Prolific Contribution of Council of Islamic Ideology for Islamization of Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961: An Overview

Abstract

Family law refers to legal matters relating to marriage, divorce, legal separation, child custody and support, alimony (spousal support), adoption and related issues and no doubt that Islam has provided a solid and effective family law. Every segment of this system strives for success, sustainability and prosperity of mankind which not only the source of an effective and productive family but also for prosperous and conducive society. Pakistan is an Islamic ideological state which is established on the foundations of two-nation theory, and main purpose of its establishment is to exercise the Islamic laws in an independent state. After the establishment of Pakistan for inculcation of these objectives a constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan had drafted in the light of sharīᶜah (Islamic law). Beside this, council of Islamic ideology had also formulated and the basic objectives of this counsel are particularly that, all existing laws shall be brought in conformity with the Injunctions of Islam as laid down in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Therefore, the study will highlight that Council of Islamic Ideology had prolific contribution for Islamization of Muslim family law 1961. This Council had critically analyzed the every article of Muslim family law 1961 in the light of Quran and sunnah. Furthermore, during this procedure many sessions had held. The Muslim family law Ordinance was taken up for the first time for consideration of the counsel in its session held on the 17 Feb, 1965 under chairmanship of Allaudin Siddiqi as counsel’s chairman. In connection with the Islamization of law, recommendations were given on the Muslim family law Ordinance 1961 for the suitable amendments in the light of Quran and sunnah. The counsel completed its three readings up to march 1967 and final recommendations were formulated in council’s session held in Lahore on 28 March 1967.