Tribes and Tribalism, Nations and Nationalism

Shaykh Ḥasan al-Ṣumālī

My people are the best people! My tribe is the most prestigious tribe – better than those other tribes! My country, my beloved country! A look at Sūrah al-Ḥujarāt, verse 13. A disease which is passed on generation by generation is the excessive love of one’s tribe or nation, preferring them over others and building loyalty upon nationalism and tribalism. A lecture by Ḥasan al-Ṣumālī during a visit to Toronto, Canada (June 2012). He spoke during the seminar entitled, The Sickness and the Cure on issues of disease and rectification (of the heart).

Audios, Ḥasan al-Ṣumālī, Seeking Knowledge, Worship

Jul 22, 2013 | No Comments

O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allāh is that (believer) who has At-Taqwá [i.e. one of the Muttaqun (pious – see V.2:2). Verily, Allāh is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
[Al-Ḥujarāt, 49:13]

Points of Benefit:

Can we reject our tribe, lineage etc? Is it important to know one’s lineage?
Did the Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) come from a tribe?
What are the benefits of knowing one’s tribe/clan?
Is one tribe better than another? The place of al-Taqwá́
What role did tribalism play in the time of Jāhiliyyah?
Did tribalism play a role in uniting the Arabs?
What role did the banner of Lā Ilāha IllAllāh (Islām) play in uniting the people?
Islām is a brotherhood built upon dīn not tribes
Is it permissible to call to tribalism, nationalism etc.?
How did the Muslims become “one body,” united
Should I go to the “masjid of my people” or the masjid upon the Sunnah?