Countering Armed Struggle Against the Islamic State: An Analytical Study in the Context of 'Paigham-e-Pakistan

اسلامی ریاست کے خلاف مسلح جدوجہد کا سدِ باب ’’پیغامِ پاکستان‘‘ کے تناظر میں ایک تحقیقی جائزہ

Abstract

In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a rise in militant activities, leading to increased prominence of extremist groups. In response, state institutions requested religious scholars from diverse schools of thought to compile a unified national narrative titled Peigham-e-Pakistan. This declaration condemns the use of violence, the unjust pronouncement of disbelief (takfir), and armed rebellion against an Islamic state. This study explores the concept of the Islamic state in classical jurisprudence, Pakistan’s Islamic constitutional identity, and the Shariah principles regarding rebellion. It argues that, according to Islamic teachings, armed resistance against a Muslim ruler is impermissible unless there is clear evidence of open disbelief (kufr bawāh). Given Pakistan’s Islamic constitutional framework and Muslim majority, violent insurgency is illegitimate under Islamic law. The study concludes that peaceful and legal reform efforts align with Shariah, while armed rebellion leads to chaos (fitna). Peigham-e-Pakistan, as a national consensus document, reflects the shared stance of the state, scholars, and society against terrorism, and its implementation is essential for national stability. This research provides a scholarly analysis of its role in countering extremism within an Islamic state framework. In this study, the author will attempt to present an overview of the armed struggle against the Islamic State in the context of the " Peigham-e-Pakistan”.