Islamic Faith-Based Organizations And The State During The First Three Decades Of Pakistan: An Appraisal Of Theory And Practice

One central issue of the current civic-engagement debate is the role of religion in the growth and working of civil society. The fact that the modern concept of civil society emerged in the secular environment of enlightenment era in Europe has put question marks on the role of religious establishments and organizations as a part of civil society. However, history bears the evidence that religion has provided one main motive in the humanitarian, relief and social welfare initiatives around the world. In this context, this paper seeks to explore the role of Islamic faith-based organizations (FBOs) in the history of Pakistan from 1947 to 1977 with particular reference to their relations as a section of civil society with the state of Pakistan. The paper tends first to explore the theoretical underpinnings of the religion, state and civil society interaction and second to study this relationship in the history of Pakistan during the specified time period