What is the 'Munir quote'? Read Saleena's explanation here

Reviews for Secular Jinnah & Pakistan (2010)

"[Karim] has discussed two main points: (1) why a separate State of Pakistan was demanded in the Indian subcontinent and (2) the second is the attempt to clarify the ideology of Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Mohammad Iqbal which again was or should be the ideology of the state of Pakistan. ... Saleena karim has done full justice in terms of deep research & hardwork in answering both the questions."

Dr. Jaferhussein Ismail Laliwala, renowned economist, Gujarat - full review here

"Saleena’s efforts and her analytical thinking must be acknowledged. The book is well structured, well organized and the content presented was direly needed in today’s evolving geopolitical world. In today’s world view, imbued with dichotomy between spiritual and material existence of man, this book immaculately reorients a reader to the “divine secret” i.e., Pakistan, a phenomenon slowly evolving and advancing in time towards its destiny."

Dr. Imran S. Chaudhry, Advisory Board Director & Head of Quaid-i-Azam Research, PakistanFirst.com

"Heartiest congratulations on the publication of "SECULAR JINNAH & PAKISTAN". The book is the result of great research and authentic documentation and establishes that Quaid-e-Azam did not want a secular [or] theocratic Pakistan. Quaid wanted to have a democratic set up in Pakistan in accordance with the Islamic ideas and talked of ideology on various occasions. The speech of Quaid-e-Azam to the constitutent Assembly of Pakstan on 11th August has been explained in its proper context and is in consonance with the Two Nations Theory."

Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada, former Honorary Senior Adviser to the Chief Executive (2002-8), Attorney General of Pakistan (1968-71), and Honorary Secretary to Jinnah (1941-44)

"I have read your book with great interest and arrived at the conclusion that we both agree on Jinnah's concept of [a] Pakistani state to be based on non-sectarian Islam. Further that in accordance with his conviction the principles of national integration, democracy and pluralism were an integral part of Islam."

Dr. Javid Iqbal, Former Senator and Judge (retd.) of Supreme Court of Pakistan, son of the Islamic philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal

"Through her book Saleena has gripped the imagination of Pakistani intelligentsia by storm. ... The nation owes Saleena a great appreciation for her effort in exposing a hoax perpetuated by Muhammad Munir."

Mohammed Khan Hanif, Freelance writer and former BBC Radio producer

"After reading this book I felt as if this was the book I had been waiting for. ... A great effort by the author which started from a simple research to clarify a misquote which ultimately became a monumental research work and the most authentic book on the life history of its QUAID and the state he carved. ... It's recommended to be a reference book on Jinnah and Pakistan for all public and private libraries.''

Lt. Col. (retd.) Khan Adeeb Ahmed Umerzai, distinguished Pakistan Army veteran

"... I have a high regard for Saleena Karim's endeavour in her "Secular Jinnah & Pakistan", and admire her expansive study and use of a variety of printed sources to reach her conclusions. In particular her correspondence with Mr. Bhandara throws new light on Pakistan's attitude towards minorities. I wish Saleena the best of luck and success in this and her future endeavours."

Dr. Waheed Ahmad, editor of the "Quaid-i-Azam: Nation's Voice" volumes, presently Research Advisor at the National Documentation Wing, Cabinet Division, Islamabad

"(Saleena's) book is a manual of the highest academic standard which should set the record straight once and for all ... (her) work is commendable not only on the basis of its content but also because of the professionalism that has gone into its production. The author has delved deep into historical and documentary evidence and has produced a work of quality. I admire her resolve and hard work over the past few years that she has been busy in researching and writing. The book is undoubtedly worthy of being an essential part of Pakistan Studies in universities in Pakistan as well as abroad. I can whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the study of the cause, reason and aim of the creation of the state of Pakistan."

Khalid Sayyed, expert in Applied Linguistics and author of "The Quran's Challenge to Islam"

"... Karim fulfils all the basic requirements of a first rate work: meticulous research, copious documentation, analytical rigour and lucidity of expression. Her book also opts for Milton's free market place of ideas approach rather than going in for the hackneyed selective exposure, selective perception and selective evidence route, so popular with most Pakistani authors. Hence whether one agrees with her or not, Karim is a must read for scholars and students of Pakistan and South Asia. And, finally, with this work under her belt, Saleena Karim may well claim a place among the core Jinnah scholars."

Prof. Sharif Al Mujahid (SI), Distinguished National Professor, Higher Education Commission, and founder of the Quaid-i-Azam Academy

"This book will disappoint those Pakistanis who always look for validation of their opinion of the great leader. But for those who are interested in the truth and in a nuanced deconstruction of the ways will definitely be fascinated. As a nation we expect wisdom from morons, radicalism from born opportunists and virtue from knaves. It is indeed difficult for our nation which has been fed a series of fibs as extended as the thousand and one tales about the Quaid and the real purpose of Pakistan's creation, to recognize the true worth of the Quaid. I earnestly hope that supporters of secularism will read this book with an open mind."

Prof. Muhammad Rafi, lecturer, educationist, and member of the Board of Governors of the Karachi Board of Secondary Education (KBSE), and Shura member, Hamdard University

"(This book) gives back to the people of Pakistan their familiar Quaid-i-Azam: the father of the nation who shared their ideals and beliefs. He had been away for twenty years, but like the hero of Arthur Jones' play Silver King, he has come back more elegant and well-equipped than before. A must-read ... contrary to some other interesting studies about the Quaid, this one doesn’t make a painful reading for an average Pakistani. You may or may not agree with the author, but nowhere shall you feel as if she is unsympathetic to your religious sentiments, or trying to impose her views. Besides, the enormous amount of archival material presented here is valuable for its own sake. This includes excerpts from the writings, speeches and statements of the founding fathers; passages from parliamentary debates; arguments from Quran, and much else beside."

