Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a revered national holiday in the United States of America with firework events in celebration of patriotism. The date commemorates the historic event of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 which formally liberated the United States from Great Britain. As a holiday for nationalism, or loyalty to one’s nation, the allegiance of the citizens of America is particularly assessed during this time.
In response to the negative media and press about Islam due to recent terrorist and extremist events, the loyalty and patriotism of Muslims are being questioned. It’s fallacious to believe that the second largest and fastest growing religion in the world with over 1.6 billion followers promotes the violence, compulsion, and intolerance that are seen in the actions of a few misguided individuals. Those who commit acts of violence against their own country or others are not acting within the teachings of Islam. In reality Islam not only advocates for interfaith harmony and inclusivity, but also loyalty to one’s country. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has himself taught that love for one’s nation is a part of faith. Thus, sincere patriotism is a requirement in Islam and Muslims in America who follow the true peaceful teachings of Islam have no conflict between their loyalty to the United States and to Islam. In fact, they are proud and grateful to be American citizens in a nation where their religious freedom is safeguarded. The sacred text of Islam, the Holy Qur’an, discusses that a Muslim must obey and be loyal to the government they live under. In fact, obedience to the government is a religious duty and the Qur'an explicitly states, “O ye who believe, obey God and obey the Prophet and obey those in authority from among you” (4:60).
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the oldest Muslim organization in the US, has been advocating the peaceful message of Islam through the ‘Muslims for Peace’ and ‘Muslims for Loyalty’ campaigns which continue to spread their message of inter-religious harmony and tolerance. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic international community that believes that the Promised Messiah and Reformer who is prophesied in major religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, India. The Ahmadi Muslims follow the just and peaceful teachings of Islam under the leadership of spiritual successorship, epitomizing their motto “love for all, hatred for none” in all their deeds and actions. The fifth Khalifa or successor, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is the world’s leading Muslim figure in promoting peace and inter-religious harmony.
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In regards to patriotism and loyalty to one’s country, His Holiness has said in his address to the Military Headquarters in Koblenz, Germany on May 30, 2012 that, “It is essential for a citizen of any country to establish a relationship of genuine loyalty and faithfulness to his nation. It does not matter whether he is a born citizen, or whether he gains citizenship later in life, either through immigration or by any other means.” He has advised members of the community that as citizens of any country, they must always show absolute love and loyalty to their nation and desire it to be successful.
In this way, Muslims who follow the teachings of Islam know that in order to truly love God, a person must also love his homeland. Any forms of treachery or rebellion are forbidden in Islamic teachings since they are actions that threaten the peace and security of a nation. So this 4th of July we need to remember that despite injustices wrongfully done through the name of Islam, the people of this religion sincerely believe in honoring their country.
Adeelah Sayed, RTP