ABSTRACT
The modernists are confronted with two problems in fitting traditional Islamic thought to contemporary conditions. One is the relationship of the "Islamic way of life" to institutional legitimacy. Another problem for the modernists is the institutional barrenness of Islamic political history. The Islamic revivals in Pakistan and elsewhere view with suspicion most everything of Western origin. Pakistan has been catapulted into an important international position as a result of developments in the Persian Gulf area, especially the Iranian revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. One of the most striking things about Pakistan's political history has been the persistent absence of a political consensus. Pakistan is an underdeveloped economy with only modest prospects for achieving significant economic growth. The oil boom in the Persian Gulf area brought considerable benefits to Pakistan because many Pakistanis have for several years been working in that area and remitting part of their incomes back home.