Khurram Ali Shafique, historian, screenwriter, educationist, and Research Consultant at Iqbal Academy (excerpts taken from different parts of his mini-series of articles on SJ2 at Khurram's Desk)

"... your work undoubtedly is analytical and thought provoking. I do sincerely wish that it removes the doubts from the minds of those who are are inclined to see Pakistan as a secular state. Your book is a monumental work in the right direction and I wish you all the success."

Saeed Ismat, Executive Director, London Institute of South Asia (LISA)

"I am highly impressed by your objectivity of purpose and your fairness in dealing with such an important historical topic. You have indeed broken all the myths and have been able to define the Pakistan ideology. Your book shall be an eternal resource for scholars who are lost and who wonder what the creation of Pakistan was all about."

Dr. Asarulislam Syed, neurologist, psychiatrist and Islamic thinker, California - Quaideazam.com

For more reviews ... watch this space

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Reviews for Secular Jinnah first edition (2005)

"The study of Mr. Jinnah, the Quaid-i-Azam of Pakistan, is crucially important in understanding the debate about Islam and Democracy in our post 9/11 world. Saleena Karim's book is essential reading to understand Jinnah. I strongly recommend it."

Prof. Akbar S. Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, at American University, Washington D.C.

"Saleena Karim’s close reading of Jinnah’s speeches concludes that the father of Pakistan was not an ideologue who demanded that the new nation be an exact model of a western capitalist society. She claims he rather wanted Muslims to work for a more humane social order, one that would reflect the core Islamic principles of justice and compassion for all."

Prof. Sheila McDonough, Adjunct Professor, Department of Religion, Concordia University

"(The book) is a well-documented and thoroughly researched treatise about the views of the Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as to the future setup of Pakistan. The book demolishes convincingly Chief Justice Munir’s assertion in his book from Jinnah to Zia that: 'the pattern of Government which the Quaid-i-Azam had in mind was a secular democratic government'. ... (The) Quaid opposed theocracy and did not talk of secularism but pleaded for an Islamic State. The author must be congratulated on this publication which will be welcomed by all, especially the scholars and intellectuals."

Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada, former Honorary Secretary to Jinnah (1941-44) and Legal Advisor to the President, Pakistan

"Your book is excellent. Every page has the impress of thorough research and careful documentation. The source material that you have used and have mentioned in the book is reliable and intelligently selected. ... I hope more books on the Quaid and Pakistan will follow from your pen."

Qutubuddin Aziz, former Pakistani diplomat and veteran journalist and broadcaster

"… In her heart and mind (Saleena Karim) is firmly Pakistani, and she has a great faith in the Quaid-i-Azam. ... The author has thoroughly pursued (the claims in) Justice Munir’s book on the Quaid-i-Azam, and has labelled its baseless hypothesis a hoax. If anyone were to make such a statement in Pakistan, he/she would be accused of being backward and ignorant … (Yet) this book has been written by a young scholar who was born and raised in a liberal environment, educated in England, and who therefore cannot be accused of narrow-mindedness or ignorance."

Dr. Safdar Mahmood, historian and columnist at Jang, in the article Jazbay, 10 February 2007 - DAILY JANG (Translated from Urdu; read full Urdu text here)

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"... you have brought forth a highly professional little book, from the get-up to the content. You are a blessed and gifted lady with much promise for the future. ... (The book) will be revered by scholars and future researchers, thereby making a lasting room for itself in the realm of knowledge, especially about Quaid-e-Azam and "PAKISTANIAAT". "

Dr. Shabbir Ahmed, Florida, Islamic scholar and author - OurBeacon.com

"Well done - I may not agree with certain views but you make interesting points. ... However I'm an ardent supporter of Voltaire's famous saying and am always willing to agree to disagree in total amity."

Ardeshir Cowasjee, senior columnist at DAWN

"The original contribution of the book ... lies in the informed discussion on the issue of Jinnah's vision of Pakistan; and this makes a valuable contribution to the literature. The book therefore deserves to be treated as essential reading for all those interested in Pakistan studies."

Prof. Khurshid Ahmad, Islamic scholar, economist, and Pakistan Senate member, writing in The Muslim World Book Review (Winter 2007 issue)

"Saleena Karim's book has come as a bombshell ... The book could be a guideline to the people of Pakistan."

Ghulam Asghar Khan, former Inspector General of Police, Peshawar - Frontier Post Pakistan

"I found your book to be very interesting ... it certainly opened my eyes, and it just goes to show how people can interpret things wrongly. Once people take the time to read your book they will see that Mr. Jinnah only wanted the best for (the people of) Pakistan regardless of who they are and what religion they are."

Terry Davies, a reader, United Kingdom

"It is really unfortunate and rather strange that a person of (Chief Justice Munir's) stature should have gone astray so grossly in comprehending a person, i.e. Jinnah Saheb, who was not at all ambiguous in his expositions. His view about the Great Leader could only be regarded as a slander ... your book which is highly analytical and well-documented, leaves no room for defence of the position taken by the Chief Justice. In fact, your book has exposed his hoax boldly and exquisitely. I congratulate you for a frank and irrefutable presentation."

Sirajuddin Ahmad, author, 'Understanding Islam'

"(Saleena Karim) has brought to light some interesting aspects of Jinnah’s life. ... Her interpretation of Islam carries a modern outlook shunning the idea of theocracy. She also emphasised the social and economic equality as a basic tenant of Islam. The image of the Quaid that emerges from this book is that of modern Muslim leader who endeavoured to create a system where there could be equal rights for all the citizens having any faith or creed."

VISTA Magazine (The Post), 14 February 2006

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