Rethinking Nizam-e-Mustafa: The Case for Democratic, Secular, and Inclusive Muslim Ethics

By New Age Islam Correspondent 30 July 2025 The Nizam-e-Mustafa slogan promised a return to an Islamic golden age. But in practice, it led to authoritarianism, sectarianism, and social injustice. It focused on power, not ethics; on law, not mercy; on identity, not justice. Muslims today must reject such shallow slogans. Instead, they should build societies based on the ethics of the Prophet—justice, mercy, honesty, freedom, and compassion. These values are best protected in a democratic, secular, and inclusive system where all voices are heard and all lives are respected. Major Points: 1. The idea of Nizam-e-Mustafa was popularised during the political upheaval in Pakistan in the late 1970s. The Pakistan National Alliance (PNA), a coalition of religious and political parties, launched a movement against the then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Their demand was the establishment of an Islamic government based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 2. While the phrase sounded spiritual and noble, it was essentially used as a political tool. General Zia-ul-Haq took over in a military coup and promised to implement the Nizam-e-Mustafa. What followed was a strict regime of Islamisation, which included controversial laws like the Hudood Ordinances, harsher blasphemy laws, and the declaration of Ahmadis as non-Muslims. 3. Democracy, secularism, and inclusion are not against Islam. In fact, they are the best ways to live out its message in today’s world. The Prophet built a community based on trust and cooperation, not fear and force. If we truly wish to follow him, we must do the same. ----- In 1977, Pakistan was gripped by a powerful political movement that demanded the implementation of Nizam-e-Mustafa, or the "System of the Prophet". Political parties and religious leaders rallied under this slogan, calling for an Islamic system of governance that, they claimed, would bring justice, peace, and morality to society. It sounded like a return to the golden age of Islam. But almost fifty years later, the slogan has lost its shine. Instead of justice and peace, the world has seen authoritarianism, sectarian violence, and deep social divisions emerge from such religious movements. Whether in Pakistan, parts of the Middle East, or even in segments of Indian Muslim politics, the promise of a utopian Islamic system often results in harsh legal frameworks and exclusionary identities. This article critically examines the ideology of Nizam-e-Mustafa and argues that, in today’s complex and diverse world, Muslims need to embrace democratic, secular, and inclusive ethics that are more in line with both the spirit of Islam and the requirements of modern life. We will explore historical contexts, Indian cases, and ethical questions around Muslim political thought today. What Was Nizam-e-Mustafa? The concept of Nizam-e-Mustafa gained popularity during the political upheaval in Pakistan in the late 1970s. The Pakistan National Alliance (PNA), a coalition of religious and political parties, launched a movement against the then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Their demand was the establishment of an Islamic government based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While the phrase sounded spiritual and noble, it was essentially used as a political tool. General Zia-ul-Haq took over in a military coup and promised to implement the Nizam-e-Mustafa. What followed was a strict regime of Islamisation, which included controversial laws like the Hudood Ordinances, harsher blasphemy laws, and the declaration of Ahmadis as non-Muslims. Though framed as a return to Islamic values, this so-called Islamic system resulted in: Harsh punishments without fair trials, Suppression of women and minorities, An increase in religious extremism and violence. The Prophet’s System: A Model of Mercy, Not Power It’s important to ask: What was the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) system really like? The Prophet’s leadership in Medina was based on justice (adl), compassion (rahmah), and consultation (shura). He governed a multi-religious society through the Constitution of Medina, which gave equal rights and protection to Muslims, Jews, and other communities. He did not enforce religion by force, nor did he silence his critics or opponents. The Prophet accepted diversity and upheld dignity for all. The idea that he ran a rigid theocracy is a myth. He did not punish people for not praying, nor did he appoint religious police to monitor personal behaviour. Modern Islamic movements often forget these details. Instead, they focus on laws and punishments while ignoring the moral spirit of the Prophet’s rule. Religion and Politics: A Dangerous Mix? When religion is used in politics, it rarely brings justice. Instead, it becomes a tool for gaining and holding power. We have seen this happen not only in Pakistan but also in countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and under the Taliban in Afghanistan. The same trend is slowly creeping into segments of Indian Muslim politics as well. Religious politics often leads to: Defining who is a “real” Muslim, Policing women’s dress and behaviour, Excluding minorities and dissenters, Fueling sectarian hatred. These are not signs of a moral society—they are