Two Nation Theory & its Importance

By

Raj Muhammad Khan

M. Phil (Pakistan Studies)
National Institute of Pakistan Studies, (QAU) Islamabad
 Ideology
Ideology is the combination of two Greek word, “Ideo”
means “Ideas” and “Logos” means, “Science”. Thus ideology
means, “Science of Ideas”.
Ideology is a set of beliefs, ideas and values which directs
one’s goals.
Every body has a specific aim of life. To achieve the aim, a
set of ideas provide guidance. Similarly, in collective life of
a group or nation, people struggle collectively in the light of
common thinking. That collective thinking is called
ideology of the Nation.
 Origin of the word Ideology
The French philosopher Destutt de Tracy used the
word ideologie in French Revolution
An ideology is a set of aims and ideas that directs one's
goals, expectations, and actions
The term ‘ideology’ means science of ideas
 Islamic Ideology
 Islamic Ideology is shared thoughts of Muslim or Ummah
of diverse people held together by bond of Islam with the
commitment to preserve and demonstrate its religion.
 It is an ideology through a society is reformed in
accordance with teachings of Islam, Holly Prophet (SAW),
Quran and Sunnah.
 It is based on the basic teachings of Quran:
• The faith
• Islam being complete code of life
 IDEOLOGY OF PAKISTAN
 
Pakistan is an Ideological state and the ideology of Pakistan is an
Islamic ideology. Its basic principle being: "The only sovereign is
Allah". Islam acted as a nation building force before the
establishment of Pakistan. Ideology of Pakistan basically means
that Pakistan should be a state where the Muslims should have
an opportunity to live according to the faith and creed based on
the Islamic principles. They should have all the resources at the
disposal to enhance Islamic culture and civilization. Quid-e-Azam
once said: "Pakistan was created the day the first Indian national
entered in the field of Islam". From the above statement ,it is
clear that Ideology of Pakistan is an Islamic one.
Ideology of Pakistan and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
Sir Syed viewed that Muslims should have friendship with the
British if they want to take their due rights.
To achieve this he did a lot to convince the British that
Muslims were not against them.
On the other hand, he tried his best to convince the Muslims
that if they did not befriend the British, they could not achieve
their goals.
Sir Syed wrote many books and journals to remove the
misunderstandings between Muslims and the British.
The most significant of his literary works were his pamphlets
“Loyal Muhammadan of India” and “Cause of Indian Revolt”.
 Cont…
He also wrote a commentary on the Bible, in which he attempted to
prove that Islam is the closest religion to Christianity.
Sir Syed emphasized the Muslims of his time not to participate in
politics unless and until they got modern education.
He viewed that Muslims could not succeed in the field of western
politics without knowing the system.
He also emphasized that Muslims should keep themselves away
from the Congress and predicted that the party would prove to be a
pure Hindu party in the times to come.
By establishing the Muhammadan Educational Conference, he
provided Muslims with a platform on which he could discuss their
political problems.
Sir Syed is known as the founder of Two-Nation Theory in the
modern era.
 Ideological rationale with reference to Allama
Iqbal
Allama Iqbal always emphasized on the separate and distinct
image of Muslims in the subcontinent. He based the foundation of
homeland on the religion which later on became the ideology and
basis of Pakistan. The Allahabad address of Allama Iqbal further
clarified the two nation theory and ideology behind demanding a
separate homeland for Muslims. Allama Iqbal’s poetry reflected
the ideology of Pakistan and aroused sense of determination
among Muslim masses.
Ideological rationale with reference to Quaid – e
– Azam
The saying and the addresses of the Quaid- i- Azam which he
delivered on different occasions clearly reflected the ideology of
Pakistan.
For Example: Formation Of Islamic Democracy:
The founder of Pakistan said on August 14,1947 at a press
conference: “In reality we had learnt democracy 1300 years ago. So
when you talk about democracy, I doubt that you have not studied
Islam”
Opposition Of Racism And Prejudices: 
After the creation of Pakistan on March 21 ,1948 in Dhaka he said:
“ You do not talk in terms of Bengali, Sindhi, Balochi or Pathan
rather you remember the lesson of 1300 years ago that we are not
Sindhi, Balochi, or Pathan but we are Muslims and only Muslims”.
 Cont…
Difference Between Islam And Hinduism:
At the time of presentation of the Lahore Resolution on March
23, 1940 the Quaid-I-Azam said: “ Islam and Hinduism are not
only two religions but they are also two different social systems.
These two nations are related two different civilizations that
base on such thoughts which are cons to each other.
These Ideologies are different to each others:
Hindus and Muslims cannot create a common nationhood. So
Muslims are in need of a separate homeland where they can
spend their lives socially, economically and politically according
to their faith”.
Making The Constitution Of Pakistan:   The Quaid-I-Azam while talking to
an American Journalist said about the making of constitution of Pakistan:
“Pakistan constitution is yet to be made but I can say for sure that it
would be of democratic type and would be consist of all the basic
principles of Islam”.
Implementation Of Islamic Economic System:   At the time of
inauguration ceremony of the State Bank Of Pakistan on July 01, 1948,
he said: “Western economic system has destroyed the world so we have
to present in front of the world such an economic system which consists
of human equality and social justice”.
Need Of Testing The Islamic Education:   He also said: “We demanded
Pakistan not only for a piece of land but we wanted such a laboratory
where Islamic principles could be tested”.
Comments:  From the saying of the Quaid-I-Azam it became quite
obvious that the ideological system of Islam is the Ideology of Pakistan.
Quaid – e– Azam laid great stress on the Islamic ideology.
He believed that Islamic ideology was the only unifying
force of the Muslim Millat. Quaid-e-Azam rejuvenated
Muslim League and awakened the slumbering Muslim
masses. He became great leader of Muslims in the
subcontinent to take them to their destiny of Pakistan
based on the Islamic ideology of being a separate Muslim
nation. He struggled very hard and accomplished Pakistan
on 14th August.
 Importance of Ideology in National Life
Ideology is a motivating force for a nation, which is striving
hard to bring stability and homogeneity to its nationhood.
Its provided the binding force to the scattered groups in a
society and bring them close to each other on a common
platform. Ideologies impel their adherence to follow a joint
linked action for the accomplishment of their goal.
Ideologies give shape to the revolutions and create new
cultures and civilizations. They stress on their adherents to
insist on the realization of their ideal through total
transformation of society. An urgent agreement with each
other on the ideals is most vital pre-requisite of an ideology.
 Conclusion
The fundamental concept of ideology of Pakistan is that Muslims
are a separate nation having their own culture, literature,
religion and way of life. They cannot be merged in any other
nation. They should be able to develop their culture and religious
traditions in an Islamic State and they should be able to create a
true Islamic society for themselves.
Thus the ideology of Pakistan which developed through the
period of Mohammad Bin Qasim and others and followed by
political leaders like Quid-e-Azam was materialized in 1947.
Thank You!