What is true patriotism?

Assalamu Alaikum! 

As Muslims we must abide by the laws of the land. Patriotism is not prohibited in Islam. In fact, you are encouraged to dedicate your life to serve your nation and its citizens whether or not the country you live in is a Muslim country. But, patriotism too has its limits. Blind patriotism, for example, is not allowed in Islam. Blind patriotism here means that you keep supporting your country at all costs with no consideration whatsoever of right or wrong. A true Muslim citizen loves his country and fellow citizens and residents, and at the same time, whenever he sees that any injustice is being committed, he raises the voice. Not speaking against injustice is not the part of true patriotism according to dictates of Islam.

What do you think?

Peace

Assalamu Alaikum:

I think America is unique in that anyone who comes here from another country can become an American.

I think this is not true of most societies.

I do love my country. I do not always love the policies of my country, and I am very vocal about that...  But America is my home.

I always become angry when people say: If you don't like America, leave. America was built on people not liking the status quo and working to change it. If everyone left who did not like America, it wouldn't even be an independent country now, but still colonies under British rule.

I think that speaking out against injustice is not just the mandate of Muslims but of all people of conscience. Fortunately we can still do so in America. Although I do see this freedom and others like it being threatened in a very real way by the current administration. Insha'Allah this to shall pass...

Assalamu Alaikum!

Sister Mishmish: "I think that speaking out against injustice is not just the mandate of Muslims but of all people of conscience."

Jazak Allah Khair. I will move this thread to General Discussion.

Peace

peacemaker wrote: Assalamu Alaikum!  As Muslims we must abide by the laws of the land. Patriotism is not prohibited in Islam. In fact, you are encouraged to dedicate your life to serve your nation and its citizens whether or not the country you live in is a Muslim country. But, patriotism too has its limits. Blind patriotism, for example, is not allowed in Islam. Blind patriotism here means that you keep supporting your country at all costs with no consideration whatsoever of right or wrong. A true Muslim citizen loves his country and fellow citizens and residents, and at the same time, whenever he sees that any injustice is being committed, he raises the voice. Not speaking against injustice is not the part of true patriotism according to dictates of Islam. What do you think? Peace

Bismillah,

Why are we patriotic?  Because of love and loyalty to family, friends, and neighbors?  We want to do the best for them.  Does that mean that we should do anything we can so that they can lead a peaceful life, or does it mean that we should help them to live righteous lives?  A life dedicated to our Loving Lord, the All-Powerful Allah is a righteous life. 

Should we support the rules and mechanisms of a country because "we found our forefathers doing that", or should we correct the errors and shout out the injustices?  I think we should think very long and hard for ourselves on this topic. 

Going with the flow is so much easier:  The flow of a country's ways, the flow of the "religious" people in charge.  First off, we are obligated to think things through so that we won't be following the errors of our parents blindly, as the Holy Quran instructs us to avoid such an error.

Peace

Oh, thinking is allowed.  Let's not stop thinking.  Ideas vitalize us.