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Q&A · Society & Ethics

What does Islam say about nationalism and tribal partisanship (ʿaṣabiyyah)?

Allah says He made people into nations and tribes so they would know one another, and that the most honoured with Him is the most God-fearing (Quran 49:13) — so ancestry and passport are markers of identity, never grounds of superiority. Natural affection for one's homeland and people is not blameworthy in itself; what Islam condemns is ʿaṣabiyyah: backing your group in what is wrong, or making tribe, race or nation the basis of loyalty and enmity in place of faith and justice. When two groups of companions were roused by tribal calls, the Prophet ﷺ said, "Leave it, for it is rotten" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3518, Sahih Muslim 2584), and he warned that whoever fights under a blind banner, angry for ʿaṣabiyyah or calling to it, dies a death of jāhiliyyah (Sahih Muslim 1848). The bond of faith crosses borders: "The Muslim is the brother of the Muslim; he does not wrong him, nor abandon him, nor despise him" (Sahih Muslim 2564).

Evidence — the daleel
Quran 49:13Sahih al-Bukhari 3518 ṢaḥīḥSahih Muslim 2584 ṢaḥīḥSahih Muslim 1848 ṢaḥīḥSahih Muslim 2564 Ṣaḥīḥ
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Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

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