A-2: THE LEGAL INJUNCTIONS REGARDING PROTECTION OF COUNTRY AND PATRIOTISM

الأحكام الشرعية لصيانة الوطن والمواطنة

Abstract

The issue of nationalism has been misinterpreted by people of liberal and secular approaches. Also, it has caused severe conflicts between the states when it comes to the protection of boundaries between two neighboring countries. Usually, it has been perceived that Islam does not advocate patriotism or feelings of love and protection for one's country. The truth is that Muslims value patriotism and promote it. Although the word "nation" can be traced back to Greek origins, its meaning has undergone significant changes with the passage of time. The Holy Prophet PBUH not only redefined the concept of nationhood but also created a society where everyone could coexist peacefully as a nation despite the differences in religious tendencies. The first step taken in the Madinian Society was establishing a brotherhood between Muhajirin and Ansar. So Islam promotes equality and brotherhood among the inhabitants of a region. In the covenant of Madina Jews were given rights to citizenship. Their rights were protected until they themselves violated the covenant and helped the infidels of Makkah against the Muslims. So, Islam has granted rights to Jews and Christians and coexisted with them throughout the reign of Muslims. With the fall of the Caliphate, the ideas of Dar al Islam and Dar al Harb dissolved and independent states came into being. In this new scenario, the jurists advised Muslim states to guarantee equal rights to all minorities considering them equal members of the nation. Likewise, Pakistan is a Muslim country with many religions and nations, and it is possible to keep the peace only if the state follows the model of the state of Madina granting equal rights to all minorities.