A little about Nationalism

ان تازہ خداؤں ميں بڑا سب سے وطن ہے

As I am writing this blog I am in shambles of thoughts. I was unable to find a way to begin writing about this specific topic. But as far I can recall it the idea of nationalism being a poison for Muslims came to me when I was coming across posts of Palestinians getting mass murders & most of Muslim nations being quite about it.

( Brief History of Nationalism )
Nationalism came to rise in late 1800s or early 1900s and is considered as most successful ideology of 20th century. French and English revolutions were important in shaping modern countries by promoting popular sovereignty, personal rights and separation of powers. He challenged traditional hierarchies, inspiring inspiration for democracy and self -determination globally. These revolutions put more emphasis on the development and civil participation of constitutional governments, fundamentally changed the political scenario and formed the basis for modern nation-states.
It offered perks of Public educations, right to vote, and military power.

But as for Muslims this idea of separate nations has worked out as Shirk. And Dr. Iqbal was first to identify it. The idea of nationalism strangle codes of Islam. Islam tells us that it is a complete code of life not just religion whereas Muslims have considered Islam just a religion.
Islam has it's own political, judicial, and religious code for Muslims. It is a complete code which states that every Muslim is brother to other. Islam demand solidarity, struggle, and ovations only for one being; that's ALLAH.

But nationalism has changed it to it's own way. The law is what nation say, standing ovations for national anthem, salutes to flags, and work as one for country well being.
Specifically, I am not confusing patriotism with nationalism. As Sydney J. Harris said "The difference between patriotism and nationalism is that the patriot is proud of his country for what it does, and the nationalist is proud of his country no matter what it does; the first attitude creates a feeling of responsibility, but the second a feeling of blind arrogance that leads to war.”

( What does this philosophy of Iqbal means )
Iqbal wrote Nationalism when it was just on rise. Even thought he was one of those who wanted to make a separate state for Muslims; he wanted it to be ISLAMIC REPUBLIC; a nation where Islam is LAW not Democratic Republic; a nation where people make law. He wrote that in this upcoming era, Nation/Country is the biggest GOD and people would prefer it more than religion; he was right.
Nationalism say "One nation, One passion", which was Islam's code of 'One Ummah'.
Islam teaches us JIHAD ( Going out to preach Islam and unite against injustice ). With all injustice against Palestine, where is UNITY? WHERE ARE MUSLIMS? This is the damage by Nationalism.
Of-course, most common response to this would be we have an army for that. But in Islam it is duty of every Muslim to be a warrior not just a specific field.
Iqbal's Wataniyat : http://iqbalurdu.blogspot.com/2011/04/bang-e-dra-102-wataniyat.html



NOTE : This is just the beginning of the conversation. I'm still sorting through my own thoughts on this, and in my next post, I'll be delving deeper into this topic. Join me as I try to make sense of it.
( I am at the point a student of philosophy who is sharing his opinion; If you'd like to discuss any point I'd be open to contact )