PATRIOTISM AND LOYALTY TO THE NATION - THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

As the 4th of July weekend approaches, it is time to reflect on its true significance. It is definitely more than just a weekend of celebrations marked with barbecues and fireworks. It is even more significant for millions of American Muslims, as the events of the past few months have thrust them in the limelight, thereby making it imperative to examine where do they stand with regard to patriotism while holding steadfast to their faith.

Faisal Shahzad became a naturalized American citizen last spring. Almost a year later, he conspired to blow a vehicle in Time Square and hurt his fellow Americans. His actions have prompted many to question his faith - Islam. Did his religious doctrine sway him to betray his nation and defy the Pledge of Allegiance?
 
The truth is that when he undertook the violent and destructive course, he dishonored his faith. When he turned his wrath against his fellow countrymen, he violated a fundamental principle of Islam. The Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, has mandated that ‘Love of your country (patriotism) is a part of your faith’. Islam is a universal religion without territorial bounds and this teaching has profound wisdom and logic.
 
The Holy Qur'an stresses on the obedience to authority in the following verse:
 
"O ye who believe, obey God and obey the Prophet and obey those in authority from among you."
(Chapter 4: Verse 60)
 
Prophet Muhammad has also said:
"He who obeys me, obeys God; he who disobeys me disobeys God. He who obeys his authority obeys me; he who disobeys his authority disobeys me" (Muslim, Kitab al Imarah).
 
Thus, the guidelines for obedience to authority and nation are clearly stated in the Holy Quran and elucidated by the Prophet. Commandments in this regard are very practical and rational and aim to cut at the root of all kinds of rebellion and anarchy. Islamic teachings are inherently universal and their underlying philosophy completely endorses this concept and allows Muslims to lead their lives peacefully. Had it not been for this doctrine, Muslims would forever have faced the dilemma of divided and confused loyalties. Muslims residing in various parts of the world have different nationalities. It is inconceivable and beyond logic to expect them to oscillate between different loyalties. It would only cause much disorder and disrupt the harmony of the society.
 
The misguided and radicalized Muslims lack this basic knowledge of Islam with regard to nationhood and patriotism, and thus adopt the illogical course. They are lured and indoctrinated by extremist elements, whose sole ambitions are political. They are not true representatives of Islam and their actions are a far cry from its true essence.

These radical Muslims living in the West threaten the world peace by betraying loyalties to their nations. In Islam, principles have priority over people. The loyalty of a person should rest with the State to which he/she belongs. Muslim American soldiers are expected to remain loyal to the United States in the event of a war where they might be confronted to fight against other Muslim soldiers of another nation.

America is a great country which provides and guarantees religious freedom and liberties for all. As a Muslim, I am free to practice my faith here without any fear. It is quite ironic that I did not enjoy such liberties while residing in Pakistan- the country of my origin. I faced a grave danger of being demonized and discriminated against since I belong to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a sect within Islam, which faces the worst form of state-sponsored persecution in Pakistan.
 
Seeds of intolerance were planted by President Ziaul Haq in the 1980s with his draconian Anti-Ahmadiyya laws. He set out to ‘Islamize’ Pakistan in order to seize and strengthen his power, and in the due course he paved the way for fanaticism which has engulfed not only Pakistan but is also threatening to destabilize the peace of the entire world. Members of my community bore the major brunt of these laws, but it has led to devastating consequences for all. Since then, hatred, intolerance and bigotry have embroiled Pakistan. It has become a safe haven and recruiting ground for the terrorists. It is quite alarming that radicalization is not merely restricted to the illiterate youth of Pakistan, rather it is gaining momentum and spreading among the educated classes. In fact, its outreach is far greater and finding recruits all over the world.
 
Pakistan’s case demonstrates the significance of the separation of church and state. When it sets out to impose the Shariah law, it completely ignores the true Islamic teachings which plead for a secular type of government more than any other religion and political system. The very essence of secularism is that absolute justice must be practiced regardless of the differences of faith, religion, color, creed, and group.
 
When states ignore the fundamental principle of governing with absolute justice, they become fascist, intolerant and bigoted. The United States can serve as an example for countries like Pakistan. It holds a unique position in the league of nations. The United States constitution guarantees and respects the rights of all of its citizens and allows them great freedoms and liberties. It gives them a commonality of purpose, yet allowing them to retain their individuality.
 
Only if Pakistan can learn this valuable lesson and follow the example of the United States, can it redeem itself and rid itself of its gory past.