Four Point Program:

What is the basic strategy that the Jamaat has adopted to bring about an Islamic transformation of the society? This can be summed up in its four-point program:

Appeal to Intellect:

The major point of this program is intellectual revolution which ensues when Islamic teachings are exposed reasonably, shorn of all false ideas and purged of all unhealthy accretions. This exposition should also show how the teachings of Islam can be applied in the present-day world for developing a sound and healthy order of life. The most distinct feature of this intellectual effort is to present Islam as a complete way of life and as an alternate civilization. They are eternally binding and should be followed by Muslims in all periods of history. The Jamaat’s intellectual appeal has produced vast multi-lingual literature dealing with different aspects of Islamic thought and culture.

Organize and Train the right People:

Another ingredient of the program is to reach out to persons who are disposed to righteousness and who yearn to establish a noble and upright human society. Such persons are identified and united in an organized body. Not only that, an effort is also made to help such people develop a clear outlook, purify their lives and to cultivate qualities of good moral character. The Jamaat believes that Allah will permit the establishment of an Islamic Order only when a group of people, who are true combination of Islamic vision and intellectual competence, emerge on the world stage. Not only this, they are supposed to pool in all their strength and resources and strive in a systematic manner. Hence, the Jamaat always emphasizes the necessity of maintaining an inner core of dedicated and virtuous men and women as the foundation of Islamic revival. Since a lasting revolution depends on popular support, the Jamaat has opened its door for people to join as members.

Social Reform:

The 3rd component of the program is to bring about change in society by reforming it in light of Islamic teachings. This can be done through a group of people dedicated to the cause of Islam, or at least having an Islamic orientation and a concern for the well-being of human society. They are motivated to take the initiative and spend their time, effort and resources to bring about maximal healthy societal change. This comprehensive program seeks to make the Mosque the hub of all Islamic activity. Heavy emphasis is placed on establishment of educational institutions, arrangements for adult education, communication of basic teachings of Islam to the common people and trend setting reading rooms to create enlightenment. An essential element of this program is moral uplift of the people and cultivating in them the spirit to defend their rights. People are expected to extend help to weaker elements of society in protecting their rights appropriately.

Just Leadership:

The 4th point of the program envisages change of leadership. By leadership is meant the intellectual, social, cultural and ultimately the political leadership. Change in political leadership marks the culmination of the process. While the state is an indispensable means for establishing the order envisaged by Islam, a truly Islamic state is considered inconceivable unless its affairs are directed by people of Islamic vision, commitment, and having upright character and competence. How can change in leadership be brought about effectively? So far as non-political leadership is concerned, a great deal can be done by developing leadership qualities in people with right orientation. The Jamaat believes in democratic order which can provide the framework for the Islamic movement to flourish, gather strength and bring about aimed transformation. For these reasons, the Jamaat favors prevalence of a truly democratic order in Pakistan.