In the Aftermath of World War II

The real reason for the failure to govern the Muslim countries on truly Islamic lines is not the oppression of secular rulers or the conspiracies of the so-called enemies of Islam, as the Islamists always claim. The real reason for this is the blunder committed by the socalled flag-bearers of Islam, who, without adequately preparing the Muslim societies for such governance, set about launching campaigns for the enforcement of Islamic law. The example of Pakistan very well exemplifies this point. In that country, what is called ‘pro-Islamic’ forces, have, on more than one occasion, won the chance of ruling the country, either partially (as in the case of Mufti Muhammad Mahmud’s winning control of the Frontier Province in the 1970s) or completely (as in the case of the rule of General Zia ul-Haq, 1977-88). However, in no way have they succeeded in enforcing the Shariah in their respective countries. The words of Hazrat Aisha, wife of the Prophet, recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 4993, provide a very appropriate commentary on this matter. She had said that when the Quran began to be revealed, it talked about Heaven and Hell. Later, when people began turning to Islam, commandments declaring the forbidden (haram) and permissible