FAQs – Council of Islamic Ideology

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When was the Council of Islamic Ideology established?

The Council was established in 1962 as the Islamic Advisory Council and renamed the Council of Islamic Ideology in 1973 under the Constitution of Pakistan.

Does the Council have a research function?

Yes. The Council has a dedicated Research Wing headed by the Director General (Research). The Wing conducts research and assists the Council in fulfilling its constitutional mandate through studies, analysis, reports, and recommendations.

What is the Legal Status of the Council?

The Council of Islamic Ideology is an advisory constitutional body established under Articles 228–230 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. It advises the legislative authorities on matters relating to the conformity of laws with the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.

What are the Functions of the Council?

Under Article 230 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Council of Islamic Ideology advises Parliament and other constitutional authorities on whether laws are in conformity with the Injunctions of Islam.

What is the Constitutional Composition of the Council?

Under Article 228 of the Constitution, the Council comprises 8 to 20 members, including the Chairman.

Are different schools of Islamic thought represented in the Council?

Yes. Article 228 of the Constitution provides for the representation of various schools of Islamic thought in the Council’s composition.

How many laws have been reviewed by the Council?

The Council had published a series of 15 reports on Islamization of Laws (1981-84), before the publication of its Final Report in December 1996.

Reports of Review of Laws : Post-1973 period

The work of reviewing laws to identify elements repugnant to Islamic injunctions was continued for the post-1973 period. Accordingly___

A Review of the first phase (15.8.1973-4.7.1977) appeared in the year 2000
Work on the 4th phase (1999 to 2002) has been finalized and published in 2003
Review for the 2nd and 3rd phases (1977 – 1985 and 1985 – 1999) is to be completed

What are the guidelines formulated for the scrutiny of laws?

Some examples of guidelines formulated for the scrutiny of laws:

Conformity of a law with the Injunctions of Islam as laid down in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.
Existence of element of Riba in any form.
Any restriction on the right of an aggrieved person to seek redress.
Acquisition of property without free consent of the owner.
Any violation of the Islamic law of inheritance.
Infringement of human dignity or basic rights in detention or imprisonment.
Denial of the right of appeal against any decision of Government/judgment; at least one right of appeal to be ensured.
Discrimination in the application of law .
Violation of the right of privacy.
Indemnification of actions on the part of the officials.

What are the current research projects?

The following research projects are going on.

– Jail Reforms اصلاح قیدیان وجیل خانہ جات رپورٹ (Printed: May,2009)

– Analytical report on the existing laws in Pakistan (1796-2006)

– پاکیستان میں رائج الوقت قوانین کا جائزہ ۱۷۹۶-۲۰۰۷ (Printed: Feb,2009)

– CII Manual of Style (قواعد وضوابط برائے تحقیق و تصنیف واشاعت (Printed: March,2009)

– Islam and Terrorism (اسلام اور دہشت گردی) (Printed: Feb,2009)

– Religious Sects in Pakistan (پاکستان میں دینی مسالک)

– (صدر اسلام کے عدالتی فیصلے)

– (مقاصد شریعت)

– Zakat and Ushr System (نظام زکوۃ وعشر)

– Non – Muslim Citizens in Pakistan (پاکستان میں غیر مسلم شہری)

– Hudood report (Court decisions) (حدود رپورٹ کورٹ کے فیصلے)

– Land reports in Pakistan (پاکیستان میں زرعی اصلاحات)

– Future Agenda of change (Islam and West) (Printed: May,2009)

– Ijtihad 5th Edition (Printed: July,2009)

– Domestic Violence (پاکستان میں گھریلو تشدد)

What is Risala "Ijtihad" about?

Risala Ijtihad is a quarterly research journal published by the Council of Islamic Ideology that publishes scholarly articles and research on contemporary Islamic, social, legal, economic, and other issues of national and public importance.

How can I get Council's publications and how much do I have to pay?

For council publications, please write to the secretary, CII. Publications are free but postal expenses are required to be paid in advance for dispatches outside the Pakistan.