Islam’s View on Nationalism

Islam’s View on Nationalism – GCSE and A’level cultural awareness topics.

Is Arab a Race?

The term “Arab” does not refer to a specific race but rather to a cultural and linguistic group.

Arabs can be of various racial backgrounds including black Africans, white Mediterranean types, and others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself stated: “An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action” (Hadeeth of Ahmad, Musnad). This clearly rejects racial or ethnic superiority and instead emphasizes faith and character.

Arabs originate primarily from the Arabian Peninsula, but over time, Arab identity has extended across the Middle East and North Africa due to back and forth migration, cultural assimilation and at times war (under Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab) during the era of the Byzantine empire, and later under the Ummayads. Incursions into Africa did not happen in the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Is Jewish a Race?

Jews are not strictly a race — they are a religious group with some shared, cultural, historical, political and religious ties. Judaism is seen as a religion, or a political movement and, for others, an ethnic identity. However, Jews today come from diverse backgrounds such as Ashkenazi (European), Sephardi (Iberian), and Mizrahi (Middle Eastern), indicating wide genetic variation. They originate from Poland, Germany, Russia and other European countires as well as what people now call the Middle East, or Arab lands. While some ideologies have treated Jews as a racial group—especially during the Nazi era—Judaism at its core is a faith. As far as becoming a convert to Judaism this is not always an easy process and the process may depend on the branch of Judaism that you seek to convert to.

Orthodox Judaism

• Allows conversion, but it’s the most rigorous process.

Conservative Judaism

• Allows conversion with religious study, acceptance of Jewish practices, mikveh, and circumcision for males.

Reform Judaism

• Allows conversion and has a shorter, more flexible process.

Reconstructionist & Liberal Judaism

• Very open to conversion, focusing on cultural and spiritual connection rather than strict law.

Were the Arabs of the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyah) Nationalistic?

Before the advent of Islam, Arab society was deeply tribal. Loyalty to one’s tribe superseded justice, leading to endless feuds and cycles of revenge. This form of tribal pride or discrimination, known as “asabiyyah,” resembles modern nationalism and “racism”, witnessed in every country today. Islam came to eradicate such emotionally blind loyalty Amongst the Arabs and everyone else. Read more about Jahiliah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

• “Leave it (asabiyyah/tribal pride), for it is rotten” (Sahih Muslim). Islam introduced the idea of the ummah, a community united by faith over tribe or nationality, emphasizing justice and equality.
• “He is not one of us who calls to ʿasabiyyah, or fights for ʿasabiyyah, or dies for ʿasabiyyah.”
  (Sunan Abu Dawud 5119, graded Sahih).
• Asabiyyah means helping your own people in an unjust cause.”
  (Sunan Abu Dawud 5121, graded Sahih).

Being English. Is English a race?

No, it’s more of a national identity and a linguistic group.

• Ethnicity: People who identify as English are generally part of the broader British ethnic and cultural heritage, but “English” specifically refers to those connected to England through birth, heritage, or naturalization.
• Language: English is also a language spoken by people from countless ethnic backgrounds worldwide.
• Race: The English population historically has been majority white of Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavia, but race and nationality are not the same. In modern England, people of many racial backgrounds can be English citizens.

Anglo-Saxons had significant roots in Scandinavia, but it’s a bit more nuanced.

• The word England is a combination of two words – Anglo and Land, so of Anglo. So Ang later became Eng.
• Origins: The Anglo-Saxons were mainly made up of three tribal groups:
  • Angles – from what is now Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany and southern Denmark.
  • Saxons – from what is now northern Germany.
  • Jutes – from the Jutland Peninsula in modern-day Denmark.
• Scandinavian Connection: The Jutes were directly from Denmark, and the Angles’ homeland overlapped with areas historically considered part of southern Scandinavia. This means a portion of Anglo-Saxon ancestry is Scandinavian in origin, especially in the sense of being from the broader Germanic peoples of northern Europe.
• Migration: Around the 5th and 6th centuries, these groups migrated to Britain, on boats, after the Roman withdrawal. Over time, they blended with and eventually dominated the existing Celtic inhabitants, who were the “original Britons” in this case, creating what we now call the Anglo-Saxon culture.
• Later Scandinavian Influence: Centuries later, Norse Vikings (from Norway and Denmark) also settled large parts of England, further adding Scandinavian heritage into the English gene pool.

The Anglo-Saxons were a mix of Scandinavian especially the Jutes and some Angles, but they also had roots in northern Germany. Parts of this area was called Gaul. The term “Gaul” (Latin: Gallia) was used by the Romans to describe the region roughly corresponding to modern-day France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and parts of Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as the people living there—the Gauls. Intersting fact Paul of the Bible wrote letters to the peoples of this area the letter is called ‘Galatians’ in the Bible. Gaul and it’s inhabitats were mostly a non-Chritian hethen/pagan people.

• Saxons – Came from what is now northern Germany, particularly around the area of Lower Saxony, before modern national borders that made Germany separate from Denmark.
  • Angles – Came from the Angeln region in modern Schleswig-Holstein, which is now split between Germany and southern Denmark.

So in short, being English is about national and cultural identity, not race — just as being Arab or Jewish is not strictly a race either.

