Whenever an important and controversial phenomenon such as nationalism has emerged in the world, the most important question has been who the standard-bearers and founders of this thought and idea are, and what are the factors that have been effective in the growth of the process of that phenomenon. In this part of the article, we want to further introduce the reasons for the emergence of nationalism, the reinforcing factors, and also the initiators of this phenomenon.
What was the reason for the emergence of nationalism and its spread in the West?
The most fundamental reason for the emergence of nationalism among Westerners, which later spread to Islamic countries, was opposition to religion and religious manifestations. On the other hand, it can be said that nationalism is in the nature of Europeans and is woven into their fabric; Because many of them were proud of their nationality and considered it a reason for their growth and superiority over others.
Allamah Sayyed Abul Hasan Nadwi, may Allah have mercy on him, writes in his valuable book “What the World Lost in the Decline of the Muslim World”: “Patriotism and nationalism and great attention to people and geographical location are characteristics of the European nature that have spread and flowed in the Europeans’ soul and have flowed like blood in its veins and skin and have become the second nature of Europe.”
Nationalism is a Western trend that emerged in Europe in the last century, in the shadow of various challenges. This trend was formed through the stages of movement, transformation, civilization and colonization, as well as breaking free from the shackles of the church, the dominance of the influence of feudalism and the dominance of the state and the emergence of the nation.
Nationalism, nationality, racism and belonging to a nation, tribe and race are not new and emerging issues but have their roots in the emergence of man. But as a codified ideology in government, they have emerged since the emergence of the Renaissance and the introduction of humanist thoughts. One of the aspects and achievements of humanist thoughts is nationalism. This movement began in Europe and gradually became extreme and a weapon for world conquest and led to the emergence of Nazi governments in Germany and Fascism in Italy. This course of humanist thought not only grew in Europe, but British colonialism, in order to gain its own interests and ambitions, promoted this idea in Third World countries, especially the Islamic world.
Apparently, nationalism was originally a popular reaction that emerged, especially from the 18th century onwards, against the patriotic world of the ruling classes and what Ferrero called the “International courts”. As a result, nationalism, with all its ups and downs, emerged in Western countries and from there spread to other countries.
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