The Concept of Nation in Political Philosophy (With Special Reference to Two Nation Theory)

Abstract

Study Background: The words Nation and Nationality are much used by common people and are much exploited by politicians. Surprisingly when anyone bothers to look into the matter a puzzling and confounding situation emerges. In human history these words have been used in quite a different meanings and contexts. The concept of nation is among the fundamental concepts of Political Philosophy, History and Pakistan Studies etc.

Aim of the Study: In this article it has been attempted to highlight the original concept of nation by Iqbal in the formation of Two Nation Theory and to understand the different meanings of nation in the course of Social and Political history of the world.

Methodology: The research is theoretical and qualitative in nature. Being a fundamentally theoretical subject the research in philosophical writing is, usually, conceptual and argumentative.

Findings: It is interesting to notice what K. K. Aziz says in this regard and what has been the interpretation of Dr. Javed Iqbal (son of Allama Iqbal).

Conclusion: The popular meanings of nation are to identify a group of people with a common territory, common history or a common culture and civilization. There have been other meanings of this concept which are quite interesting to comprehend and pounder upon. The Two Nation Theory given by Muslim leadership at the time of the partition of India also highlights a different concept of nation. In this concept Religion is the decisive factor to distinguish one nation from the other.