January 2014 marks the tenth anniversary of the current constitution of Afghanistan. Issues have arisen since then over textual ambiguities in the constitution as well as the locus of authority that can address and clarify them. Ambiguities are not unexpected with a new constitution.
The question is whether the constitution itself, and the institution it creates, are able to resolve and clarify the ambiguities in the way that fortifies the constitution and the rule of law.
Following the publication of the paper, Dr Kamali gave an interview expanding on his analysis and reflections. An edited extract of the interview can be found at (http://www.usip.org/olivebranch/afghanistans-prospective-unity-government-test-the-constitution). The full length transcript of the interview will be included in a forthcoming revised version of this paper.
Download full length publication from;
http://www.areu.org.af/EditionDetails.aspx?EditionId=770&;ContentId=7&ParentId=7&Lang=en-US
Also available in: Dari and Pashto.
Wasatiyyah (atau keserdahanaan dan keseimbangan) merupakan sebahagian daripada ajaran Islam yang menyentuh pelbagai bidang dalam peradaban atau tamadun Islam. Keserdahanaan di sini ditakrifkan sebagai fadhilat amal yang melibatkan, bukan sahaja perlaku diri tetapi juga keperibadian dan sahsiah masyarakat dan negara. Keserdahanaan juga merupakan sebahagian daripada pandangan umat islam yang turut dihargai dalam agama-agama dan tamadun-tamadun yang lain. Keserdahanaan penting dalam mencapai kesejahteraan dan keseimbangan dalam masyarakat serta hubungan sesama insan. Meskipun jelas bernilai, wasatiyyah sering diabaikan bukan sahaja dalam perilaku diri, tetapi juga dalam hubungan masyarakat, sikap terhadap alam sekitar, ibadat agama serta hal ehwal antarabangsa.
Translated by Syed Hamid Albar from Moderation and Balance in Islam: The Quranic Principle of Wasatiyyah (Author: Mohammad Hashim Kamali
ISBN: 978-967-415-201-7
ISBN: 978-967-415-201-6
"Confidence-building measures are needed now to put fresh impetus in the stalling peace talks. This may involve a clear indication of interest, especially by the Americans, in peace negotiations. Further clarification over the military bases is also needed as the assumption would hold otherwise that the US is planning a long-term stay in Afghanistan, which is seen as a recipe for continuation of conflict."
By Mohammad Hashim Kamali
New Straits Times
02 May 2012