symptoms of authoritarianism dressed in religious language. Indian Experiences: India, with its large and diverse Muslim population, has had its own debates about Islamic governance. While India’s Muslims have largely accepted and participated in a secular democracy, some fringe voices have occasionally raised demands for a Sharia-based system. However, these calls have been met with scepticism, both from within the community and outside. Let us look at a few Indian examples: Triple Talaq Debate In 2017, the Indian Supreme Court declared instant triple talaq (talaq-e-bid‘at) unconstitutional. The judgment was widely debated within the Muslim community. While many conservative clerics protested, a large number of Muslim women and reformist scholars welcomed the decision as a step towards justice and gender equality. The debate showed that not all practices done in the name of Islam are just or ethical. It also highlighted the importance of legal reform and interpretation in the light of present realities, rather than blind imitation of historical practices. Uniform Civil Code (UCC) The demand for a Uniform Civil Code is controversial in India. Many Muslims fear that it is a way to erase their religious identity. But there is also a growing voice among Muslims—especially among women and younger generations—that supports reform within the existing framework. Rather than demand a religious state or Sharia law, many Indian Muslims are calling for equal rights, better education, and freedom from patriarchal controls—all of which are possible within a democratic, secular system. The Need for Democratic Muslim Ethics Islam encourages justice, consultation, and moral governance. But these values do not require a theocratic state. In fact, democracy—when practised properly—can provide a better platform for these Islamic values to thrive. Shura and Democracy The Qur'an (42:38) praises believers who conduct their affairs through consultation (Shura). Democracy, at its core, is institutionalised consultation. It allows different voices to be heard, gives power to the people, and holds leaders accountable. In a modern democratic setup, Muslims can uphold Islamic ethics without imposing their beliefs on others. They can fight for justice, protect the poor, and promote moral values in a peaceful and democratic manner. Protecting Minorities. One of the tragedies of religious politics is the persecution of minorities. In Zia’s Pakistan, Ahmadis were declared non-Muslims. In Iran, Bahais have no rights. In Taliban-controlled areas, Shia Muslims and non-Muslims face open violence. Democracy, on the other hand, guarantees protection for all. The Prophet himself protected non-Muslim communities in Medina. Today, that principle is best preserved in a secular democracy where no religious group is given special status by the state. The Role of Secularism: Not Against Islam, But For Justice. Many Muslims wrongly believe that secularism means anti-religion. In fact, secularism means that the state does not interfere in religion and does not allow religion to interfere in state affairs. This separation protects everyone—Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and atheists. It allows people to practice their faith freely without state control or favouritism. In India, secularism is essential for Muslim safety and progress. Without it, the state could easily turn against minorities, as has happened in other countries. Inclusivity: The Real Spirit of Islam Islam began as a message of inclusion. The Qur’an says, “We have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another” (49:13). Diversity is a part of divine wisdom. Muslim ethics must reflect this. They must include: Equal rights for women, Respect for different sects and interpretations, Protection of non-Muslims, Encouragement of debate and critical thinking. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) welcomed different views. He did not shut down debates or punish people for disagreeing. In today’s world, we need that spirit more than ever. Conclusion: A New Vision for Muslim Societies The Nizam-e-Mustafa slogan promised a return to an Islamic golden age. But in practice, it led to authoritarianism, sectarianism, and social injustice. It focused on power, not ethics; on law, not mercy; on identity, not justice. Muslims today must reject such shallow slogans. Instead, they should build societies based on the ethics of the Prophet—justice, mercy, honesty, freedom, and compassion. These values are best protected in a democratic, secular, and inclusive system where all voices are heard and all lives are respected. In India, where Muslims are a minority, these values are not only necessary for survival but also for dignity. In Pakistan, where Muslims are a majority, these values are needed to protect minorities and prevent radicalism. Across the Muslim world, the time has come to move beyond romantic dreams and work towards real justice. Democracy, secularism, and inclusion are not against Islam. In fact, they are the best ways to live out its message in today’s world. The Prophet built a community based on trust and cooperation—not fear and force. If we truly wish to follow him, we must do the same. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/nizam-mustafa-democratic-secular-inclusive-muslim-ethics/d/136350 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism