Source: Times of Malta
The Muslims living in Malta have a religious duty to love Malta and remain loyal to it
Love is a powerful weapon that unites and brings people, communities, nations, religions and countries closer. In the same way, hatred and malice are the instruments of division and conflict.
As a citizen of this country, I think it is my duty to contribute something towards the elimination of discrimination and for the establishment of a harmonious and tolerant, inclusive society. These values and principles are crucial for the wellbeing, prosperity and security of the country at large.
To make this a reality, a two-way process is urgently required and all stakeholders including the Muslim community have to play their role.
It is not only the responsibility of the local community – the migrant Muslim community must exhibit a true sense of duty and responsibility. Without the contribution of both communities, local and migrant, this noble cause cannot be made a reality.
I would like to draw the attention of the Muslim community to some basic principles that will help in the formation of an equal and tolerant society.
The most basic and fundamental principle that a Muslim has to remember and practice as a citizen of a country is to remain loyal and faithful. The Muslims living in Malta have a religious duty to love Malta and remain loyal to it; and to keep in mind that true loyalty requires a relationship built on sincerity, honesty and integrity.
Thus, all Muslims are required to establish a relationship of genuine loyalty and faithfulness to their nation and country of residence.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad instructed that the “Love of one’s country of residence is part of faith”. Thus, sincere patriotism is a basic requirement in Islam. To truly love God and have faith requires a person to love his nation.
Muslims are expected to make every effort to reach the highest standards of love and loyalty to their chosen countries.
Obedience to the law of the land is also a religious duty and the Holy Quran commands Muslims to remain faithful not only to God and Prophet but also the authority they live under. It says: “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority over you (Ch.4: V.60).”
Categories: Europe
The love of your country (adopted or otherwise) should not be expressed just in so many words but action at national & individual level. For a person to love the country is to love its people, serve the people in different ways that makes the society around you a better place to live for everyone not just you.