ISLAMIC EDUCATION | Hadith Assignment

Submitted By: Muhammad Zain Abbas Roll #: 20-10098 Section:

Submitted To: Dr. Nisar Ahmad Course: ISLM301AFA22 Date: 07/11

Topic: Significance of responsible citizenship in the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet

Muhammad (PBUH)

Citizenship is a term which has formal status – belonging of someone to a state on the basis of a set
of rights and duties and a state of mind. The term citizenship is both a formal status – belonging of
someone to a state on the basis of a set of rights and duties – and, more importantly, it is a state of
mind. Citizenship is not just about having rights, it is more about participation - in the political and
civic process. Talking about citizenship is about rights, obligations, participation and identity.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) established a city government in Medina and approved a law that
determined the basic rights and obligations of its citizens. This form of "social contract" in Islam is
very similar to the concept that entire Europe followed latter on. In fact, obeying the law of the land
is seen as fulfilling a "social contract" with the government, and the Qur'an emphasizes the
obligation to fulfill contracts.

Some Muslims have debated whether you can vote in a non-Muslim society or hold elected office in
a non-Islamic country. These are ancient debates that were picked up and resolved by credible
Muslim scholars and are largely irrelevant today, especially for Muslim citizens who now feel a
strong sense of belonging to their country. Islam is not a religion of isolation and the basic purpose
of Islam is to promote peace and justice among people.

Islam is not a religion of isolation and its basic purpose is to promote justice and peace between
people. A good Muslim (indeed a good human being) should be of service to all the people around,
as Muhammad taught:

“The best of people is the one who is most useful to them,” and

“Whoever sees wrong, he should change it by his hands; if he could not do so, then he should
change it by his tongue; if he could not do so, then he should do that by his heart, and that is the
weakest of faith.” (Muhammad).
Islam recognizes and protects the right to life and honor for all people, regardless of religion or color.
According to the Holy Quran,

We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption
[done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he
had saved mankind entirely.

(Quran 5:32)

Allah does not like injustice or evil in His creation. Islam considers the life of a dhimmi to be as
sacred as that of a Muslim. He cannot be deprived of the right to life, except in accordance with
state law. If a non-Muslim suffers loss of life or property at the hands of a Muslim, he will be treated
legally and will have to rectify it. Just as a Muslim cannot harm or harm his neighbor, he cannot harm
non-Muslims. In this regard, the Prophetic Tradition is quoted:

“He who tortures a dhimmi is like the one who has counteracted him (the Prophet). I shall
counteract against him (he who tortures a dhimmi) on the Day of Judgment who has counteracted
him.” (Suyuti, Jalal al-Din, Al-Jami al-Saghir min Hadith al-Bashir al-Nadhir, Vol:2, P.433)

Jurists of different schools of thought agree that it is the responsibility of all the Muslims to protect
the civil rights of non-Muslim minorities and to see that none of them is wronged. The reason is that
after coming under the protection of Islam, they now belong to the Dar al-Islam. They shall enjoy the
privileges granted by Islam

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was assigned the immense responsibility of preaching the way of life to
mankind. He spent his life as a dedicated believer, relaying several traits that are perceived as life
lessons for the Ummah.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was called "Sadiq and Ameen" for his truthfulness and honesty. He has
always been honest in his business and has followed the same paths in his personal life. The Prophet
SAW never lost his temper and always remained calm and humble, leading with his friends, family,
followers, and even enemies. Not only did he remain humble in his speech, but also in his lifestyle
choices, including his food and dress preferences. The prophet SAW has often stated that he is not
backing down from helping others in need. Even charity work is sadaqah which adds barakah not
only to someone's life but also to the afterlife. He also taught his followers never to ignore the rights
that others have over them. Only when we do well to others do we get the same in return.
Muslims are living everywhere! We live in Muslim and non-Muslim countries, in small towns,
suburbs and big cities. Sometimes our homes are located primarily in Muslim neighborhoods, or we
may be the only Muslims in the area. Regardless of where we live, it is equally important to be
involved and actively engaged in the society we live in. In this way we could fulfill our civic
obligations.

As Muslims, just as important as it is to offer Salah or the obligatory prayers, and fast in the month of
Ramadan, it is also our religious duty to be involved in civic affairs. So much so, that this applies to
whether we are temporary guests, visitors, or citizens of the land where we are present, in the
moment.

Narrated 'Amr bin 'Awf Al-Muzani, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"Reconciliation is allowed among the Muslims, except for reconciliation that makes the lawful
unlawful, or the unlawful lawful. And the Muslims will be held to their conditions, except the
conditions that make the lawful unlawful, or the unlawful lawful."

(Jami at-Tirmidhi)

It is no wonder that several Qur'anic verses also allude to the adoption of a similar mindset. In this
way, believers are encouraged to dedicate themselves to their families, community and all of
humanity for the purpose of achieving Allah's pleasure and mercy in this world and in the afterlife.

And, the significance of such is highlighted in true reverence in one of the earliest revelations, which
was sent down way before the commandments to perform Salah, Hajj and Zakat were made
obligatory.

"Have you seen the one who denies the ˹final˺ Judgment? That is the one who repulses the orphan,
and does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those ˹hypocrites˺ who pray yet are
unmindful of their prayers; those who ˹only˺ show off, and refuse to give ˹even the simplest˺ aid."

(Surah al-Ma'un, 107:1-7)

As believers, we must be aware of these issues and fully master our duties as global citizens and
representatives of Islam. This also requires attention to issues inside and outside the country.
Regardless of how we are treated, we must not forget that the merciful God is always watching and
we just have to do our part as those who bring peace to the land we live on. There are also many
ways to give back to the community, which, God willing, gives us the advantage of helping us to be
seen as peacemakers rather than overzealous activists. There are two specific activities worth
mentioning: Towards our Neighbors: Whether they are Muslims or non-muslims, treat them with
kindness. Pay them their due respect and fulfill obligations towards them.

Narrated Abu Hurairah, May Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, may peace and
blessings be upon him, said:

"By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer." It was
asked, "Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?" He said, "One whose neighbor does not feel safe from
his evil."

(Bukhari and Muslim)

Toward the needy: We often prioritize fundraising for refugees in a foreign country and usually
neglect helping those in need locally. For some strange reason, we do not have enough empathy for
those who live in our community and think they are worthy enough to receive our donation for help.
This attitude need to be changed because, as most scholars agree, it is part of our civic duty (as
responsible citizens) and we must first try to meet our internal needs. And in second place is
supporting international fundraising. We are representatives of our beloved Prophet, peace and
blessings be upon him.

If we follow the footsteps of our beloved prophet we can make the difference of being good citizen.
Nations comprised of citizens, strong nations require committed citizens. Muslim society can excel
among all other civilized societies and can contribute towards humanity in positive way. This not
only provides harmony among Muslim but brotherhood can also be taken to next level.

May Allah guide us and make us among those who follow the Quran and Sunnah to the best of our
abilities and may Allah show our neighbors, our friends, our colleagues and all those who we interact
with on a daily basis, the beauty of Islam through the virtue of our characteristics. Ameen.