INTERDEPENDENCE—A LAW OF NATURE

I n a deeply polarizing and arguably reckless assertion, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir recently reiterated the two-nation theory, declaring that ‘Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one,’ and that they differ in ‘religion, customs, traditions, worldview, and aspirations’. The two-nation theory, which claims that Muslims and Hindus form inherently separate nations, finds no basis in Islamic teachings. In the Quran, prophets consistently addressed those who did not follow their religion as ‘O my people’, reflecting a spirit of inclusiveness. Prophet Shu’ayb, for instance, said: ‘O my people’ (11:85). This message directly contradicts divisive ideologies like the two-nation theory. Islamic history itself refutes the notion of separate national identities based on religion. The Prophet of Islam spent 53 years in Makkah, living with people of different faiths without ever advocating religious segregation. Even when some Muslims migrated to Abyssinia, a Christian country, they lived peacefully ISLAM AND THE MYTH OF TWO-NATION THEORY TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE We often talk of peace in the context of war. But this is a very narrow and restricted notion of peace. Peace is deeply linked with the entirety of human life. Peace is a complete ideology in itself. Peace is the only religion for both—man and the universe. It is the master-key that opens the doors to every success. Peace creates a favourable atmosphere for success in every endeavour. Without peace, no positive action—small or big—is possible. Dr Farida Khanam