Western Concept of Nationalism and Islamic Point of View

Abstract

Nationalism has become one of the determining forces in modern era. Deep attachments to one’s native soil, to local traditions, language and to established territorial authority have been considered as the basic elements of nationalism. Since the very beginning of its revelation to the world, Islam as the last divine law and as the global religion of nations has expressed its universal message through the Qur'ān and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We can see in Islamic teachings that since the very beginning, Islam has discouraged tribalism, racism and prejudice in all of their forms. Despite Islam does not thoroughly reject the fundamentals of nationalism but it gives them right direction. Muslims are allowed to take pride in their nation loyalties so far they do not encourage or cause any prejudice in theory or in practice. Islam establishes the concept of Ummah Wāḥidah (A single Nation) which is in harmony with the nature of humankind. The base of this single nation is faith and Islam itself.