قرآن مجید کی نظر میں مسلمانوں کی قومی اور نسلی شناخت
The National and Ethnic Identity of Muslims in the Light of the Holy Quran
Abstract
This article examines the criteria on which different groups of people usually find a common national identity, and examines the issues that the Holy Quran introduces as factors for a common identity of Muslims. According to the author, a common national identity relationship is usually established between people on the basis of a common ancestry, culture, region and homeland. Sometimes it also happens that people are connected to each other under a conscious or unconscious decision, due to a common society, culture, religion, language, customs and values.
Anyhow, sometimes this same identity also prevents people from being included in a larger identity with others outside their specific circle. This is why a nationality formed solely on the basis of a shared society, culture, religion, language, customs, or values becomes a challenge to any broader identity by connecting people with a limited sense of belonging. The thesis of the present paper is that the Quran establishes a broad national identity among mankind and brings people out of small ethnic, linguistic, cultural and social groups and makes them members of one nation. This paper examines in detail what is the strategy of the Holy Quran to create a common identity among all mankind?
The authors argue that the Holy Quran’s strategy in this regard has two fundamental pillars: First, that the Quran counteracts the negative effects of racism by harnessing all forms of racism to foster higher human and moral values. Second, that the Quran harnesses the natural tendencies of race, language, and patriotism in the service of higher moral values.
Under this strategy, the Holy Quran, on the one hand, invites the individuals of mankind to always follow and support the truth in all their loyalties and tendencies, instead of ethnic, linguistic and regional affiliations. In this matter, the Quran, by making the following of pure rational considerations the criterion instead of human feelings and emotions, asks the question: should one follow the one who calls to the truth or should one follow the one who does not even recognize the truth? Therefore, the Quran prohibits blind imitation of ancestors and people of the nation, tribe or country.
On the other hand, the Holy Quran considers all human beings as descendants of Adam (peace be upon him) and thus establishes an international identity; where small identities exist only for the sake of life, recognition and ease in dealings. Also, the Quran establishes standards of superiority, excellence and solidarity that allow all human beings to have a broader identity. For example, declaring piety, jihad, knowledge, faith, and righteous actions as the standards of excellence, and establishing an atmosphere of brotherhood and sisterhood among believers, declaring the sub-identities of humans as a case for their single identity.
Keywords: identity, mankind, society, apartheid, patriotism, Quran, ummah.
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