Minorities’ rights from islamic socio-political perspective: Exploration of MadĪnah charter and constitution of Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the historical role of Methāq-e-Madīnah (Charter of Madīnah) for the rights of minorities and its association with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. The rights of minorities have been the most burning issue in human history. In recent decades, the current socio-political system has put considerable attention on minorities’ issues globally. In this scenario, for the Muslim world, the charter of Madīnah has become the first official historical treaty document, which owned minorities’ rights, respect, and identity. This divinely inspired charter was designed under the political wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on 1st A.H./624 CE. The charter had declared Madῑnah a federal capital, which provided equal opportunities and benefits to Muslims and non-Muslims during the Prophetic regime. Before this treaty document, human history could not bring any example regarding the rights of religious minorities. The charter presents certain principles and rules for peaceful coexistence and harmonious society between Muslims and other minorities. It provides a social model for peace and prosperity, focusing on the religious and political freedom of humanity. This agreement provided equal rights, religious autonomy, and socio-cultural freedom to the communities of Madῑnah, including Jews, Christians, and polytheists. This study attempts to demonstrate how the charter of Madῑnah can be perceived as a preamble for peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims in the contemporary pluralistic world in general and Pakistani context in particular. Moreover, this endeavor would be imperative for providing strong foundations to peaceful coexistence and harmonious accord without any religious and social discrimination in Pakistan’s diverse society. Consequently, minorities’ rights can be protected, focusing on the treaty of Methāq-e-Madīnah for their identity, respect, and care. This study employs an analytical and comparative research methodology to investigate the matter at hand.