The role of Council of Islamic Ideology in Legislation

قانون سازی میں اسلامی نظریاتی کونسل کی کردارکا ایک جائزہ

Abstract

The Council of Islamic Ideology, a legally established body, advises the legislature on whether a given law is compatible or not with the Qur'an and Sunnah. The first draught of Pakistan's 1956 Constitution suggested the Council of Islamic Ideology. In Article 228 of the 1973 Constitution, it was recognized as the Council of Islamic Ideology. The Constitution declares that its essential tenets are: to offer advice to the Provincial Assemblies and Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) on how to enable and inspire Pakistan's Muslims to organize their lives on an individual and communal level in accordance with teachings of the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah, to offer advice on any matter brought before the Council, including whether or not a proposed law is incompatible with Islam and to provide recommendations regarding the steps that should be taken to bring current laws into harmony with Islamic principles. The responsibilities and recommendations put forth by the council are examined in this article.