Because of the complex and multidimensional nature of the state, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive definition of this concept. The question, “What is a state?” has been answered in many ways. The simplest and most basic definition, which is agreed upon by many scholars, is as follows: The state is a defined territory with defined borders, inhabited by a homogeneous or heterogeneous population whose values, norms, and ethnic backgrounds may be similar or different. What everyone agrees on is that the state is a political institution.
In many texts, the state is defined by mentioning its elements, without considering its true nature.
These elements are:
1. The Geographical Element: This dimension refers to the “climate,” that is, the piece of land designated as the territory of the state.
2. The Human Element: This dimension refers to the population living in this territory and is referred to as the “nation.”
3. The Spiritual Element: This dimension includes the “general and independent sovereignty” that is exercised over the territory and its population. This element refers to the government that rules over the region and its inhabitants. The literal meaning of the state is also consistent with this element.
Ummah or Nation?
By understanding the concepts of Ummah and Nation, we can answer the question of what the criterion and basis are in Islam. The answer is clear: In Islam, Ummah is important, not nation and nationality. Islam is a religion that brings all people under one umbrella and pays attention to them, regardless of nation, race, tribe, or language. Islamic culture is not limited to a specific individual or group but is comprehensive and includes all Muslims without discrimination.
In the political system of Islam, the word “nation” has been replaced by the word “Ummah.” In this system, the Muslim community under Islamic rule is called the Ummah. The only condition for membership in this community is Islam, while the criteria that form nationality and nationalism have no place in the Islamic Ummah.
Islam invites humanity to a worldview based on monotheism and has established a human culture that is not exclusive to any particular nation or group. This Islamic culture encompasses all human beings.
In contrast, nationalism emphasizes the centrality of language, flag, and race, causing a nation to take pride in being different from others. This is completely contrary to the teachings of the revealed religion of Islam, which calls Muslims to unity, integrity, and adherence to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.
Nationalism is a phenomenon that contradicts the Islamic system and its laws and cannot be reconciled with the principles of Islam. The reason for this incompatibility is that human phenomena can never be equal to the divine laws and plans that have been established for the happiness and salvation of mankind.
Although some have attempted to reconcile nationalism with Islam, these efforts have been futile. According to Dr. Abdullah Nasih Alwan in the book Al-Qawmiyyah fi Mizan al-Islam: “The concept of nationalism as a belief and principle contradicts Islamic principles in the following cases:
1. Nationalism is an imported concept that has no connection with the Islamic belief. This idea was created by the West and then imported into Islamic countries.
2. Nationalism is a form of fanaticism and an invitation to ignorance.
3. This concept denies Islamic brotherhood.
4. Nationalism questions the sovereignty of Islam.
5. It ignores Islamic civilization.”
These cases will be explained in detail in the following parts, Allah willing.
