Social Welfare in the Religions of Subcontinent a Critical Study

Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism are among the major religions of Sub-continent. The present study highlights the fact that public welfare is preached by all of these religions. Giving alms for the sake of public welfare is an important part of various Hindu religious practices. The role of latest reformist movements is also worth mentioning along with the Hindu literature related with social well-being. Arya Sam฀j movement did many activities for the welfare of people. The founder of Buddhism made efforts for the betterment of mankind and used his religion and teachings to propagate public welfare. Buddhism rejected the caste system and played an important and effective role to minimize the sufferings of affected community. In this regard Islam rises to the highest pedestal as the topic of Holy Quran is Man. It focuses not only on the worldly success of man but also his success in the hereafter. Islam has gone a step ahead than other religions as the activities of public welfare are considered worship in it. The rights of human beings are given great importance and they are given no less importance than rights of Allah. Moreover, the Holy Prophet (S. A. W) took noteworthy steps for the welfare of whole mankind without any discrimination and these are highlighted in this paper. Islam also gives lineaments of the methods and modes of public welfare and goes beyond the other Semitic and non-Semitic religions in this regard. This paper explores and highlights the measures taken by the mentioned religions in a comparative manner and also proves that Islamic concept of social welfare is not only limited to human beings but it also enfolds other living beings and even plants. Islam provides a complete road map of public welfare. Islamic society not only progresses financially but it also focuses on spiritual, ideological and social progress. The aim of social welfare cannot be achieved unless equilibrium is maintained between rights and duties. Islam not only stresses on the rights of the weak but also safeguards the rights of the rich.

Christian Minority of Lahore: Socio-Political Challenges and Options 2001-2014

It is a common perception that the Christian Minority living in Lahoreis marginalized, facing socio-economic and political issues in day today life and is excluded from main stream. They have been deprived of the fundamental rights in public and private sectors and are often humiliated by the strange behavior of society, althoughthe Muslims and the Christians have been living side by side in sub-continent for the last many hundred years in complete peaceful and hormonal environment. Some of the proportion of the Christians is of the view that they have been victimized by extremist element among the Muslims. The main objective of the research is to investigate the real nature of the socio-political and economic issues facing by the Christian community of Lahore. It is very imperative to look deep into the genuine reasons behind the problems of the Christians in daily life. Whether it is the state, society or they themselves are responsible for their miserable plight and gloomy conditions. This research will also analyze the role of the Christian leadership towards the uplift and prosperity of its community. In this research mixed method approaches i.e. qualitative and quantitative have been applied. Both primary and secondary sources have been applied in collecting data about the socio-economic and political problems of the Christians and their possible solution. Interviews of prominent personalities have been conducted and the opinion of the common people among Christians was assessed through a comprehensive questionnaire. The Christian leadership and the majority of common people are somewhat satisfied with the sincere efforts made by the Government for their betterment but on the other hand they have some genuine apprehensions that 5% quota in public sector is insufficient keeping in view the present circumstances. They are also of the view that the data about their census is not based on facts because their population is always shown less than their original numbers. Moreover overwhelming majority demands to reinstate the separate electorate system instead of joint electorate system.They find themselves marginalized in decision making process in political scenario of Pakistan. It is the need of the time that the government must take concrete and serious steps in implementation the constitution in letter and spirit to eliminate the issues of the Christian minority in particular and all the minorities in general. The religious leaders should come forward to play their active role in bridging the differences between the Muslims and the Christians and to eradicate extremism. Interfaith dialogue efforts and thirst for the mutual undertaking may bring many minds and hearts together.