PMS 2022 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The Salient Features of the Foreign Policy of any Islamic Country
The following question of PMS Islamiat 2022 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 to explain the salient features of the foreign policy of an Islamic state, concerning Islamic teachings on the subject. First, we should explain the relevant Islamic principles about foreign policy, and after that, we should construct the foreign policy of an Islamic state based on those golden principles.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-A Cursory Glance at the Teachings of Islam Regarding Foreign Policy
- ✓Diplomatic efforts to establish peace and stability in the region
- ✓Respecting the diplomatic norms of others when engaging with them
- ✓Cooperation in matters of righteousness and mutual benefit
- ✓Being tolerant and respectful towards other nation-states
3-Key Features of the Foreign Policy of an Islamic State
- ✓Forming alliances for the common welfare
- ✓Pursuing diplomatic efforts to support the oppressed
- ✓Maintaining cordial relations with the Muslim world
- ✓Fulfilling mutual agreements and honouring treaties
- ✓Developing a consensus-based foreign policy
- ✓Appointing well-educated and intellectual diplomats
4-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Islam guides every sphere of collective life, including a state’s diplomatic affairs. The characteristics of foreign policy in Islam can be further explored from the life of Prophet Muhammad SAW. They can be taken as guiding principles for the policymakers of an Islamic state. These teachings teach Muslims to establish peace through diplomatic efforts, respect the diplomatic norms of other states when dealing with them, cooperate in righteousness and mutual benefit, and practice tolerance and respect towards other nation-states. An Islamic state should have certain features based on these principles. This includes forming alliances for the common welfare, pursuing diplomatic efforts to support the oppressed, maintaining cordial relations with the Muslim world, fulfilling mutual agreements and honouring treaties, developing a consensus-based foreign policy, and appointing well-educated and intellectual diplomats to the foreign office. If modern states of the world incorporate the teachings of Islam in their foreign policy, the world will get much-needed peace and prosperity.
A Cursory Glance at the Teachings of Islam Regarding Foreign Affairs
Islamic teachings regarding the subject of diplomatic affairs are discussed below.
- Establishing Peace in the Region
Islam teaches to establish peace and harmony through an effective foreign policy. The role of diplomatic efforts in establishing and maintaining peace is illustrated by the Prophet SAW, who dedicated a whole year, known as “Am-ul-Wufood”, to building diplomatic ties and establishing peace. As a result of his diplomatic efforts, Oman, Bahrain, and Yemen entered the folds of Islam, leading the Arabian peninsula towards everlasting peace. Thus, Islam emphasizes the importance of foreign policy in promoting peace in the region.
- Adhering to Diplomatic Norms When Engaging With Other Nations
There was a certain level of flexibility and a dynamic approach in the personality of Prophet SAW, as long as it did not violate the spirit of Islam. In foreign affairs, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) adhered to the diplomatic norms of other regions when interacting with them. For instance, when writing a letter to the Persian king, He learned that the king only accepted sealed letters. As a result, the Prophet (SAW) sealed his letter. This example highlights the importance of respecting the customs of other nations to build confidence and friendly relations.
- Fostering Cooperation in Righteousness and Mutual Benefit
Along with respecting others’ customs, Islam encourages cooperation and the formation of alliances to promote righteousness. Forming a coalition is a complex aspect of foreign relations that requires research and consideration. In contrast, Islam provides only one clear indicator for allying: righteousness. Allah says in the Quran, “Cooperate in righteousness and piety and do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” Therefore, Islam prohibits any form of cooperation based on selfish motives and encourages alliances that serve the greater good of everyone.
- Practising Tolerance Towards Other Nation States
Tolerance and moderation are the two characteristics of the Islamic faith. Keeping these characteristics in view, foreign policy must be non-discriminatory. In addition, Islam emphasizes respect and tolerance towards other nation-states, regardless of their religion or creed. For instance, when a Christian diplomatic delegation from Najran visited Medina, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) treated them respectfully and even allowed them to pray in Masjid-e-Nabawi. Furthermore, the Prophet (SAW) said, “When a head of a tribe comes to you, treat him well.” Thus, the teachings and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW), which encourage tolerance and respect towards other nation-states, serve as a guiding principle for policymakers in the Muslim world.
