Two Nation Theory
Every kid growing up in Pakistan is aware of the Two Nation Theory as the basis of the creation of Pakistan. In simpler words.. the Theory states that Hindus and Muslims are two diverse nations.. each with distinct religions, culture, history etc and therefore .. even after living together for centuries (under the Mughal and British rule) they remained remarkably distinct.. maintaining their cultural differences etc. Pakistan emerged as the only ideological Islamic state that was created in the name of Islam.. not as a result of some territorial conflict etc.
Taking a closer look at the theory.. it clearly holds the idea that all muslims are ONE nation by every definition. At the time of creation of Pakistan.. Muslims were already divided into several countries. The creation of Pakistan on this basis meant further division of the Muslim Nation (Ummah) .. adding Pakistan among the countries Muslims are divided into.
The only nationalism that Islam supports is the nationalism according to religion.. not some geographical or ethnic division. Allah SWT says in the Quran, 'This nation of yours is one nation, and I am your God, so worship Me'. (Quran 21:92). Unlike the situation today.. where a Muslim is Pakistani first then a Muslim .. v refer to our brothers as Iraqi Muslims or Indian Muslim .. whereas .. the are all muslims .. living in different parts of the world.
After the World Wars, these colonial powers were getting weak and were left with no choice of granting independence to their colonies. At this time in history.. the world say the division of Muslim lands into different countries.. just like you cut a cake at the end of a celebration and hand pieces of it to other people. All the modern day lines (international boundaries) between the Muslim Lands today are the product of those divisions. All the first heads of states of these newly formed countries (nations) were people groomed in the west (e.g. Jinnah from Lincoln's Inn in London, Faisal of Iraq groomed while studying at Harrow in UK, Abdullah of Jordan etc). The newly born countries were handed to them so that they could save guard the interests of powers that have planted them. All these were proclaimed national heroes, founders of the newly formed 'nations'. In the sub-continent .. millions died. Even if there was no violent political struggle.. the british wud hav left the Sub-Continent anyway. They had already sucked the resources from this land and there was nothing left for them here. They wud hav left as easily as they left the Arabian peninsula and the Transjordan .. vid simple negotiations. There were no bloody revolts .. just dialogues with the 'wud-be' leader (rulers) for the new land. If British didnt want to move, they would hav stayed here like they stayed in Hong Kong following a treaty. I know this might sound controversial.. cos it hurts to read that million died for nothing.. but hey.. thts my point of view.. we should respect each others opinions.. ur comments are welcomed.