PMS 2020 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The Islamic State Protect the Rights of Non-Muslims
The following question of PMS Islamiat 2020 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
About this specific question, the examiner inquired how the Islamic State protected the rights of non-Muslims and gave an analysis of the protection of non-Muslim rights enshrined in the constitutions of Pakistan. 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 Islamic perspectives of non-Muslim rights, principles and mechanisms for the protection of non-Muslims in an Islamic state, constitutional safeguards for non-Muslims in Pakistan and conclusion.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Islamic perspectives of non-Muslim rights
3-Understanding the principles and mechanisms for protection of non-Muslims in an Islamic state
- ✓ Emphasizing equality and Justice
- ✓ Protecting life, property and Honour
- ✓ Ensuring freedom of religion and worship
- ✓ Implementing taxation for security measures
- ✓ Promoting interfaith Harmony in society
4-Elucidating how Pakistan’s constitutional safeguards for non-Muslims
- ✓ Declaring preamble and objective Resolution
- ✓ Protecting fundamental rights (Articles 20 and 25)
- ✓ Promoting social justice and non-discrimination (articles 26-27)
- ✓ Protecting the religious institutions
- ✓ Preserving cultural heritage (Article 28)
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The Sharia not only regulates relations between Muslims, but it also regulates their relations with non-Muslims in order to safeguard the rights of all and to give universal bearing to the concept of law. Moreover, the Islamic State follows principles rooted in the Quran and Sunnah to ensure Justice, equality, and security for non-Muslims, prioritizing their rights that include the freedom to practice their faith and not be forced to adopt another, protection for their places of worship and freedom to perform their religious rites in safety, and to pay Jyzia for security purpose. Moreover, in modern Muslim countries, jizya is not levied on the Non-Muslims, and they enjoy complete equality and absolute freedoms, albeit in practice. For Instance, Khalid Ibn al-Walid permitted the Christians living in the areas under his authority to ring their bells whenever they wished, except at Muslim times of prayer, and to carry crosses during their festivals. Furthermore, Pakistan’s Constitution draws inspiration from these Islamic principles, providing explicit safeguards for non-Muslims to uphold their dignity, religious freedom, social rights, and protection of fundamental rights. Consequently, Islamic states, including Pakistan, balance Islamic teachings with modern constitutionalism and foster harmonious coexistence among diverse communities and religions.
Islamic perspectives of non-Muslim rights
Islam prioritizes Justice and equality for all human beings, as evident in the Quran verses like “There is no compulsion in Din” (Al Baqrah 2:256), and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) highlight the importance of respecting religious diversity. The Prophet’s treaties with non-Muslim communities, such as the Charter of Medina, provide a foundational model for inclusivity and minority rights protection. Moreover, tolerance of the non-Muslim communities within the boundaries of the Islamic State has been its hallmark throughout the history of all Islamic kingdoms and empires in the past ages and of the Islamic States in modern times, even though some of them are States have their own personal laws, except in such matters in which a non-Muslim personal secular ideology today, like modern Turkey. Furthermore, non-Muslims living under an Islamic state, known as dhimmis, were guaranteed protection for their lives, property, and religious practices, highlighting Islam’s commitment to pluralism. Thus, Islam condemns inhuman practices and promotes the protection of non-Muslim rights in Islamic governance.
Understanding the principles and mechanisms for the protection of non-Muslims in an Islamic state
- Emphasizing equality and Justice
Islamic states prioritize equality and Justice to ensure that all citizens, especially non-Muslims, are treated with fairness and dignity, regardless of their faith, colour, or race. This concept is deeply ingrained in Islamic teachings, which emphasize the inherent value and worth of every human being. The Quran highlights this principle, stating, “And of His signs is this: He created you of dust, and you are now human beings dispersed everywhere” (Ar-Rum 30:20). This verse shows the fundamental equality for all human beings even if it means going against one’s own interests or those of one’s loved ones. Furthermore, Islamic governance emphasizes the importance of consultation and representation of non-Muslims, ensuring that their voices are heard and concerns are taken into account.
- Protecting the life, property and Honor of non-Muslims
Islamic State recognizes the rights of its non-Muslim citizens, the protection of life, property, and honour, the sixth global ethical principle. The Quran emphasizes the importance of protecting human life, stating, “Whosoever kills a human being…it shall be as if he had killed all mankind” (Al Ma’idah 5:32). Similarly, the charter of Madina granted by the Holy Prophet to the Jews of Madina and to the Christians of Najran. Thus, the honour, dignity and property of non-Muslims in an Islamic State are protected through the prohibition of slander, defamation, and other forms of harm.
- Ensuring freedom of religion and worship
The non-Muslims in an Islamic State have the same freedom of religion and worship in their own way as the Muslims. Moreover, the use of force for the propagation of Islam is strongly prohibited as the Quran categorically states, “There is no compulsion in religion” (Al Baqrah 2:256). The Islamic values of tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect are highlighted in this verse, and Muslims are forbidden to pour invectives on their opponent’s way of worship. Consequently, in an Islamic state, people of all faiths are free to practice their religion, perform their rituals, and worship according to their beliefs without fear of persecution or discrimination, holding the fact that people will differ in their religion, and there will be no coercion in following Islam.