Salient Features of the Foreign Policy of an Islamic Country
After discussing the guiding principles of Islam regarding foreign relations, it is pertinent to explore the salient features of the foreign policy of an Islamic state under the light of those principles.
- Forming Alliances for General Welfare
According to Islamic teachings, the criterion for forming alliances should be righteousness. In the Quran, Allah encourages cooperation in righteousness and compassion. Therefore, Islamic countries should engage diplomatically with nations worldwide for the common good. This includes efforts to protect the environment and alleviate global poverty. Islamic countries should align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, focusing on eradicating poverty and ensuring environmental safety.
- Fulfilling Mutual Agreements and Honoring Treaties
As per the golden principles of Islam regarding the fulfilment of commitments in all aspects of life, Islamic states must adhere to the obligations and mutual treaties they sign. A prime example of this is the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) adhered to strictly. Even when Hazrat Abu Jandal escaped from Makkah and sought refuge in Medina, the Prophet SAW followed the treaty’s terms by returning him to Makkah, as stipulated in the agreement. Similarly, Islamic countries must uphold their mutual agreements and honour treaties, demonstrating the importance of integrity in international relations.
- Pursuing Diplomatic Efforts to Support the Oppressed
The divine teachings of Islam encourage Muslims to speak out for the rights of the oppressed. Ignoring injustice contradicts the core teachings of Islam. In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Whoever sees an evil act should stop it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith” (Sahih Muslim). Therefore, Muslim nations are called to stand united and cooperate by working through diplomatic channels in the international arena to support the oppressed,
- Maintaining Cordial Relations with the Muslim World
The concept of Islamic nationalism is deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam. As mentioned in a hadith, “The Muslim Ummah is like a body; if one part aches, the whole body feels the pain.” Islam emphasizes the importance of strengthening ties among Muslims, encouraging an effective foreign policy that treats Muslim nations as “brotherly states” and fosters unique relations with them. Therefore, the foreign policy of an Islamic state should prioritize maintaining strong and cordial relations with the Muslim world.
- Developing a Consensus-Based Foreign Policy
Along with the concept of Islamic nationalism promoted by foreign policy, Shura (consultation) is also emphasized in diplomatic matters. The Quran encourages mutual consultation, stating, “Consult them in matters” (Al-Imran). The mentioned verse of the Holy Quran guided the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to consult his companions on matters of importance. Similarly, modern Islamic states should craft their foreign policies on mutual consensus, incorporating the views of every party’s thoughts, according to the principles of Islamic democracy.
- Appointing Well-educated and Intellectual Diplomats
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to send educated and intellectual diplomats across the Arabian peninsula. Those individuals were familiar with the regions’ language, customs, and culture. Moreover, their communication skills enabled effective interaction. For example, Hazrat Musab bin Umair, who was known for his intellectual qualities, was sent to Medina as a representative of Islam. Similarly, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW), Islamic states should appoint well-educated and capable individuals to positions in their foreign offices to ensure diplomatic effectiveness.
Conclusion
Islam provides guiding principles in the field of foreign policy. It teaches humans to use diplomatic platforms to establish peace and prosperity. Moreover, it encourages Muslims to cooperate with other states regarding righteousness and common good and to respect the customs and diplomatic norms of different states. In light of the principles set forth by Islam, Islamic states should devise a foreign policy that aligns with Islamic teachings. An Islamic state should form alliances for the common welfare, pursue diplomatic efforts to support the oppressed, maintain cordial relations with the Muslim world, fulfil mutual agreements and honour treaties, develop a consensus-based foreign policy, and appoint well-educated and intellectual diplomats to the foreign office. The Islamic principles regarding foreign policy are the cornerstones for modern policymakers to establish global peace.
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