Citizenship and Patriotism
From our perspective, Islamic discourse must emphasize an important aspect: citizenship-based national patriotism should foster love and affection for the country in which a Muslim citizen lives, within his heart. Moreover, he should strive for the good, stability, security, peace, and unity of that nation.
Furthermore, he should be concerned with safeguarding the nation’s higher interests. Likewise, he should be an active contributor who provides positive and beneficial contributions to society. That is, he should interact and engage well with the community in which he lives; but he must not lose his identity and values by dissolving into it. At the same time, he should preserve his uniqueness (religious and cultural identity); but he should not isolate himself from society or remain in a closed state because of that.
“The Uncharted Path” – Lee Myung-bak
In the post-Korean War period, Lee Myung-bak was born into a very impoverished family. However, through his sharp intellect, resolute mindset, and perseverance, he brought about great change in his life. Without succumbing to poverty and ignorance, he enrolled in school and continued his education.
Later, he began his career as an ordinary employee at Hyundai Engineering & Construction. From there, he gradually rose and, by the age of 35, attained the position of CEO of that company.
Under his leadership, Hyundai, which was a small local construction company with just 90 employees, grew into a multinational corporation with 170,000 employees in many countries around the world.
He then entered politics. He served as the Mayor of Seoul from 2002 to 2006. He served as the President of South Korea from 2008 to 2013.
The autobiography he wrote, The Uncharted Path, describes his life journey from poverty to the highest office in the nation. The book emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, self-confidence, and leadership.
Lee Myung-bak’s life exemplifies the message: “Poverty is not a barrier; if one has determined ideals and effort, a person can rise.”
The Vision of the Wise
Allah ﷻ says: ﴾ كَلَّا بَلْ تُحِبُّونَ الْعَاجِلَةَ ﴿
“No! But you love the immediate [worldly life].” (Al-Qiyamah: 20)
That is, the reason you turn away heedlessly from Allah’s admonitions and reminders is that you love this worldly life too much and are completely engrossed in attaining its pleasures and desires, thinking that this world is an eternal abode.
But the wise and far-sighted person will not priorities the perishable worldly life over the everlasting life of the Hereafter.
Sadaqah
The Prophet ﷺ said: The Prophet ﷺ said: “If someone gives in charity something equal to a date from honestly earned money, Allah takes it in His right (Hand) and then brings it up for its owner until it becomes like a mountain.”
