CSS 2014 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Coexistence and Contradiction in the Islamic and Western Social Systems
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2014 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 has asked for an overview of Islamic ideology. First, we describe the limitations of coexistence in the Islamic and Western social systems, and then we describe the limitations of contradiction in the Islamic and Western social systems.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- an overview of the Islamic ideology of society
3- Describe the limitations of Coexistence and contradiction in the Islamic and Western social systems.
- ✓ Different fundamentals of Morality
- ✓ Sharia vs. artificial law
- ✓ Social deviation and Imperialism of Culture
- ✓ Secularism vs. Religious Freedom
- ✓ Fundamentals of social structure
- ✓ Systems of Law and Governance
- ✓ Economic Systems
4-Critical analysis
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
A strong social system is the backbone for prosperity, growth, and national integrity. The inherent contrasts in Islamic and Western social systems’ concepts, principles, and past histories make coexisting difficult and cause paradoxes that frequently result in miscommunications and confrontations. Western civilizations often place a higher value on individuality and secularism than Islamic societies on full acceptance of spiritual, cultural and governmental affairs. This makes interactions more difficult. Feelings of estrangement and distrust are exacerbated by historical miscommunications, sociopolitical difficulties stemming from past dispute resolution, and difficulties Muslims have integrating socially in Western settings. Furthermore, these divisions are made worse by the emergence of radical views on both sides, which obstruct productive discourse and prolong violent cycles. In the end, overcoming these obstacles calls for a dedication to fostering respect and sympathy amongst people, acknowledging the common humanity that cuts beyond these philosophical and cultural divides.
An overview of the Islamic ideology of society
Several fundamental ideas shape the societal and political foundation of Islamic civilization. Tawhid, or the oneness of God, is essential to this philosophy and promotes harmony among Muslims. The Ummah idea fosters togetherness and mutual support by emphasizing community and communal responsibility. A fundamental principle that directs relationships and guarantees fairness, especially for the oppressed, is justice (Adl). While Sharia (Islamic law) offers an administrative structure that regulates social and individual actions, ethical obligation (Akhlaq) promotes moral behaviour and virtue. Furthermore, the values of social welfare through Zakat and Sadaqah and responsibility (Hisab) emphasize the significance of honesty and helping those in need.
Describe the limitations of Coexistence and contradiction in the Islamic and Western social systems.
- ✓ Different fundamentals of Morality
There are major barriers to cohabitation between Islamic and Western social systems because of their different ethical principles. While Western ethics frequently stems from religious concepts and individual reasoning, allowing for a variety of clarifications, Islamic Morality is based on divine revelation from the Quran and Hadith, offering unwavering ethical rules. Because behaviours that are accepted in a Western environment may be in contradiction with Islamic theology, this difference causes disputes over basic concerns. Furthermore, since Western society places more value on individuality and personal rights, that hinders social norms and ethics. Islamic culture focuses on collectivism and collective welfare. Mutually beneficial cohabitation is difficult because of these moral foundational disparities, which impede shared comprehension and disrupt relationships. As Allah says in the Quran:” O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So, shun them so you may be successful” (Quran 5:90). Thus, this verse contrasts the sometimes individual-centric mindset of Western civilizations with the solidarity, communal belonging, and common purpose of the Muslim community.
- ✓ Sharia vs. artificial law
Moreover, Coexistence is severely limited by the distinctions between Sharia law and the laws that are created in Western cultures. The flexible moral and legal rules that Sharia, which is based on Islamic teachings, frequently suggests may not align with contemporary Western frameworks. As Allah says in the Quran: Now We have set you ˹O, Prophet˺ on the ˹clear˺ Way of faith. So, follow it, and do not follow the desires of those who do not know the truth (Quran 45:18). Furthermore, Sharia, which is based on divine legitimacy found in the Quran and Hadith, promotes a peaceful and equitable community by offering absolute Morality and thorough direction in all facets of life—legal, ethical, and moral which is contradict with western society. At last, because Sharia holds that people are accountable to God for their deeds, it fosters a feeling of ethical responsibility in society.
