Spirit of democracy is tolerance

One can’t help recalling a meeting in an atmosphere of brotherhood sometimes ago in Lahore at which former prime minister Nawaz Sharif talked about democracy. He was responding to my question about governance. He personally told me that “tolerance is must in a democratic set-up”.

Exchange of views had just begun when my friend Mushahid Hussain Sayed rushed to intervene, saying: “Sorry, first finish the well-cooked rice”. Today, one recalls how the founder of Pakistan had developed in his mind the idea of tolerance and principle of democracy.

Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah told the leaders of Balochistan that it was his belief that our salvation lay in following the golden rules of conduct set for us by our great law-giver the Prophet (peace be upon him) of Islam. “Let’s lay the foundation of our democracy on the basis of truly Islamic ideals and principles.”

In a broadcast talk to the people of the US, he emphasised the ultimate shape of the Constitution would be of a democratic type, embodying the principles of Islam. “We’ve many non-Muslims but 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.”

This in fact meant paving the way for tolerance and national unity. The Quaid borrowed the idea of socio-economic justice and tolerance from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). So, in the wake of food price spurt anywhere, people revive knowledge about the prophet and the architect of Pakistan.

They recall how intelligently the Messenger of God abolished the tribal distinction, and grouped the inhabitants of Medina under one general name Ansaar (Helper). In order to unite the former and the ‘muhajireen’ (refugees) in closer bonds, he established a brotherhood between them.

The prophet fully 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’ faith is necessary where different races live together. His policy in this respect was: “Live and let live others.”

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. In case of the repair of churches the Muslims were to help the Christians.

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. There’s dire need for unity, faith and discipline at a time the country is passing through a critical phase of its history.

— zasarwar@hotmail.com