a broadcast talk to the people of the US, he expressed his belief that ultimate shape of the constitution of Pakistan would be of a democratic type, embodying the principles of Islam. He made it clear that in any case Pakistan would not be a theocratic state. “We’ve many non-Muslims---Hindus, Christians and Parsis -- they’re all Pakistanis. They’ll enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizen, and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan.” That meant paving the way for interfaith harmony and national unity. The fact of the matter is the Quaid borrowed ideas of social and economic justice and tolerance from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). True followers of Islam proudly recall how intelligently the Messenger of God abolished the tribal distinction and grouped the inhabitants of Medina under one general name ‘ansar’ (Helpers). In order to unite the former and the ‘muhajireen’ (Emigrants) in closer bonds, he established a brotherhood between them.
He realised the truth that the foundation of the Islamic state would be weak unless it was based upon the goodwill and support of all sections of people. Toleration of others’ religion is necessary where different races live together. His policy in this respect was: “Live and let others live.” There are many acts of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which are of great relevance today. One is that he granted to all Christians a charter which is a monument of enlightened tolerance. They were not to be unfairly taxed, no bishop was to be driven out of his bishopric, no monk was to be expelled from his monastery, and no pilgrim was to be detained from the pilgrimage. In case of the repair of churches the Muslims were to help the Christians.
Another significant act relates to equality and social justice. A citizen called Ta’ima Ibn Ubairaq, nominally a Muslim, but really a hypocrite and given to all sorts of wicked deeds, was suspected of having stolen a set of armour. When put on hot trial, he planted the stolen property in the house of a Jew, where it was found.
The Jew denied the charge and accused Ta’ima of the theft, but the Muslim community’s sympathies were with Ta’ima because of his ‘profession’ of Islam. The case was brought before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who acquitted the Jew according to strict principle of justice. Some people tried to prejudice the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) against the Jew and deceive him into using his authority to favour Ta’ima, but he was firm as “guided by God”. The Prophet, who was also commander-in-chief, thus, not only by words but also by deeds, treated the Jews and Christians with the utmost tolerance and regard and respect for their faith and belief. —zasarwarhotmail.com