Let us next1 analyze the role which the mosques play in our society as agents of change. The influence they exercise is, also, no doubt, tremendous. In this regard, the Sunnah set by the Prophet (sws) is that the Friday address should be delivered by the head of the state and his administrators and only they should lead the Friday prayers. However, in case of any legitimate plea on their part, someother person can address and lead the Friday prayers as their authorized representative.

The implications of this Sunnah are very clear: In Islam, mosques are meant to be the fountainhead of authority. Also, there is a complete negation of theocracy. A person whom the Muslims choose as their leader shall also lead them in worship, eliminating once and for all the division between state and religion.

After the Prophet (sws), his companions solemnly adhered to this Sunnah in the Caliphate they established. However, in later times, when due to their own ill-ways the Muslim rulers could not stand face to face with the public, they themselves handed over the mosques to the ulema. This was the most tragic incident in our history. As a result, religion has lost its grace and the state its grandeur. Furthermore, a complete change in social and moral values has brought the most ill-suited and corrupt lot of people to the country’s helm of affairs. The whole set-up does not leave the slightest of chance for the able and morally sound to rule and govern the country.

The menace of sectarianism has turned the mosques into citadels which are in a perpetual state of war with one another. This has further led to in the creation of professional Maulvis who are an utter disgrace to knowledge and learning. Differences of opinion are ‘very graciously’ greeted by them with fire and fury. They shower ‘special courtesy’ on those who propagate Islamic teachings by slinging cartloads of insults on them. Intellectual endeavours and advancements are the cherished targets of their ‘highly encouraging’ jeers. Every mosque is a stronghold of sectarianism which is taught, encouraged and patronized in place of the Qur’ān and Sunnah. It is impossible for any scholar to use a mosque to spread and communicate the message of Islam---an obligation the Almighty has imposed on him according to his abilities.

These evils which emanate from our mosques are apparent to every keen mind. They can only be eliminated if the above stated Sunnah of the Prophet (sws) in this regard is revived. In our consideration, this can be done through the following measures:

(1) The centre of every administrative unit of the state should be a Jam’-i-Masjid, and the division of these units should be such that one Jam’-i-Masjid should suffice for one unit.

(2) Within each unit all the administrative offices and courts should be instituted adjacent to this Jam’-i-Masjid.

(3) The state capital together with the provincial capitals should have a central Jam’-i-Masjid.

(4) The address of the Friday prayers should only be delivered by the head of the state and only he should lead these prayers in the central Jam’-i-Masjid of the capital. The provincial governors should be entrusted with this job in the central Jam’-i-Masjids of the provinces, while the representatives of the government should perform this duty in the Jam’-i-Masjids of the various administrative units.

(5) The Friday prayers should be prohibited in all mosques except the above ones.

(6) Mosques should be established and supervised by the government itself.

(7) Every religious scholar should be allowed to deliver a lecture or teach, educate and instruct his students according to his own views in any of these mosques.

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1. This article is part of a major article which presents our recommendations to the government for the enforcement of Shariah in Pakistan. (Editors)