State's Right of Takfīr_(Excommunicating or Declaring a Muslim an Apostate): In the Perspective of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Abstract

This articles aims to focus two different views about edicts on takfeer in Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Some of the modernist thinkers hold the opinion that no one is allowed to issue ruling on takfir after the demise of prophet of Muhammad ﷺ, but on the other hand another group of people think the state have all authority to pass the judgement of kufr upon someone.  This research presents critical analysis of both opinion keeping in view the religious freedom as a substantive right given by UDHR. Takfir is a very sensitive and serious issue in Islamic Law which can not be comprehended except with the help of scholars who have deep and intimate knowlegde of Islamic jurisprudence. Therefore the role of Ulema can not be underestimated in this regard. This article will help the law makers to understand in the light of Quran o Sunnah to know the balanced approach between Takifr-e- Muslim and Takfir-e-Kafir.