National character is the capacity and the will to hold the interests of the nation supreme in every sphere. Whenever there is a clash between individual and national interests, it means individual concerns are subordinated to the greater good of the nation. Whenever a nation has made any progress, it has been due to this spirit of nationalism. Without such a spirit, no nation can advance itself either internally or externally.

Now, the question that arises is why, during this same period, many other countries such as Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, and Japan, etc have succeeded in fostering a strong, national spirit in their people, and now stand alongside developed countries, while India still lags far behind.

There is one basic reason for this: attempting to achieve the possible by means which are impossible. Producing national spirit or character in India is certainly possible. It is just that we have set off on the wrong track, and once on it, it is difficult to retrace our steps and get on to the right track.

Source: Spirit of Islam August 2014

Some Indian Muslim leaders declared nationalism to be un-Islamic. It is this wrong understanding which has led to such erroneous beliefs. Similarly, some extremist Western thinkers of the early 20th century had expanded the notion of nationalism so much that they presented it in the form of a complete religion by itself. But when this notion had to contend with practical realities, it broke into smithereens.

From the aforementioned points, it is quite clear that Islam considers nationalism to be part of human nature.

Methodology as Presented by the Prophet’s Teachings It is individual temperament which plays the most crucial role in the making of a nation. It is important for nation-building in the same manner that individual bricks are important in the construction of a building.

The growth and development of a nation is a lengthy affair. There has to be tremendous input at both the individual and national levels before it finally blooms and finds the position of honour and glory that it merits in world affairs. The work of nation-building is like nurturing an orchard. If instead of nurturing the orchard with care and skill, people come out onto the streets and launch a protest campaign in the name of trees, or gather in some open place or march through the streets shouting slogans about it, they will never possess even a single tree, far less own an orchard.

A nation cannot fortify itself by working miracles only in the field of politics. One can make impassioned speeches and attract great crowds. But real results can be achieved only by long-term planning and unflagging dedicated effort. Needless to say, the two great virtues which are indispensable in the struggle are patience and fortitude. These two virtues are promised the highest rewards by Islam, as can be seen in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

Source: Spirit of Islam August 2021

The only practicable basis of nation-building is patriotism. That is, the feeling on the part of the individual or group that their future is linked with one country and one country alone; that individual success is inextricably linked with the progress of the country; that the interests of the country must be held supreme, and that if sacrifices are required for the safety or advancement of the country, they must be made willingly. Without such feelings of patriotism, as are defined here, no country can be run successfully.

If the task of constructing the nation is to be successfully accomplished, we must rid ourselves of our obsession with such impracticable concepts as the unity of religion, history, and culture, and should forge ahead on the same lines as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Britain, France, and America.

Individual success is inextricably linked with the progress of the country. Our prime target should be generating patriotism in every citizen of our country. The only way to do this is to instill in each and every individual a deep-rooted love of his country. If we set ourselves sedulously to such tasks as these, we should, within the span of one generation, be able to create for ourselves the ideal nation.

Source: Spirit of Islam August 2014