- Implementing the taxation for their security measures
The implementation of taxation (Jizya) and security measures for non-Muslims in an Islamic state is designed due to their exemption from zakat, which Muslims are obliged to pay. Moreover, some classes of non -Muslims (Dhimmis), like priests, widows, and the sick, are also exempted from Jyzia. This can be illustrated by an example from the Hazrat Umer Era; once, Umer saw an old dhimmi (Non-Muslim) begging in the streets; on inquiry, he was informed that he was doing so to collect money to pay Jyzia. The Caliph ordered no Jyzia to be collected from him. “By God, it is not just that a man who has paid jizya in his youth should be required to pay it when he has grown old and sick.” Consequently, non -Muslims have to pay Jyzia or poll tax for their security purposes, but they are restricted to it.
- Promoting interfaith Harmony in society
Islamic states promote interfaith Harmony by prioritizing mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among people of different faiths, following the teachings of Islam. Similarly, the Quran highlights the importance of coexistence, “To you, your religion, and to me, my religion (Al-Kafirun). This principle promotes a peaceful society and mutual understanding in different faiths regardless of other beliefs. In short, man is respected in Islam as man and religion is respected as religion without any discrimination and discourages hostility.
Elucidating how Pakistan’s constitutional safeguards for non-Muslims
- Declaring preamble and objective Resolution for minorities
The fundamentals of Pakistan’s constitutional system lie in inclusivity, which demonstrates the preservation of minorities and their rights, which is particularly emphasized in the Pakistani constitution’s preamble and Objectives Resolution. “Adequate provisions shall be made for the minorities to profess and practice their religion and develop their culture freely,” states the Objectives Resolution. The State’s commitment to granting minorities the freedom to live and practice their religion without facing discrimination is affirmed in this declaration. This Resolution in the constitution affirmed the establishment of a pluralistic society in Pakistan that followed Islamic principles. All citizens, including non-Muslims, can be guaranteed equality and dignity by adhering to these ideals.
- Protecting fundamental rights of non-Muslims
The foundation of any democratic society is the fundamental rights of equality and freedom. Article 20 of the Pakistani Constitution protects the freedom to declare, practice, and spread one’s religion. Simultaneously, Article 25 forbids discrimination on the basis of religion and maintains equality before the law. Similarly, under Article 20, minorities have the right to preserve their customs and run their religious organizations. These clauses in Pakistan’s constitution provide non-Muslims equal treatment in public affairs as well as protection for their personal convictions. Consequently, Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to a society in which all religions live side by side in freedom and equality.
- Promoting Social Justice and non-discrimination in the society
A fair and united society is promoted by equality in public spaces and opportunities. Meanwhile, the Constitution of Pakistan forbids discrimination against any person on the grounds of race, sex, caste, or religion under Articles 26 and 27. For instance, Article 27 prohibits discrimination in governmental employment, whereas Article 26 guarantees equal access to public areas and services. These articles demonstrate that non-Muslims cannot be denied access to public services, career chances, or education, and also the government’s responsibility to promote inclusivity. Thus, Pakistan seeks to create a society where each individual feels appreciated and respected by ensuring social Justice and non-discrimination.
- Protecting religious institutions of non-Muslims
Islamic State has the responsibility to guarantee the protection of the places of worship and religious institutions of its non-Muslim citizens. Similarly, the preservation of minority religious institutions is enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees the protection of worship houses from any intrusion or sacrilege, and minorities can freely practice their religion. The State’s dedication to maintaining religious peace is demonstrated by the historical preservation of temples, churches, and gurdwaras or synagogues, and these steps have strengthened inter-communal trust. In short, Pakistan promotes an atmosphere of respect and cooperation by defending these non-Muslim institutions.
- Preserving the cultural heritage of non-Muslim communities
To preserve societal variety, cultural preservation is essential, and for this purpose, Pakistan’s Constitution Article 28, “Preservation of language, Script and Culture”, gives minorities the right to protect their heritage, language, and culture. This privilege guarantees that different non-Muslim communities, such as Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus, can commemorate and transmit their customs to the next generation, and it also shows the State’s dedication to cultural pluralism. Thus, Pakistan gives minorities a chance to contribute to its multicultural identity by acknowledging these rights; this fundamental protection enhances the country’s collective legacy.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasize the protection of non-Muslim rights and uphold the values of Justice, equality, and freedom, which form the foundation of the Islamic State’s commitment to defending the rights of non-Muslims. In fact, Pakistan, as an Islamic State, protects the fundamental rights of non-Muslims, and these rights are also clearly enshrined in the State’s constitution. Moreover, these clauses preserve the dignity of every citizen, irrespective of their religious affiliations, foster interfaith Harmony, guarantee security, and promote peaceful coexistence between various communities by striking a balance between Islamic teachings and contemporary constitutionalism that reflects the essence of Islam.
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