The Problems of Extreme Versions of Nationalism Around the World

Extreme nationalism has led to major global tragedies. In Nazi Germany, it resulted in the Holocaust; in Rwanda, it led to genocide; in Bosnia, ethnic cleansing. Such ideologies dehumanize others and create justification for oppression. When nationalism turns into a tool of exclusion and supremacy, it contradicts the Islamic principles of justice and the inherent dignity of all humans. It replaces divine guidance with man-made divisions, leading to arrogance and injustice.

The Difference Between Fascism, Patriotism, and Nationalism

Patriotism is love for one’s country and the desire to see it prosper, which Islam does not oppose. Nationalism, however, places the interests and identity of the nation above others, often at the expense of justice. Fascism is an extreme form of nationalism, characterised by dictatorial power, suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society. While patriotism can coexist with Islamic values, nationalism and fascism often clash with the Islamic vision of unity and moral accountability.

What Are Fascist Tendencies?

Fascist ideologies promote authoritarian leadership, nationalism, and often racial purity. They suppress dissent, glorify violence and war, and foster loyalty to the state above all else. Historical examples include Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany. Such traits contradict Islamic governance, which is rooted in Quranic edicts, narrations of the Prophet (pbuh), consultation, justice, and compassion. The Prophet (peace be upon him) led with humility, not autocracy, and warned against tyranny.

Arab Nationalism and Immigration

Arab nationalism, particularly in the 20th century, often favoured Arab identity to the exclusion of others. This has led to discriminatory policies against non-Arabs, including Muslim minorities and migrant workers. For instance, in some Gulf countries, South Asian Muslims face barriers to citizenship and equal rights. This contradicts Islamic values which emphasize equal treatment for all believers and the rights of guests and workers. Islam prohibits favouring one ethnicity over another. People mistakenly try to equate Islam with the sometimes disagreeable practices of Arabs and Muslims.

Nationalistic Muslim Leaders and Their Harms

Leaders in some Muslim-majority nations have pursued nationalist agendas under the guise of patriotism, suppressing religious expression and marginalizing ethnic minorities. For example, Saddam Hussein promoted Arab nationalism that excluded Kurds and Shia Muslims, leading to violence and injustice. Similarly, in other regions, leaders have used nationalism and tribalism to justify authoritarian control, ignoring Islamic principles of faith, brotherhood, humanity, justice and consultation.

Quranic Verses on Nationalism

The Quran promotes diversity but warns against arrogance based on identity.

• Allah says: “O mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is the most righteous” (Qur’an 49:13). This verse confirms that diversity is from Allah, and superiority is in piety and righteousness. Islam promotes unity in faith, not division by race, tribe, political party affiliation, economic bracket, class, tribe, or nationality.

Hadiths on Nationalism

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently opposed nationalism and tribalism, known as asabiyah. It is a form of tribal pride or discrimination. “He is not one of us who calls to ʿasabiyyah, or fights for ʿasabiyyah, or dies for ʿasabiyyah.”
(Sunan Abu Dawud 5119, graded Sahih). This powerful statement clearly distances Islamic identity from any form of chauvinism or ethnic pride.

Muslim Scholarly Views on Nationalism

Most traditional scholars view nationalism as a divisive and harmful ideology. Sheikh Abul A’la Maududi warned that nationalism leads to “the worship of the nation-state and the rejection of divine guidance.” Scholars like Ibn Khaldun also criticized asabiyyah for leading to corruption and societal decay. Contemporary scholars continue to stress that nationalism often contradicts the Islamic call to unity (tawhid) and brotherhood (ukhuwwah).

Who has more right to the land?

Many people claim land under various guises, whether, legal or other, such as:

• Colonial incursions.
• God gave us this land.
• It’s my country, not your country.
• We were here first.
• You’re the “wrong colour”.
• Our tribe is bigger than yours.
• We have the money to develop so we have more right.
• Might is right.
• The UN has recognised our country.

In Islamic terms every human has the right to dwell in peace on the earth. As long as what you define as a country or tribe or people does not behave violently, does not spread corruption, does not encourage “racism”, fascism, and extreme forms of nationalism, does not break peaceful treaties, or act hypocritically or form alliances with warmongers, then everyone has the right to the land.

Conclusion

Islam acknowledges the existence of different nations and tribes but rejects any ideology that promotes division, racism, or arrogance. Nationalism, especially in its extreme forms, contradicts the essence of Islamic unity and justice. Islam encourages believers to unite as one ummah under the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah, transcending borders, races, and languages. The only valid measure of superiority is righteousness and good deeds, not national identity.

Terms

Migrant

• General term for anyone who moves from one place to another, either within a country (internal migration) or between countries (international migration).
• Can be temporary or permanent.
• Example: A business man moving from the U.S. to the Dubai for 6 months is a migrant.

Emigrant

• A person leaving their home country to live in another country.
• The focus is from the perspective of the origin country.
• Example: If someone leaves France to live in Poland, France calls them an emigrant.

Immigrant

• A person entering a new country to live there.
• The focus is from the perspective of the destination country.
• Example: A person from England is now called an immigrant in Denmark and Germany. Or someone who has Irish origins in the U.S. is now called an Immirant in Ireland.

Easy way to remember:

• Emigrant – Exit (leaving a country)
• Immigrant – In (entering a country)
• Migrant – Moves in general, anywhere

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