“Fair Play and Life, as it is Lived, In the Land of the Pure” , was a phrase used to describe the ideologies of Pakistan and how they are nothing more than mirages. “Land of the Pure” refers to Islam. Thus it means that Pakistan was supposed to be an “Islamic Republic of Pakistan”, it was supposed to strictly abide by the Islamic Jurisprudence, ultimately spreading justice and peace in the land. But sadly that is not the case today.
According to Terence Mckenna:
“I think ideology is toxic, all ideology. Its’ not that there are good ones and bad ones. All ideology is toxic, because ideology is a kind of insult to the gift of human free thinking.”
Issue with Ideology:
Ideology may give direction but it is planning that is the driver on the road to success. Idealism sadly has only led to false virtue and oppression, in the land of pure. In Pakistan, even if the problem is recognized, no effort is put in in order to prevent the problem from occurring again. Ideologies such as Lahore becoming Paris and Pakistan becoming the Asian Tiger are only mirages. It seems like a bad joke if one was to say that we are completely following Jinnah’s ideology and that every citizen in this Islamic Republic was Sadiq and Amin.
According to William J. Clinton:
“The problem with ideology is if you got an ideology, you already got your mind made up,you know all the answers, and that makes evidence irrelevant and argument a waste of time, so you tend to govern by assertion and attack. The problem with that is that discourages thinking and gives you bad results.”
Origination of Ideology:
Ideologies separate people into groups based on different schools of thoughts. Ideologies are given birth to by people themselves. Greater the ideology, greater the deception. If ideology fails to meet the criteria then it only leads to more corruption and devastation. People become more and more selfish, trust and friendship are thrown away. Even though Islam was supposed to join the people, it is the fact that in this Land of the Pure, where Justice and fair play were supposed to rule lives, but building ideologies has prevented us from looking at the bigger picture. The first and foremost of separating ourselves from our neighbour India was solely because Pakistan was to be an Islamic state. Practicing and preaching Islam was the main agenda. But low and behold, everyone has forgotten.
As Vaclav Havel says:
“Ideology offers human beings the illusion of dignity and morals while making it easier to part with them.”
Islam vs Ideology:
Islam is a religion of beauty and peace. It aims to teach humanity, the difference between right and wrong. The lesson of harmony and unity is spread throughout the religion. If one were to implement these accurately, then the world would have been at peace. But the problem arises when ideology comes into the picture. It creates social polarity. Forcing Ideals of a few people on the majority of the people only leads to destruction.
As Thomas paine says:
“Every religion is good that teaches man to be good; and I know of none that instructs him to be bad”
Dealing with Ideology in the Right Way:
In the end if one possesses his ideals, then he should strive to make them a reality. He should prove to the people how his ideology is of benefit and is not meant to separate them. He should not in any case force his ideals on his people. He should learn how to compromise his ideals for the sake of mutual survival in bliss and happiness. Since a hermits life is out of the question. Ideals should have some flexibility in them in order to bend some parts if the need ever arises. Keeping in mind the capacity of the people and the state.
According to Jennifer Edwards:
“The beauty of life is while we cannot undo what has already been done, we can see it, understand it, learn from it, and change so that every new moment is spent not in regret, guilt, fear or anger but in wisdom, understanding and love.”
