes to world society by adopting these ideas. However, Muslims, therefore, consult the Quran and Sunnah to find answers to today’s problems with discernment, empathy, and fairness. When applied with sincerity and diligence, these divine resources offer timeless lessons that address issues such as miscommunication, division, extremism, social justice, and moral training. The Muslim community worldwide may thrive today while staying true to its ethical and spiritual foundation by promoting these values via education, dialogue, and cooperative efforts.
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