Journal of Religious and Social Studies

Investigating Judicial Activism in Pakistan: Analyzing Significant Precedents in the Promotion of Environmental Sustainability

Muhammad Saad Saleem — 2023-10-29

Within the context of ecological conservation, the function of the judiciary has become increasingly significant as a powerful institution. The ever-changing terrain of judicial activism in Pakistan is a debatable matter, with a particular emphasis on its role in promoting the preservation of the environment. This paper investigates the role of Pakistani courts as protectors of the environment and their influence on policy settings and advancements toward sustainability, by analyzing certain relevant case laws. This study investigates the actions and judgments made by tribunals and courts, as well as their subsequent impacts on practices and laws related to the preservation security, and sustainable growth of the environment. The selected legal cases cover a wide range of ecological concerns, enabling a comprehensive examination of the impact of legal activism on areas such as waste oversight, resource administration, and protection endeavors. This analysis examines many issues that could impede the effectiveness of judicial activism, such as limitations in resources, gaps in execution, and possible disputes between the goals of ecological protection and financial constraints. This essay aims to offer a comprehensive examination of the intricate relationship among the legal system, ecological problems, and the endeavor for stability. This paper will add to the ongoing conversation on the influence of judicial activism in defining ecologically conscious notions in Pakistan by synthesizing the outcomes of significant cases. This statement highlights the significance of an active court in supplementing the endeavors of both the executive and legislative branches, thereby cultivating a mutually beneficial association between legal principles and the environment. In essence, this investigation provides a basis for future discourse regarding the potential for statutes and judicial rulings to more effectively harmonize with sustainable development objectives, all while negotiating the intricate landscape of ecological problems in Pakistan.

Conflict Resolution and Development of Skilled Leadership: Reconciliation between Muslim and Western Approaches

Shakir Hussain — 2023-10-29

The present paper explores the multipurpose aspects of conflict resolution and skilled leadership that are essential for the smooth functioning of any group or organization. Practical conflict resolution skills enable individuals to navigate disputes and disagreements in a way that promotes understanding and cooperation. At the same time, skilled leadership is necessary to manage a group or organization effectively. Together, these two concepts play a critical role in ensuring that groups and organizations function effectively and efficiently. The paper concludes that conflict resolution is a complex process that requires a multifaceted approach. Western and Muslim approaches to conflict resolution have similarities and differences regarding their underlying principles, methods, and goals. Western approaches tend to be centered on using formal legal systems, while Muslim approaches often rely on Islamic principles and laws. Both approaches share the goal of resolving conflicts fairly and justly, and both recognize the importance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as arbitration and mediation.

Revitalization of Belief and Spiritual Development of Individuals against Materialist Philosophy: Appraisal on Risale-i-Nur

Shumaila Majeed — 2023-12-28

This paper investigates Bediuzzaman Said Nursi’s methodology for the revitalization of belief and spiritual development of individuals through Risale-I-Nur. It analyses Nursi’s concept of Human I, methodology of the spiritual training to save an individual’s belief from materialist philosophy, spiritual guidance for different segments of society, and understanding of ethical values in the Islamic context. The research methodology of the paper is qualitative. The study reveals that Nursi asserts that reflection on the inner world and understanding of human 'I', are a means to comprehend the reality of the Creator and man's role as His representative. However, Nursi's understanding of inner reflection and spirituality is different from traditional Sufiism on many counts. He advises believers to seek guidance from the line of prophethood as opposed to that of philosophy to protect themselves from materialist ideologies. The study also reveals that Risale provides spiritual guidance for almost every segment of society and advises the believers to see tribulations as an opportunity for their spiritual growth. Finally, the research concludes that Nursi sees the man and the universe as closely related wherein observing ethical values in the light of religion brings about harmony between the two.

Development and Validation of a Composite Short Scale for Measuring Socially Distant Attitudes toward Religious Minorities in Pakistan

Khaista Rahman — 2024-03-06

The literature extensively explores Muslim students’ attitudes towards religious minorities in Pakistan. However, most of these studies are qualitative, leaving a notable gap in the availability of self-report measures to capture genuine opinions. Furthermore, existing quantitative studies rely on simple questionnaires rather than rigorously developed and validated scales. This study addresses this gap by developing and validating an objective composite scale for measuring attitudes toward religious minorities in Pakistan. We began by creating a pool of 50 items, some adapted from existing scales and others newly created. This pool underwent careful scrutiny and discussions, resulting in a refined collection of 27 items. The reduced item pool was first piloted and then administered to a sample of university students (Sample 1, n=300) for exploratory factor analysis that resulted in a unidimensional seven-item scale named “Socially Distant Attitude towards Religious Minorities” with a Cronbach’s α of 0.87. Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis (Sample 2, n=498) demonstrated satisfactory construct validity, as indicated by robust model fit indices: Root Mean Squared Error Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.07, Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) = 0.98, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.98, Normative Fit Index (NFI) = 0.97, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.96, and p<0.001. The resulting composite scale holds promise for future research endeavours, and its application in subsequent studies will further validate its utility and reliability.

Exploring Nawab Siddique Hassan Khan's Quranic Contributions: An Examination of His Works on Quranic Studies

Abdul Raziq — 2023-12-28

The Quran, revered as the divine constitution revealed by Allah Almighty, serves as a guiding light for humanity. Throughout history, scholars from various regions and epochs have dedicated themselves to unravelling its profound essence through diligent research. The Tehreek-e-Fehm-e-Quran, initiated by Hazrat Shah Wali Ullah, catalysed interpretative and pedagogical efforts among contemporary writers in the Indian subcontinent. Among the stalwarts devoted to the Quranic cause, Nawab Siddique Hassan Khan stands out, having authored over 222 books, including seven seminal works on Quranic studies in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu languages. This thesis embarks on a comprehensive research and analytical exploration of Nawab Siddique Hassan's Quranic literature, encompassing his edited compilations of tafsir (exegesis), such as "Fatah-ul-Bayan-fi-Maqasid-il-Quran," "Tarjaman-ul-Quran-be-Lataif-il-Bayan," and "Nail-ul-Maram-min-Tafseer Ayat-il-Ahkam." Additionally, it delves into his works on Uloom-ul-Quran, including "Afadat-ul-Shuyukh be Miqdar al Nasikh wal Mansukh" and "Akseer fi Usool-e-Tafseer," as well as his partial exegeses like "Tazkeer ul Kul be Tafseer-il-Fateha wa Arba-e-Qul." Furthermore, it examines his discourse on the Dignity of Surahs of the Quran, as articulated in "Fasl-il-Khitab fi Fazl-il-Kitab”