- ✓ Social deviation and Imperialism of Culture
Furthermore, In Western civilizations, social deviation frequently takes the form of attitudes and actions that deviate from accepted standards, such as a rise in individualism, secularism, liberalism, and alternative lifestyles. Conflicts with more conservative or religious groups, such as those of Islamic descent, may result from these as different beliefs and customs may be seen as immoral or inappropriate. On the other side of the coin, Islamic culture is centred on moral and ethical standards such as justice, Sharia law, the idea of Adal in society, and the principle of accountability. As a result, Islamic civilization allows people to make their own decisions while staying within the bounds of the divine role. As Allah stated in the Quran: “It is out of Allah’s mercy that you ˹O, Prophet˺ have been lenient with them. Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you. So, pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in ˹conducting˺ matters. Once you decide, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him” (Quran 3:159). Thus, this limits the Coexistence of Islamic and Western social systems.
- ✓ Secularism vs. Religious Freedom
Moving down the ladder, In Western civilizations, secularism frequently promotes individual rights and liberties, including religious freedom, and stresses the exclusion of faith from public activities. Islamic societies, on the other hand, can view religious freedom through a lens that places a higher priority on religious law and communal norms, which could result in disparate perspectives and behaviours around secularism and religious freedom. As Allah says in the Quran: Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects – you, [O Muhammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to Allah; then He will inform them about what they used to do. Thus, these differences are crucial for fostering mutual respect and Coexistence between Western and Islamic cultures.
- ✓ Systems of Law and Governance
Moreover, Islam is a system of justice, equality, and peace. On the same tenets, it promotes the social, political, and economic systems. As a result, the foundation of Islamic administration is Adl, Sharia law, and the idea of accountability, which promotes social harmony, peace, and self-awareness. As Allah says in the Quran: Indeed, Allah never wrongs ˹anyone˺—even by an atom’s weight.1 And if it is a good deed, He will multiply it many times over and will give a great reward out of His grace (4-40). On the other hand, western theology is founded on the ideas of liberalism, secularism, and individuality, which unquestionably promote equality and justice but also undermine social norms and ethics and either promote or impede the fundamental concepts of harmony, self-accountability, and self-consciousness. For instance, how the Hawkish principles of the democratic party support the brutality of Isreal in the Isreal Hamas war in Palestine. It clearly demonstrates the concepts of governance of Western theologies. Thus, Islam provides a better system of governance than any other religion.
- ✓ Economic Systems
Moving ahead, the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) serve as the foundation for the Islamic economic system, which forbids the use of Ribaah and interest-based economies. It prioritizes moral behaviour, social fairness, and the welfare of society. As Allah says in the Quran: “Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly, nor deliberately bribe authorities in order to devour a portion of others’ property, knowing that it is a sin” (2-188). On the other hand, the economic system of Western communities, particularly in capitalist countries, is characterized by capitalism, individualism, and market dynamics that hinder economic ethics and initiate concerns related to the digital economic catastrophe.
Critical analysis
Critically, Islamic and Western systems work for the betterment of their masses, but Islam comprehensively values the social norms and customs accompanied by individual testimony. Nonetheless, western society is explicitly based on individuality, which includes individual norms, Individual rights and individual freedoms that drastically sabotage the collective norms and culture of the society and hinder the ethical conduct of a nation; therefore, Islam is a religion of varsity, peace, and harmony. Iqbal states that “Western nations are based on territory and race, whereas the strength of your community rests on the might of your religion”. Thus, Islam provides a better and more obvious system of society without any liberalism and discrimination of any individuals, ultimately creating peace, harmony, and social stability in a nation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, basic disparities in morals, legal systems, cultural values, and financial principles are the root cause of the constraints of cohabitation and tensions between Islamic and Western social systems. Whereas Western systems place more emphasis on individuality, secularism, and market dynamics, Islamic theology places more emphasis on justice, collective welfare, and divine accountability. These differences cause miscommunications and disputes, which are made worse by cultural imperialism and social deviation. Respectful communication, acknowledgement of shared values, and mutual understanding are necessary for meaningful cohabitation, which will ultimately pave the path for a more peaceful and cohesive future.
CSS Solved Past Papers’ Essays
Looking for the last ten years of CSS and PMS Solved Essays and want to know how Sir Kazim’s students write and score the highest marks in the essays’ papers? Then, click on the CSS Solved Essays to start reading them.
CSS Solved Essays
CSS Solved General Science & Ability Past Papers
Want to read the last ten years’ General Science & Ability Solved Past Papers to learn how to attempt them and to score high? Let’s click on the link below to read them all freely. All past papers have been solved by Pakistan’s top CSS GSA coach having the highest score of their students.
General Science & Ability Solved Past Papers
