Is it true that nationalism is forbidden in Islam?

Answer
We cannot say anything in answer, unless a proper definition of nationalism is given first. If it is merely a sense of belonging to a certain community, then this is perfectly permissible. The companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, never abandoned their affiliation to their tribes or communities. They certainly did not put such affiliation ahead of their loyalty to Islam and the Muslim community, but they did not abandon them.

Therefore, if one considers that his main allegiance is to a community or geopolitical entity, and that it takes precedence over his allegiance to Islam, then he is in the wrong, and must rectify this. But if his main allegiance is to Islam and the Muslim community then his belonging to a country or a race is merely a statement of fact. There is nothing wrong with this.

Question
Some people suggest that Muslims today are in such a miserable state because they have abandoned the caliphate system, and that they should go back to it. Please comment.

Answer
This idea that the re-establishment of the caliphate should be the primary cause of all Muslims, and that without it nothing is proper or right, is advanced by the organization known as Hizb Al-Tahrir. It is a shallow idea that does not rely on any clear evidence from the Sunnah.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, never advocated any form of government, or the establishment of a political entity. It is true that he established a state once he had the foundations for it, but he did not establish a caliphate system. Nor did he advise on a particular form of government. This is the reason why the choice of the first five caliphs in Islam took five different procedures. All of them meet the general principle that Islamic government is consultative.

When you go into the ideas of Hizb Al-Tahrir, you find many faults with them. You also find them very argumentative, unwilling to look at any view or argument that differs with them. This is not the proper Islamic attitude. Their way does not lead to much good, although most of their members are honest, devout and sincere. Yet their approach is erroneous.

AB – withheld62@yahoo. com
First They Came for the EXTREMIST, FUNDAMENTALIST & MODERATE Muslims. And I DIDN’T Speak Out Because I Wasn't An Extremist, Fundamentalist or a Moderate Muslim. Then FINALLY They Came for Me the NON-PRACTICING Muslim And NO Muslims Were Left to Speak Out for ME.