DefinePK

Research Objective

To review Muhammad Qasim Zaman's book "Islam in Pakistan: A History," analyzing its thematic approach to the history of Islam in Pakistan, its engagement with various stakeholders, and its interpretations of key Islamic concepts and historical developments.

Methodology

This is a book review, which involves analyzing and critiquing a published academic work. The reviewer examines the book's structure, arguments, and content chapter by chapter, drawing on the book's own analyses and historical context.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Book Publication"] --> B["Reviewer Reads Book"];
    B --> C["Analysis of Chapters"];
    C --> D["Identification of Key Themes and Arguments"];
    D --> E["Evaluation of Stakeholder Engagement"];
    E --> F["Assessment of Specific Concepts Sovereignty, Sufism, Jihad"];
    F --> G["Critique of Book's Strengths and Weaknesses"];
    G --> H["Formulation of Conclusion and Recommendations"];
    H --> I["Book Review Published"];                    

Discussion

The review discusses Zaman's nuanced arguments, particularly concerning the influence of Deobandis and the relative success of 'ulama' and Islamists in shaping discourse. It also suggests potential avenues for further exploration, such as the role of women, the judiciary, media, student movements, and civil society in the history of Islam in Pakistan. The reviewer acknowledges Zaman's focus on textual analysis while engaging with political contexts.

Key Findings

Zaman's book offers a thematic history of Islam in Pakistan, connecting various topics and engaging different Islamic intellectual traditions (Deobandis, Barelvis, Ahl-i Hadith, Islamists, modernists). It highlights disagreements and conversations among these groups regarding the role of Islam in Pakistan. The book explores the ethical commitments of modernists like Fazlur Rehman, the contributions of various 'ulama' to state narratives, differing interpretations of "sovereignty," the issue of minority rights, the contested terrain of Sufism, and militant interpretations of the Quran. The reviewer notes that the 'ulama' and Islamists have remained socially and politically powerful due to the lack of strong counter-narratives from modernists and governing elites. Deobandis are presented as particularly successful due to their madrasah systems and adaptability.

Conclusion

Muhammad Qasim Zaman's "Islam in Pakistan: A History" is a seminal and expansive work that provides a thematic and analytical history of Islam in Pakistan. It effectively brings various intellectual and political actors into conversation, offering insights into the complexities of Islamic identity and practice in the region.

Fact Check

1. Publication Year: The book "Islam in Pakistan: A History" by Muhammad Qasim Zaman was published in 2018.
2. ISBN: The ISBN provided for the book is 9780691149226.
3. Founding of Dar al-Ulum Zakariyya: The seminary Dar al-Ulum Zakariyya in Johannesburg, South Africa, opened in December 1983.

Mind Map