Sayings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Self-Reliance

We must work our destiny in our own way and present to the world an economic system based on true Islamic concept of equality of manhood and social justice. We will hereby be fulfilling our mission as Muslims and giving to humanity the message of peace which alone can save it and secure the welfare, happiness and prosperity of mankind.

(Speech on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the State Bank of Pakistan, 1st July, 1948).

Faith

How can there be unity of government between areas so widely separated? I can answer this question in one word. It is “faith” : faith in Almighty God, in ourselves and in our destiny.

(Broadcast to Australia, recorded on 9th February, 1948)

Parochialism

At this juncture any subordination of the larger interest of the State to the provincial or local or personal interest would be suicidal.

(Reply on the Quetta Municipality Civic Address, June 15, 1948)

Education First

When you have got that light of knowledge by means of education and when you have made yourselves strong economically and industrially, then you have got to prepared yourselves for your defence – defence against external aggression and to maintain internal security.

(Presidential address at the conference of the Punjab Muslim Students Federation, March 2, 1941.)

Inviting Aggression

THE weak and the defenceless, in this imperfect world, invite aggression from others.

(Address to Pakistan Navy, January 23, 1948)

Islamic Socialism

You are only voicing my sentiments and the sentiments of millions of Musalmans when you say that Pakistan should be based on sure foundations of social justice and Islamic socialism which emphasizes equality and brother-hood of man. Similarly you are voicing my thoughts in asking and aspiring for equal opportunities for all. Brother-hood, equality and fraternity of man – these are the basic points of our religion, culture and civilization. We fought for Pakistan because there was a danger of denial of these human rights in this sub-continent.

(Addressing to public reception, Chittagong, March 26, 1948).

Democracy in Islam

Democracy is in the blood of Musalmans who look upon complete equality of man.

(Speech at a London meeting, 14th December, 1946)

Golden Rules

It is my belief that our salvation lies in following the golden rules of conduct set for us by our great law-giver, the Prophet of Islam.

(Speech at Shahi Darbar, Sibi, February 14, 1948)

Civil Servants

Service is the back-bone of the State. Government are formed. Governments are defeated, Prime Ministers come and go, Ministers come and go, but you stay on, and therefore, there is a very great responsibility placed on your shoulders.

(Advice to civil officers, Peshawar, April 14, 1948)

Criticism

Prise your Government when it deserves, criticize your Government fearlessly when it deserves, but do not go on all the time attacking, indulging in destructive criticism, taking delight in running down the Ministry or the officials.

(Speech at Edwardes College, Peshawar 18th April, 1948)

Individual Conduct

IS one regular in one’s habits? Does one keep to the left of road or abstain from throwing litter on the road? Is one honest and sincere in one’s work? Does one render such help as one can to others? Is one tolerant? They may seem small matters but in them is the nucleus of self-discipline.

(Eid message November 1939)

Character

We have lost the fullness of our noble character. And what is character? Highest sense of honour and the highest sense of integrity, conviction, incorruptibility, readiness at time to efface one-self for the collective good of the nation.

(Speech at Muslim Legislators’ Convention, Delhi, 11th April, 1946)

Scouting Spirit

SELF advancement greed and lust for power sway the conduct of individuals as well as that of nation: if we are to build a safer, clearer and happier world let us start with the individual, catch him young and inculcate in him the Scout’s motto of service before self and purity in thought, word and deed.

(Speech to Boy Scouts, 22nd December, 1947)