Re-visiting Charter of Medina: In the Light of Quran, Sunnah, and Fundamental law of Pakistan

Abstract

This research paper undertakes a comparative study of the Quran, Sunnah, the Charter of Medina, and the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. The Charter of Medina, a constitutional document, bears significant similarities to the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan, particularly in the context of the Quran and Sunnah. Both documents emphasize the protection of women's rights, social and cultural rights, freedom of religion, and the rights of minorities within the state. The Charter of Medina envisions a state of peace and security, free from all forms of violence. It is considered the first written democratic constitution in human history and served as a model for subsequent constitutions. Its principles are grounded in the Quran and Sunnah. Originally, the Charter of Medina was compiled into 47 articles in 1986. More recently, its 63 articles have been organized according to the structure of contemporary legal constitutions. This study includes an objective analysis comparing the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, and the Constitution of Medina within the framework of the Quran and Sunnah.

Keywords: Quran, Sunnah, Charter of Medina, Legal Constitution, human rights.