Re: Nation or Religion First ?
^ its a sad state of our country.. we are confused and constantly trying to find reasons to follow Islam. We have lost our identity. Can't we make Pakistan a country where the rules of the state are Islamic and yet we also allow other religions to exist? If we follow Islam properly, I don't think we need to worry about these other religions. They will see how beautiful Islam is.
Re: Nation or Religion First ?
Religion is a personalized matter, whatever your religion is, whatever your belief's are; they should stay at home. When you'll give preference to National interest, it will automatically give people the freedom and security to practice whatever religious beliefs they believe in.
There was a shair of iqbal in which he said to keep siyasat and deen seperate from each other. I don't remember the exact shair...
Our Quaid-e-Azam would have never uttered such words from what I know from the history... !
Words of Quiad
"In any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic state to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims-Hindus, Christians and Parsis -- but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any
other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan." Quaid-i-Azam, Feb. 1948
Prophetic words to Army .... if only they had followed him .....
“Never forget that you are the servants of the state. You do not make policy. It is we, the people’s representatives, who decide how the country is to be run. Your job is to only obey the decisions of your civilian masters.” Quaid-i-Azam's Address to Military Staff College, June 14, 1948.
Re: Nation or Religion First ?
^ The context of the first quote is entirely missing as missed by many in recent years when mentioning that particular excerpt.
Question: Does the above quote contradict any of Islamic teachings? hmmm? 
Re: Nation or Religion First ?
A clearer understanding of religion helps one standing as a better nation. Religion is a binding force, and not colliding one.
This discussion will not be complete until we figure out the role of religion and nation in the formation of a society.
Both of them work nicely as long as any of these concepts is not used to spread anarchy in your home, across the city, or across the national boundaries.
Unfortunately in case of Pakistan at the moment, religion is spreading anarchy at home and across the boundaries. We have also seen that the same religion based anarchy has utterly destroyed Afghanistan, and Somalia. This is all the while that Yemen, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and now Pakistan are in the cross hairs of the same religion. Religion temples (aka mosques) are being used as launch pads for the fanatic elements. And this grave situation my friends, warrants the reevaluation of the role of religion in Pakistani society.
We at least for the moment, need to deemphasize the role of religion and create a balance between the forces of religion, and the forces of national stability. It does not mean that religion will be forced out, no not all. It is just that we need to make once again our religion as a source of peace and harmony in our society.
Re: Nation or Religion First ?
^ well said.
You're looking at religion as a means to an end which is humanity centric The zealots look at religion as a means solly to their conception of god and so humanity to them seems expendable
Unfortunately in case of Pakistan at the moment, religion is spreading anarchy at home and across the boundaries.
Wrong.
Do not blame the religion. It's the people who have interpreted according to their wishes...
Nation or Religion first?
If you religion is demanding you to destroy your nation then there is a good possibility that you are following a twisted version of religion.
A religion as beautiful and complete as Islam can only strengthen a nation.