Eman Sakina

Loving own country and its people is a good trait of Muslims. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad said: “Love of your country (patriotism) is a part of your faith.”

Friday Musings

Islam does not forbid a Muslim to love his motherland/homeland or his own country in which he lives or grows up. “It is very easy to simply speak of, or hear the words, ‘loyalty and love for one’s nation.’

However, these few words encompass meanings that are wide-ranging, beautiful, and of tremendous depth. The first and primary fundamental rule of Islam is that no one should ever show hypocrisy or use two standards in their words and conduct. A relationship based on truth and integrity is necessary for true loyalty.

It calls for a person's outward behavior to reflect their inner self. These guidelines are crucial when it comes to nationality. Thus, it is crucial for a citizen of any nation to develop a bond of sincere loyalty and faithfulness to his country. It makes no difference if he was born a citizen or acquired citizenship later in life through immigration or another method.

Sincere patriotism is a requirement in Islam. To truly love God and Islam requires a person to love his nation. It is quite clear, therefore, that there can be no conflict of interest between a person’s love for God, and love for his country.

As the love for one’s country has been made a part of Islam, it is quite clear that a Muslim must strive to reach the highest standards of loyalty to his chosen country, because that is a means of reaching God and becoming close to Him.

Hence, it is impossible that the love a true Muslim holds for God could ever prove to be an impediment or barrier preventing him from displaying true love and faithfulness towards his country.

Allah Almighty in the Holy Qur’an says that patriotic Muslims should go into the war for jihad if the community is attacked by another country (enemies). Almighty Allah also says that Muslim people should obey to the laws and regulations where they live. They should defend the country where they live.

They should obey the government where they live if they are treated fairly. Allah Almighty stated in the Holy Quran: “Permission to fight is given to those (i.e. believers against disbelievers), who are fighting them, (and) because they (believers) have been wronged, and surely, Allah is able to give them (believers) victory.” (Surah Al-Hajj: 39) “And say not of those who are killed in the Way of Allah, 'They are dead.' Nay, they are living, but you perceive (it) not.” (Surah Al-Baqara:154)

Prophet Muhammad once declared that: “The best jihad is to speak a word of truth in the court of an unjust ruler”. Islam has also given people the right to freedom of association and the formation of parties or organizations. This right is also subject to certain general rules.

It should be exercised for propagating virtue and righteousness and should never be used for spreading evil and mischief. We have not only been given this right to spread righteousness and virtue but have also been ordered to exercise this right.

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Addressing the patriotic Muslims, the Holy Qur’an declares: “You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden)... .” (Surah Al-Imran:110).