Muhammad’s (Saw) Treatment of the Jewish Tribes: A Critique of Robert Spencer’s Views

It is incontrovertibly true that Islam advocates peaceful coexistence with the adherents of other creeds. The holy Qur’an, the primary source of Islamic Shari‘ah, vividly recommends freedom of conscience and religion. Similarly, the prophet (SAW), being the perfect role model for the entire humanity, preached and practiced the lofty ideals propounded by the holy Qur’an and peacefully coexisted with the followers of Judaism and Christianity. Furthermore, the four rightly guided caliphs exhibited tolerant attitude towards their Jews and Christian subjects. In the presence of these models, nonetheless, many contemporary critics of Islam are disinclined to admit this explicit reality. Robert Spencer also sees eye to eye with them. Robert Spencer is an American author and he has published twelve books. He is a member of Melkite Greek Catholic Church. He looks on Islam as a highly intolerant religion. In this connection, he singles out Muhammad’s (SAW) treatment of various Jewish tribes. He maintains that all Jewish tribes viz. Banu Na╔hir, Banu Qaiʽn┴q┐ʽ and Banu Qurai╔ah “received the wrath of Muhammad”. This brief study aims to prove that the treatment meted out to the Jews was not founded on religious prejudice and malice; it was rather commensurate with their wicked demeanor.

Civil Aviation Laws in Pakistan: A Critical Analysis

Aviation is an important and vital means of transportation and trade. It is a growing industry and for sustainable growth it is important that air transportation be safe, and environmental-friendly. If the safety of aviation is compromised it will hamper the development of the industry and will have adverse effects on the lives of millions of people who are directly or indirectly employed by the industry. Moreover, transportation of passengers, cargo, and baggage will also be affected. Therefore, to ensure development, it is important to critically evaluate current aviation laws to find whether these are in accordance with contemporary realities and global needs. Similarly, the aviation industry in Pakistan is at the novice stage, but it is developing. It is thus imperative to ensure that aviation laws in Pakistan are in accordance with international aviation law, regulations, and policy for its safety and sustainable growth.In recent times, aviation in Pakistan faced many setbacks in the form of major aviation accidents that resulted in the loss of precious lives. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to review the domestic aviation laws in light of international obligations, and to identify loop-holes in the legal regime that pose threat to the safety of people and aircrafts. The existing aviation law, policy guidelines, and rules in Pakistan are analyzed in accordance with parameters laid down by the international aviation legal regime. To this end, not only different laws are examined, but also the investigation report of aviation accidents, and court cases are analyzed. Similarly, the structure and organization of the Civil Aviation Authority is studied to determine its independence that is necessary to ensure the full implementation of law. The main reason for carrying out this study is the lack of literature on Pakistani aviation laws. Environmental issues related to aviation are at the center of vigorous debates at many international aviation bodies. Different solutions are proposed that have been argued over the years to control and offset the emissions from aviation. In this study, the impact of aviation on environment and proposed solutions are analyzed to identify the best possible solutions that can ensure environmental protection and sustainable growth of the industry without causing extra burden on passengers or airlines. This study concludes that international aviation legal frameworks give enough liberty to states to make their own rules within the broader limits fixed by international law. However, there are some minimum safeguards and standards that are fixed by international law that are to be incorporated in domestic law and certain level of uniformity is necessary for the efficiency and coordination of aviation. Pakistan has incorporated most laws and rules in accordance with international obligations. However, the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan is not an independent body as recorded by international law, and extensive powers are entrusted to the Director General and the Federal Government that can hinder issues related to investigation and safety of aviation. Similarly, the international community is struggling to find the best solution to offset emission from aviation. Pakistan lags in this regard and has not enacted any law to curb such emissions nor to offset them. Furthermore, the amount of damages and compensation in case of injury, or death in aviation accidents is much lower than international standards. There are many shortcomings in the investigation process that hinder in achieving the very essence of aviation investigation. This study recommends that all lacunas be removed and laws be strictly implemented to ensure safety and sustainability of aviation. Aviation laws in Pakistan should be in accordance with international legal framework to ensure uniformity and thereby to guarantee the safety of aviation sector.